I have always known that to have a support network is a "good thing." Yesterday, I realized that it was more than just "a good thing to have". I've mentioned in other posts that I am a member of a 12 step program locally. We met yesterday morning and then a few of us went for coffee afterwards. The cafe we chose was right across the street from where my dad lived. Having errands, etc. to do, I was the first to leave and went home to gather my shopping lists, etc. That was when the phone call came. The one sided conversation that my mother and 14 yo DD heard was enough for them to piece together the puzzle. By the time I had hung up the phone, my mind was already across town and my body needed to catch up. I just looked at them and told them I'd be back. As I approached the entrance to the facility where my dad lived, I went past it and turned in to the parking lot of the cafe. I saw that my friends were still there. I went up to them and asked if they were going to be there for a while, as I would probably need to talk very shortly. At this point, by the phone conversation, there was a very remote possibility he was still alive. Somehow I just knew though. In the 5 minutes it took me to get from the house to where my friends were, I was a wreck. 2 of my friends excused themselves from the rest of the group, and asked me for my keys telling me they would drive me.......across the street. These ladies stayed with me the entire time. They had never met my father or any of my other family for that matter, yet here they were willing to scrap their plans for the day for me. God must have been with me at that moment, because when I left the house, my direction was straight to the facility. I don't know what prompted me to go to the cafe, 45 minutes had passed so I figured everyone was gone. The only thing I can think of is I was not alone, my Higher Power was right there. The miracle here is that I actually heard His "words".
Then, after all the details there were taken care of I came home and turned to you all. The outpouring of support has been a Godsend. Each of your posts have touched me and comforted me. I'm in for a rough road in the days/weeks/months to come but I now know that I have people I can turn to both here and with my program. I will probably post as things settle in. This is a place that I knew one day I would get to, but just never pictured it being so soon. His passing was very sudden and unexpected. I had just had him to the doctor on Friday where he got a good report. His health was improving, his attitude had vastly improved over the months that he'd been down here. He was making plans for his future. When I left him on Friday we both said I love you and gave each other a big hug. This was a normal thing, but I thank God for that. I know that when he passed, he knew just how much I loved him and I knew how much he loved me.
Anyway, I just want to let each and every one of you know how much I appreciate all of your support and to encourage you to utilize your support network. Having friends to turn to day/night who understand what you are going through can bring you comfort. I know it has for me.
I'll probably have a post later, as I have to now go and begin packing up his apartment. (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((ALL))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))and THANK YOU!
Peace, Love & Light,
Traci