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Monday, December 14, 2009

In honor of Dads "notes" ♥

Tonight we decided we should share with some of Daddy's friends on Facebook some of what has been going on. As you all know Dad shared his heart on this journey through posting notes on Facebook so my Brother made the decision to author this final note in place of Daddy. As you will read Dad has given the gift of writing so eloquently to his son as well. I am so proud of my brother ~ He has been a rock for me and for my dad and stepmom as well during these days with our Daddy. I love you Tony ~ Daddy would be so very proud.

My Final Note: Written by my son, Tony Woods
Today at 8:43pm


Hello to all my DAD's Facebook friends!

I am honored to author this note for my Dad! I am sitting here trying to think what he would say if he could speak or type. My only hope is to try to convey a message that would do him justice. Here it goes:

The Facts:

Dad spent last week in and out of the hospital battling a case of pneumonia! At the end of the week we met with the Doctor who asked, "How do you feel your cancer treatment has gone?" Dad's answer was in agreement with the doctor who felt the treatment had been more detrimental than the actual cancer. He was also told, Cancer doesn't kill people Infection does! That's where we are today! Fighting a battle with pneumonia in which we have no defense! When given the choice to undergo radiation treatments to fight back the pneumonia, which wouldn't prolong his life, he chose to proceed with the treatment. Right up to the end and hardly having the strength to stand unassisted he faced his ailments with true courage and strength.

His Final Wish:

After hearing the news we were out of options and moving into palliative care we began to talk about what was important to him. He mentioned it was important to see his Mother before he passes. Our plan was to load up in an RV and drive him to Oklahoma. He mentioned how strong he felt and actually wanted to go to Oklahoma and come back to Florida to say his goodbyes. One night at home and things took a turn for the worse! The decision was quickly made to keep him comfortably at home and bring his Mother to him. That is exactly what is happening now. My brother-in-law will board a plane with her tomorrow, Tuesday the 15th, and fly her here to be by his side! Knowing my Dad's strength and determination, he will make it long enough to see her!

My Dad:

I was fortunate enough to sit with my Dad before he was released from the hospital on Saturday. We had a wonderful Dad to Son talk and left nothing unsaid, I encourage all of you to do the same with those close to you. Don't waste a minute to say the things you need to say! I was extremely lucky to have that talk and I will carry that with me as long as I live. The following comes as no surprise to many of you... My Dad is a wonderful man, full of sincerity and caring for others. He was a strong determined man! There's nothing he couldn't accomplish and is wise to the World! Although he didn't get a college degree until he was in his late 50's he is one of the smartest men I have ever known and educated himself his entire life! His words have inspired many of you across the nation. My Dad wasn't beaten by this disease! Trust me, it could never beat him! It simply changed the rules and blind-sided him with pneumonia! His mind and spirit have been strong and sharp up until the end! I couldn't be more proud to have this man as my Dad!

In Closing:

He made a profound statement to the Doctor in a stern manner after choosing to move into palliative care. He stated, he received the same treatments in battling cancer that his father received 25 years ago. He is absolutely correct! It's frustrating for a man who hasn't had a drink of alcohol or smoked a cigarette in over 30 years to develop lung cancer. Friends, we have come a long way in medicine but we need to look at what is being done to fight this hideous disease. I want to send a message to all of you "GET CHECKED!" Cancer can be beat! It doesn't have to be a death sentence! Don't ignore your symptoms, have regular checkups and make the choice to live a healthier live! Don't waste a minute and when things get tough smile when thinking of this man who loved you as much as you loved him!

The Luckiest Son in the World,

Tony

P.S. I love you Dad!




Love and Blessings

17 comments:

Jennifer {Studio JRU}

Oh Loren, this was so beautiful! He does have a wonderful way with words! Such a special gift he has given your dad by writing this to his friends!
You are in my thoughts and prayers, your whole family is!
♥Jennifer

Alleluiabelle

Sweet Loren & Tony,

I am so deeply touched and honored to know both of you through the blogging world, and I am equally touched in having gotten to know so much about your beautiful father through you Loren. He is a fine man with wonderful loving children. Your family is amazing and filled with so much love for each other and for the Lord.

