journey...

this week's word was a difficult one for me to do...

as you may know, my father had a debilitating stroke in december...right before christmas...
what you don't know, because i tend to keep things close to the vest, is that it has been an extremely difficult time for my family since then...there have been setbacks & there have been successes...
but truth be told...life has changed drastically for us...for him...
and, obviously, my father is trying to deal with the new set of circumstances that have been presented to him...
to say this is daunting is a real understatement...

this week we find ourselves at yet another hurdle to clear on the road of his rehabilitation...
please pray....it is hard to ask you for what, because honestly it is going to be what it is...and there is really no "pass/fail" here...he just needs to keep going...
so i guess that's what i'm going to ask you...
please pray that he has the strength, courage & fortitude to continue taking steps forward...
and can have peace and joy along the way...
i don't think it has ever been more clear to me how precious indeed life is..
how each & every second counts...

so...with all of these thoughts swirling around in my head...i have been confronted with gudrun's chosen word of journey...

& i have chosen to write an open letter to my father...

it's funny (& honestly kind of annoying...lol) how at times of great desolation & challenge, it becomes crystal clear what is really important in life...what your focus should be...what your heart should be set upon...

it is also amazing to me that at these same times of darkness, it truly is the Faith that i so often question & doubt becomes my only sustaining force...

peace...
xoxo

gi

Comments

[aud]

gigi, your post - and particularly the journaling - really hit me hard when I read it. especially that line "because you. are. still. here." On May 2, it will be 9 years to the day that my dad died of a massive heart attack. He was 44, I was 25. There are so many things he didn't get to see -- he didn't see me graduate from college, just two weeks later, after 7 years of struggle and growing up. He didn't get to walk my little sister down the aisle just a couple months later. He didn't get to hold his youngest granddaughter for the first time, or hear my oldest daughter read her first book...So many things, big and little. Bottom line is, I miss him, every day, and your post reminded me just how much.

My thoughts and prayers are with your dad, and you, and the rest of your family, gigi. I'm rooting for you all.

[Patty S]

wow.
just like the comment above mine.... my dad died of a massive heart attack when he was 54 and i was 31. he got to see sarah (she was 6 months old when he died), but he had never met ben or any of his other grandchildren and i so wish he could have. i miss him every day.
you have such a beautiful, heartfelt message there for your dad - i know he will treasure it.
the kids and i will pray for him and your family. GOD BLESS YOU gi, you are an amazing woman and your dad is so lucky to have YOU!!!!
hugs, patty :-)

[Ronda Palazzari]

you are simply amazing

you put yourself out there

you say what's in your heart

you are simply amazing

keeping dad in my prayers

love you...

[jessi]

gi....
love, prayers, and hugs to you...your family, and most especially your father for his journey thru this!

[Julie]

He has been in my prayers since U announced the news about him....I truly have him and U in my prayers every day....I love U Gi and I loveeeeeeeeeee this...that is an AMAZING letter...and literally there are tears streaming down my face as I type this....that is the most touching letter....{{{hugs}}} my beautiful gi....U have the most beautiful spirit! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

[Joy]

g...
cheering your dad on, and praying for all of you...(((((hugs)))) dearie.

[Nicole]

beautifully written gigi!
my thoughts are with you and your family.

[jen]

what an incredible LO, gigi. you (and dad) definitely have my prayers... (((hugs)))

[lis]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I hope that your dad's rehabilitation goes smoothly in a postivie direction. 3 years ago after major heart surgery my Mum suffered a stroke too, that has left her with limited to no use of her left side so i feel your heartache.
Hugs

[Sharmaine]

You will never know the true impact you have on others by sharing. Thank you for your openess and honesty. Thank you Gigi.
Still praying.
Wishing I could hug ya.
Proud of you.
Love ya!

[angie]

hugs and prayers for you. you are amazing with your art!

[Jen Davis]

This is so beautiful gigi. My dad was diagnosed with parkinson's a couple years back and it's been a rough road here too. Please know that I am praying for you and your family and of course your father. Beautiful letter.

[DaniH]

I can't even find the words right now... Thank you for sharing your letter. Brave, strong and vulnerable...

[Denise Morrison]

Breathtaking
thank you.

[kerry lynn]

you are amazing and SO strong gi
i read your words a few times
and it really touched my heart this morning
i know this journey has been long and hard
and i am here
just like always
holding your hand
and sending my love
let us support you
let us be here for you & with you
that's what friends are for
and even when you think you are alone
you aren't.
ever.
xoxoxo

[ellyn]

this is beautiful!!! your words brought tears to my eyes. if your dad is anything like you - i have no doubt that he is a fighter! my thoughts are with you!

[erin]

oh, gigi, this is just amazing. and beautiful. and brave. and honest.
and i so appreciate you sharing all that you did.
we'll be keeping you and your family in our prayers.
much love and blessings,
erin

[Rach]

always the last one to catch up on the news!

you always blow me away with you wise words + thoughts.
My heart goes out to you + your family........strokes are often difficult to deal with as they change our loved ones. But seeing our parents suffer is really hard to deal with as we look to them as the protectors + carers.
thank you for sharing this painful journey.
wish I could give you a big hug you are a amazing person!
hugs