Well I guess I'll start at the VERY beginning.... here goes.
My dad is the smartest, most clever, funny, intuitive, do-it-yourselfer, persuasive, man's man you will ever meet.
I turned 40 two weeks ago today. For my generation, I know a lot of stuff. Guys my age have no clue how to change differential fluid, pull a rear seal from a tranny, or diagnose a noise in the washing machine. Not too mention they cant pull a double window and replace it with sliding patio doors, build a 12x20 shed with full 220 electric, or build a 24x36 foot deck 1 story off the ground.... all straight from their head... no plans, no anything, just "this goes here" kind of building (and it passing all inspections).
I also know how to find deer in the woods, find fish in the water, and fix a whole box full of random shit. My knowledge of things really does baffle most of my friends that are in the same age range as I am. They know how to YouTube shit... (course I do too!).
I know these things cause my dad is cool like that. And he made me learn these things by making me watch him and help him do them, even when I'd have MUCH rather have done something else.
He also taught me to believe in my maker. My dad is/was a baptist preacher. Although we disagree on 90% of theological issues, we DO agree that ONE God created us, and He created us to serve and honor Him.
100% I believe that and practice that (to the best of my ability) due to my dad.
Now for the rest of the story....
My dad has not been well in years. Diabetes, high blood pressure, neuropathy, obesity, and a pile of other issues have rendered him all but home ridden the past 7-8 years. I've tried to visit him every year... I live 612 miles away.
A week or so ago my dad thought he had pneumonia. Couldn't breathe, couldn't swallow.
Went to the hospital, X-rays, test, biopsy... more tests... "lung cancer".
Today was the consultation with the "oncology team". Petscan "was" scheduled later this afternoon.
First doctor was the surgeon. "It is too far along and it is inoperable, go see the radiologist".
Second doctor was radiologist. "The mass is huge. And you are in no condition for chemo. It is in your rib bones, and probably your brain, other organs. I can make you comfortable, that's about it."
My dad says "how long do I have?"
Doc, "one to two months at most. I can tell you more with a petscan, but I'm 99% sure it'll tell you what I just told you."
So there it is. My dad, my hero, my nemesis, my confident, my enemy, has 30-60 days to live.
Tough to swallow. Many emotions. Prayers and thoughts appreciated. I talked to him tonight. He wanted to hear all about the fish I caught this morning, and wanted to make sure I took care of mom when he's gone.
Again- Prayers appreciated.
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