so I went to AZ to see my dad who is dying from osteosarcoma--shocking is all I can muster. We had a wonderful visit. We surprised them and my mother cried for an hour she was so happy to see me and my kids. She asked me how I thought my dad looked ....so I lied.

My last day there, I went to my mom's little quilt store in Green Valley. We got here enough fabric/pattern/thread for her second wall-hanging. I sat down with her and wrote out everything. IT's really funny, she'd call me for directions but it's not the same as seeing things in person. I wish I'd of had more time as she want's to try applique by hand.....I told her to sign up for a class! LOL

I wish my mom was more of a "joiner" as there are many things she'd love to attend but she is so afraid of going by "herself". Ah, it troubles me so....

Anyway, I am home, back at the grind, and really missing my folks. We have all the arrangements in place for when we need them. My mom has decided to stay in Green Valley and move to a smaller home. I was not hurt but I wish she was closer so we could see her more.

Enough rambling...glad to be back in action! :!:

Glad you are back safely, and had a good visit with your parents. That is one trip you will never regret. I know it's hard to watch as you lose a parent. My mom has been gone 9 years this June 1. :cry: Her's was quick - thank the Lord. She had pancriatic cancer - diagnosed May 24 - heartattack June 1. Glad we lived as close as we did - next door. :D Hope your mom continues with her quilting - your support even from across the miles will do here soooooo much good (and probably you too :wink: :wink: ) God bless you and your family during this time.

PQ

BTW - I'm about 20 miles east of Charlotte. Where are you?

Sounds like you had a very nice trip -- and one you and your children will never regret or forget -- and neither will your parents.

It's very hard to lose a loved one and my thoughts and prayers are with you!

Julie so glad you and the boys had such a great time at your mom and dads. The joy you gave them meant alot. To open the door and find you all had to be so special.
osteosarcoma-- what exactly is that?

My prayers are with all of you.
Let us know how things are going. I maybe many states away but my hugs are here for you anytime.

{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Pam

Pam, osteosarcoma is bone cancer.

Julie, I'm so sorry to hear that your father is not doing well. My prayers are with you and your family. I am glad to hear that you and your children were able to visit him!!

Best Wishes,
Leona

Happy for you that you had a good and safe trip. Sometimes lies are a good thing. The trip will give you and the kids good memories that will last a long time. :lol: Hugs!

I should have stopped after reading that your mother cried for an hour because she was so happy to see you. Your message was very touching. I am still bleary-eyed from my own tears and it's a little hard to focus on the screen. I know from experience (I helped care for my father who died from a cancerous brain tumor) what that time spent with them means...and how heavy it makes your heart. Without a doubt it meant so very much for them to have you and the children there. You gave your mother some normalcy that she most likely needs very much. And, as I believe someone before me said in their thread, it is a time that you will always remember, and that time is one that you can feel good about. Does your mother have a computer? Would she join this Board?

Many blessings to you, Julie, and lots of positive and loving energy are being sent your way.

Rebecca

Sorry to hear about your Dad being ill. That tripi know meant so much to both of them. I know when my parents were very ill and my brother would come for a visit from Ohio it would just make them so happy and my brother is happy now that he did those trips, no regrets. Hugs to you and your family during this tough time.

My heart goes out to you. Lost my mom three years ago. She was diagnosed with bladder cancer and we lost her six months later to a stroke. Glad you spent time with them now. My brother put off coming to visit them ( he lives an hour and a half away ) til mom had lapsed into a coma. I know he regrets it and staying away was a way he didn't have to face the fact mom was dieing. I really feel sorry for him. You did the right thing going and spending time with your folks now. And I know you will keep doing right by your mom too. Prayers for you and your family.

I am so sorry to hear about your father. I'm glad that you and your children were able to make the trip there, I am sure that it meant the world to your parents. How awesome to get to shop with your mom and be involved in her new quilt!! Does she use a computer? Would she be willing to join us here and get her feet wet being involved with us and then maybe move on to a quilt class?

Sending caring thoughts your way. It's very hard, living more than a day's drive away from people you love, especially parents. So good that you went now; trips from now on could be to "deal with things" rather than simply visit and you will always have this visit to draw good memories from. The distance will mean that changes are more pronounced for you, not being there daily to adjust to the little ones.

Maybe one day your mother will move to reach out to others. She's probably kind of busy right now, being there for your dad. How nice that she can focus on a quilt and have some creative time.

What an awesome surprise for your Mum, sounds like the visit was a great idea. It's hard though, isn't it, lying like that. Such a cruel disease that effects not only the patient, but everyone around them as well.

((hugs))

Your mum might find quilting to be very therapeutic for her, something to spend her time doing, you can pour a lot of heart ache and love into a quilt at the same time. I didn't notice how far away you are from your parents, but maybe you could join her in a short class to start her off? Once she's been once and connected with the other women she might be keen to go again.

So sorry your Dad is so sick, This trip was worth it for all involved . You will always have these memories . Now when you talk to Mom on the phone you can talk about pleasant things , like how her quilt is coming along, and not just the hard things , like how your dad is doing.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}} for you and your whole family
Sharon

Sorry to hear about your dads illness. I agree with Sharon about you and your trip. Sure hope your mom joins this board. Hugs and Prayers going out to you.

I'm glad you and the kids got to go see the family, I just wish the circumstances could have been better.

Warm hug from CA.

I am in Greensboro :wink:

Thank you all for your kind thoughts for me and my family. I think I really put off dealing with everything--if it's so far away, and I just don't think about it, it doesn't really seam "real"?? Make any sense??

I showed Mom the board and she might try to join at some point. She told me that working on the wall hangings just let her mind be occupied by something else.

You are exactly right about normalcy though--she had a fit when I wouldn't let her do our laundry! :lol:

Welcome back kiddo. I'm so glad you had a nice visit, but so sorry to hear of your dad. Thoughts & prayers are with you all