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I'm back

Discussion

13 replies
Posted by Steve Foss on July 13, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Sorry I've been gone so long, all.

My mother developed an aggressive variant of Parkinson's disease last year, and she's now settled in a nursing home. At 72, it's possible she'll see Christmas but unlikely she'll see another Easter.

I'd mention that it's difficult for children facing their parents' imminent deaths to come to grips with their own mortality, but of course the more important truth here is that my mom's sudden turn in the journey is the difficult one.

So we've been busy with family matters on top of simply being busy with photography business.

Good to be back home. There are lots of families, and this one at NPN is a great one to be part of.

Love each other. It's a short ride we're all on.
Posted by Kent Staubus on July 13, 2009 at 9:17 PM
Sorry to hear of your family misfortunes. I've had to deal with a few serious health issues with my own parents this year. Anyway, glad to have you back. You were missed.


Kent in SD
Posted by Hank Pennington on July 13, 2009 at 9:42 PM
Amen, Steve, and welcome back.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on July 13, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Steve, sorry to hear about the health issues facing your mother. As one who has been through similar challenges recently I would like to offer my best wishes to you and your family and encourage you to revel in the time at hand.

The NPN family is a good one, lean on us whenever you feel the need. Welcome back.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on July 14, 2009 at 12:46 AM
My Mom died earlier this year; I know what you are going through. My sympathies.

The camaraderie at NPN can be a real help.
Posted by Donna Erhardt on July 14, 2009 at 6:24 AM
Steve, best wishes to you and your family during these difficult times. Good to have you back in action!
Posted by Lance Warley on July 14, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Best wishes to you and your family, Steve.
Posted by Wayne Jones on July 14, 2009 at 9:29 PM
My sympathies, Steve. My father also had Parkinson's and he died last spring. Now that I am well enough myself, I will follow his wishes and bring his ashes to our hunting ground this summer. That will be yet another way he will continue the circle of life.

Yes, it is a short ride we are all on, but in other ways, the ride keeps going. There are many ways that life passes through each of us and continues as we pass it on to those who follow: through our spiritual beliefs; memories; our genes, and even physically in the long run. Knowing this, and keeping good memories has been a great comfort in my family, and I hope you find comfort in the difficult times ahead, and beyond.
Posted by Peter Conway on July 14, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Steve, It is good to see you here. I have been through that journey with both parents and its not easy for anyone. Know that our thoughts are with you and that it does get easier with time.

Peter
Posted by Stan Rose on July 15, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Good to see you back, Steve. I also went down that road with my mother early this decade, its not a fun trip. Know that your friends here are here to offer you our sympathies and support--be strong!
Posted by Ed Cordes on July 15, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Glad you're back, Steve. Sorry about your Mom. It is a difficult task ahead, but all of us here ant NPN are truly sorry for the situation you and your family are in.
Posted by Steve Foss on July 15, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Thanks for the support, all. I lost my Dad when I was 6. I'll keep my spirits up. More importantly, so will Mom.
Posted by Bill Stice on July 16, 2009 at 8:56 AM
Steve, it's good to have you back. We've missed your comments and great sense of humor. Elderly and ill parents take a lot of energy both physical and mental. Good luck and take good care of yourself as well as your mom.
Posted by Andy Richards on July 18, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Steve: I am not as regular as some of the others here, but certainly have noted your absence. Good to have you back.

I lost my dad to Alzheimer Disease in mid-December 08. This, after a 7-year "battle" with the disease. He was a "type A" family leader and it was difficult for us to see him in a way he would never have wanted people to see him. Ultimately, while we all miss him greatly, his passing was a blessing for him.

My thoughts are with you and your mom.