Monday, August 18, 2008

an ordinary man...

He is not a famous actor, nor a world-class athlete, or someone who gets written about in newspapers or appears on tv, but he is a generous, giving, gentlemanly gentle man, always quick with a witty retort (usually at his own expense!), a mentor, a diplomat who could calm warring parties into seeing things from both sides. He is my Dad. Yesterday Dad had an emergency quadruple by-pass and at this moment lies in the Intensive Care Unit at Royal Perth Hospital hooked up to life support machines. There were some doubts as to whether he would survive the surgery and a nearly 50% chance of him suffering a stroke during the procedure. So far all has gone well and as a friend of mine said "wishing him a speedy and boring recovery".



Some of you may have read in an earlier post how generous a spirit my Dad has when he found that he was unable to go on our mega-trip because of his ill health, he gave his trip to my best girlfriend so she could enjoy it with us. He told my Mum she still had to go as he would feel even worse if he thought she would miss out too. The highlight for Dad was that Joan had a fantastic time and he was truly, genuinely pleased for her. He's known Joan since we were in high school together 37 years ago so she is like a 2nd daughter to my parents.



I don't generally write much personal stuff on my blog, but I just wanted to say (and write) out loud, "I'm not ready to lose my Dad"!!! I know everyone loses loved ones, all 4 of my grandparents have passed away, as well as a cousin (much too young!), but losing a parent is a pain that we must all go through at some stage in our lives and this scare has come too soon for me. Give your Mum and Dad a hug and tell them you love them.....now!



Not much arting has been done in my house in the last few days but I found when I did my last couple of atc's, they were reflecting my sombre mood. The first one is winging it's way off over East for someone else and the 2nd one, well....think I'll keep this one as a reminder of this week of my life. You can blame my Dad for my sense of the absurd and my Mum for the pragmatism. I still remember as a small child watching Monty Python's Flying Circus with my Dad and my Dad, brothers and myself cracking up at each scenario and Mum sitting there wondering what we were finding so funny. I'm sure he'll see the funny side of his hospital stay in a month's time too!



27 comments:

Ev said...

I am sending all good thoughts for your father. I miss mine so much it hurts and it has been 18 years since he passed over. Fathers are no ordinary men, for if they get the balance right they are superheros in the eyes of children forever. Sending you a big ((HUG))

Ev said...

OOPs, think I need more batteries in my keyboard! I meant to say "in the eyes of their children" why is it when the batteries go in one thing they all follow suit (mouse and keyboard together today!)

Anonymous said...

Sending thoughts your way Kelsey, and to you dad as well take care!

Davinia said...

Hi Kelsey, thinking of you and wishing for a speedy recovery for your dad.

Natalie B said...

Kelsey I know your pain.... there is always a special relationship too between girls and their dads. Lots of thoughts and blessings are going out to your dad and your family at this time. Big hugs and kisses natxx

Jen said...

Big cyper hugs to you Kelsey, so hoping that everything will turn out ok and he can finally buy green bannanas !

Love to your family as well

Jen xxx

Sam Marshall said...

Thinking of you and sending you and your family my warmest wishes.
Peace, Sam
XXXX

caryljk said...

Kelsey I wish your amazing dad a very speedy recovery.
Hugs to you and your family.
Take care
Caryl K

Julie H said...

I know, I really do. I want to hold my Dad tight and not let him go. Hugs to you Kelsey.

Anonymous said...

Good wishes to your dad - my dad had another 26 years after his heart surgery - all good things!

Send me your addy (and dad's name) as I'd love to send a card.

Also, TFS a great blog!

Helen
Cape Town

Sarah Feeney said...

Oh Kelsey, so sorry to hear that your dad is unwell. Am sending all my "get well soon" vibes his way, wishing him a very speedy recovery, and many more years with his family.
Your ATC's are great. :)

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you

carmel said...

I see what you mean Kels....ditto on the 'boring recovery' Dad's are so selfless, mine was - sent me off to Australia with good wishes and cried privately for weeks. Thinking of you and yours, big hugs, Carmel xxx

Mary S said...

Hi Kelsey...sending my prayers and wishes for your Dads speedy recovery. I have lost both my parents so I know all about what you are going through. He sounds as though he has a strong spirit so therefore a fighter...you stay strong too girl.
Mary

Anonymous said...

hey kelsey, wishing you, your dad and the rest of your family all the strength needed...

Anonymous said...

Nicole said
Sooo sorry about your Dad. Hope all goes well for him,as I think dads are special

Elizabeth Golden said...

Kelsey I was so sorry to read your post about your father. I went through the same thing with my Dad about a year and a half ago. I will say he is doing well and going to the club to exercise three times a week. It was a long recovery with a couple set backs but the whole picture is good. I am sending out energy for you and your Mom and family to guide you through this time. Blessings and prayers for your father and the people who are treating him.
Elizabeth
http://thelastdoordownthehall.blogspot.com/

Genevieve said...

May your Dad be well and strong, know that others are thinking of you and yours and always try to 'look on the bright side of life!'

Anonymous said...

Best wishes to your Dad for a speedy recovery. Hugs and prayers your way from the U.S.
Regards,
Shelly

Danielle Sheehan said...

Kelsey, I wish all the very best for your dad and your family. (((HUGS)))

Thankyou so much for sending the clear sticky words so quickly!(Cant wait to use them) I am loving your blog and your creations. So inspirational. I wish I lived in W.A. so I could do your classes.

Cheers
Danielle xx (Sydney)

Anonymous said...

Best of luck for a speedy recovery for your father. Will be thinking of you. I have the Monty Python theme for a ringtone.

smarcoux said...

HI Kelsey
You are in my thoughts.
Sending all my love to you and your family and wishing your father a speedy recovery.

in my thoughts
Sandy

wwilloww said...

I am a little late in reading your entry about your Dad!! I do remember his earlier generosity and felt he was truly a gem!!! So, all your family is in my prayers!!! May your Dad have a boring recovery...please keep us posted!!! Hugs and prayers, Willow

Sarah said...

I cant believe I was the lucky one to recieve one of your wonderful ATC's. Thank you again Kelsey and Jenny for gossiping too...LOL

Dot said...

Your dad is obviously a very special man Kelsey and I can hear the love you have for him in your words.

I lost my dad 10 years ago and still miss him every day.

Our dad's are special people and I remember reading how he wanted Joan to go on your trip and how selfless he sounded.

Sending blessings and wishes for a speedy recovery.

Dot xx

ANNETTE HUSBAND said...

Hey Kelsey
hope all is going well for your Dad.I went thru the same thing with my Mum a few years back.Being a registered nurse doesn't make it any easier but she is fit and well now.My Dad passed away when I was 15...you are never ever prepared for such things.You and yor Dad take care over there
hugs
Annette

Seth said...

Wishing you, your dad, and your family well. I will be thinking of you!