The Spirit is Stronger than the Body
My dad is a stroke survivor. He suffered multiple Strokes. Resulting in a loss of mobility. He can no longer walk by himself, or do anything to care for himself. He can barely feed himself. It's sad.
He can still talk, although he doesn't talk very much. He has short term memory loss. My mom is his caretaker. Some times he doesn't remember who my mom is. We have to remind him of things and people he has forgotten.
Last week, I was at my parent's house. I was having a particularly emotional moment, but I kept it inside. I went to my dad's room to say goodbye, and goodnight. I just really wished and hoped and prayed...in my heart, that my dad could converse with me and give me his wise advice, like he always did before. My heart aches for my family. It also aches for my dad to be healthy. I needed him to comfort me, console me and advise me. As I sat with him, I held his hand tightly. He looked at me and I put my head on his arm and just started crying like a baby. I told him that I really missed him being healthy. I prayed as I held his hand. I prayed that somehow my dad would be able to comfort me. I opened my eyes and just looked at my dad. He closed his eyes and his eyes began to water a bit. I told him, I know your body is weak dad, but your spirit is strong.
A few moments later, my prayers were answered. He told me the most simple words, that I really needed to hear. He mumbled, "Ofa Atu." Which means, 'I Love You' in Tongan.
I know for some people, it is such a basic thing to talk with your father. For me...it is priceless, that moment was priceless.
His physical strength may be weakened by illness. But his SPIRIT, is intact. It is strong. I am sure that his spirit longs for his body to be strong, to be able to play with the grand-kids. I am sure that his spirit misses being able to comfort and help his family physically through service. I am sure he misses dancing with my mom, fixing cars and things around the house, baking his famous desserts. :)
I know without a shadow of a doubt that God lives. He is our Father in Heaven. He is near. He cares for us so much that he provided His Son. Our Savior and Redeemer, and his Atonement.
This Thanksgiving, I am eternally grateful for the power of prayer. I am grateful for that we are spiritual children of our Father in Heaven. I am also grateful for the time I have left to share with my dad. So please, always express your love to your dad, and tell him how much you love him and appreciate him.
He can still talk, although he doesn't talk very much. He has short term memory loss. My mom is his caretaker. Some times he doesn't remember who my mom is. We have to remind him of things and people he has forgotten.
Last week, I was at my parent's house. I was having a particularly emotional moment, but I kept it inside. I went to my dad's room to say goodbye, and goodnight. I just really wished and hoped and prayed...in my heart, that my dad could converse with me and give me his wise advice, like he always did before. My heart aches for my family. It also aches for my dad to be healthy. I needed him to comfort me, console me and advise me. As I sat with him, I held his hand tightly. He looked at me and I put my head on his arm and just started crying like a baby. I told him that I really missed him being healthy. I prayed as I held his hand. I prayed that somehow my dad would be able to comfort me. I opened my eyes and just looked at my dad. He closed his eyes and his eyes began to water a bit. I told him, I know your body is weak dad, but your spirit is strong.
A few moments later, my prayers were answered. He told me the most simple words, that I really needed to hear. He mumbled, "Ofa Atu." Which means, 'I Love You' in Tongan.
I know for some people, it is such a basic thing to talk with your father. For me...it is priceless, that moment was priceless.
His physical strength may be weakened by illness. But his SPIRIT, is intact. It is strong. I am sure that his spirit longs for his body to be strong, to be able to play with the grand-kids. I am sure that his spirit misses being able to comfort and help his family physically through service. I am sure he misses dancing with my mom, fixing cars and things around the house, baking his famous desserts. :)
I know without a shadow of a doubt that God lives. He is our Father in Heaven. He is near. He cares for us so much that he provided His Son. Our Savior and Redeemer, and his Atonement.
This Thanksgiving, I am eternally grateful for the power of prayer. I am grateful for that we are spiritual children of our Father in Heaven. I am also grateful for the time I have left to share with my dad. So please, always express your love to your dad, and tell him how much you love him and appreciate him.
You are right, the power of PRAYER is real. I'm so sorry to hear what your dad, and your family is going through. It's always hard to see your loved ones in those conditions!
ReplyDeleteMy dad had a scare a couple years ago, with prostate issues, it was a scary ordeal. I don't know if it's a Tongan male thing, but he never in our childhood used to say "I love you" or "Ofa Atu" to us. We knew he loved us, he just never said it. After that scare we all decided that life is too short and we need to express ourselves more. Now my Dad calls me just to tell me he loves me sometimes, and I do the same to him.
Thanks for this post, I will pray for you and your family. Hang in there girl!
aww, Ane you're going to make me cry! I love your post. I feel the same way about my dad. I miss him playing music, reading, giving us advice and remembering who we are. I love my dad and am so sad that Alzheimer's taken him away from us slowly. Its a tough process to mourn for your parent while they are still alive, but like you I am grateful for the gospel because I know that my dad will not always be with us, but one day will be made whole, and we'll be together again. I live for that day. Love you sis!
ReplyDeleteI'm a total ball baby when I read your posts!! Stop it Annie! hehe I absolutely loved reading this blog. I can see you growing so much Ane. I think for a long time you were so engulfed in others feeling, you are now opening up yours! It makes me so happy to know that you are crying, and asking for strength and leaning on others. Because you have been soo strong for sooo long ALONE! I'm glad you could see your dads spirit and know that he heard your cry and your plea for his love. I love you Annie and I'm always here for you!! :') Tears~
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