You are so right Tony in sharing that we all should say the things we need to say to our loved ones and for that matter to all who we meet. I learned that when my parents were extremely ill and we as a family did as you are doing now. Time is never wasted with me any more when it comes to family, loved ones, friends, people. Yes, never let a precious moment of life go by without noticing all those around you and letting them know just how much you love them and how special they are. You are wise Tony and so is your sweet sister Loren. She is an absolute blessing.

Lean into the Lord just as you both are doing and He will give you strength, love, courage, grace and so much more. May His heavenly angels be all around you, your dad and your family. May His presence be felt so strongly and may His sweet peace flood all of you this night and the days to follow.

I love you Loren and you too Tony. Give your dad a gentle kiss on the cheek from me. My prayers go forth with all of you.

Much Love,
Alleluiabelle

COUNTRY MOM

Loren, I am so sorry that you and your family are going through this. It breaks my heart. I am so glad to know he is close to God. I pray he will get to see his Mom and you will get to spend more time with him. Everyone time I look at Dougs Prayer button on my blog, I will remember what a great man and blessing he is. I love you. I pray for your Peace and Comfort. Audrey

Denise

God bless your precious family, I love you sweetie.

Debbie

Oh Loren that moved me to tears. What a wonderful man your dad is, and what an impact he undoubtly made on the lives he touched. I pray that you will all feel the very presence of the Lord as you go through this season in your life. May He comfort you like no one else can. Debbie

christy rose

Loren,
This was beautiful! Just Beautiful! Your brother sounds like a wonderful man too. The advice to tell the ones you love how you feel is so important. I am praying for all of you!
Love,
Christy

Girly Muse

This is so moving. It is apparent that your dad is a wonderful man in the way that his children talk about him.

Will pray that your grandmother and honey get there safely today and that you create memories together that are beautiful and priceless.

Love you.

Heart2Heart

Loren,

What a great tribute your brother did for your dad. It truly does show just how much love is exchanged between your entire family and just how much love and courage you all have had to endure in battling this disease. It does speak volumes of the things we need to remember are the most important in life, our relationship to the Lord, our close ties with family, friends and then truly nothing else matters after that. These are the rewards I believe the Lord was speaking of when He asked that we work on storing these goods in Heaven, the ones that will not rot away, that would be the love of our God, the love and grace of our families and the love of our friends. For we truly know that Love is the greatest gift of them all!

Your family is truly inspiring to all of us and I love each and every one of you. Can't wait for your family reunion today and for you all to experience the greatness that God has planned for you today.


Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Speaking from the Heart

Loren,

I will be praying for you and your family. May your dad have the strenght to hold on until his mother comes.

Musings of A Minister

Beautiful! I don't know what to say. I will just let you know I am STILL PRAYING.

Edie

This is a beautiful tribute to your dad. I'm sure he is very proud of both of his family. I'm so sorry for what you are going through right now. I am praying for you all.

Much love to you Loren.

E @ Scottsville

What an awesome post from your brother. Your dad has to be SOOO proud!

Mevely317

'But a word or two, just to say, you and your family have another soul holding you in her heart and her prayers tonight. I thank God for your Dad's knowing Christ; he's so very blessed to realize you and your brother's love.

Edie

Just stopping by to let you know that you have been in my prayers throughout the day. Blessings on you all.

Diana Ferguson

What beautiful post!! Prayers for you and your family.

COUNTRY MOM

Loren, Just wanted you to know... I am Praying and Thinking of you. May God give you Peace and Comfort. Love you, Audrey

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart

Oh my friend, such sweet words from you brother. I hope your Dad's mom made it there safely. We are still praying.
Love you!
Kim

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