thoughts, tears and fears.

So I'm sitting here by the fire watching Private Practice with one eye and the kindle turned to almost the end of the Hunger Games. There's a world of stimuli going on around here. Oh and in their rooms, there are three littles sleeping dreaming of their tomorrows.

Brad left at eight to get some things done at our house he needed to work on - he is kind in that every night I have to work late, without fail, he always comes over and plays with the kids and gives the boys some of his time while little bit demands all of his time.

But, my thoughts keep going back to my parents. Today my dad was released from the hospital and taken back to Clarksville, where my parents live, to a rehabilitation center where he will stay for ten days while his body continues to heal. His left hand is swollen from the fall to resemble a baseball glove and his face looks scary from the wounds.

But the pain of all that isn't what I keep coming back to ---

It's that my mom is home alone right now.

In the home where they have lived together for over fifty years. The home where both my brother and myself were raised.

Tonight she is alone.

Dad is not there.

I can't imagine the feeling that she is feeling. And the relief I am sure she's allowed herself to breathe, that dad did survive the fall and that she is finally home after five very long days.

And only one full night of sleep.

But tonight when I talked to her. I wanted to cry. Cry because all I could think of ---

After only living with brad the short time I have, I can't imagine having to be without him because his health made it impossible for us to be together. And that's after less than a year of marriage.

Dad is alone too.

He is in a rehabilitation center with similar people like him. Somedays and moments his mind is great. Other days and moments, not so much. But tonight, mom isn't there.

Life has forced them apart.

Breaks my heart.

Makes me want to hold Brad a little tighter.

Makes me never want to grow old.

Makes me want to hug my mom and tell her how proud of her I am.

Makes me want to climb in my kind daddy's lap and get him to hold me as I tell him it's all going to be okay. And I don't think it's fair that life has dealt him these cards.

And as I wipe the tears away, and glance up at the television to see what I have missed as Private Practice is on a low hum in the background ---

I pray that tonight my sweet dad sleeps well without his constant companion, my mom, right there beside him.

And in our house, their house on Morrison Lane tonight, I pray that the house seems smaller than it is and it engulfs my mom in life and good memories of our family - and that she wakes - she wakes refreshed ready to go see my dad across town early in the morning.

Hold your love close tonight. We aren't promised tomorrow. And if you are sitting reading this blog and somewhere in another room is your child, your husband or your wife, your mom or dad, sister or brother --- go to them. Tell them that you love them. Squeeze them. Hold them tight. Rub them. Touch.

Right this second. Do it.

Let's all hold each other just a little tighter.

Okay?

13 comments:

Katie said...

what a good post. I can't imagine life without my husband and the thought of one of my parents losing the other and being along is scary too. Makes me so thankful for a husband that I can't imagine living without. thinking of you and your family and praying for a fast recovery for your dad.

Allison said...

Yeah, so I am balling. You are such a good writer. You have a wonderful heart.

Love Sparkle Pretty said...

Beautiful post & beautiful writing. You put tears in my eyes!

Ashley said...

You brought tears to my eyes too. When my grandfather passed away it was the hardest imagining my grandma being alone. So glad that your dad is on the road to recovery and that he will be home soon with your mom. :)

Karen said...

This is so beautifully written. I am praying for both of your parents and their strength to get through this.

AbsoluteMommy said...

So beautiful! This is an amazing post about the things that matter and the challenges we face. Prayers for all of you! Seriously keep us posted!

jessica dukes said...

thanks girls. you know how to make this girls heart warm. thanks for the thoughts, prayers and for reading this post. i appreciate you all. :-) happy friday, yay!

Danielle said...

Such a touching post, my heart is crying for your parents now. I will keep them in my prayers! I know they both must be so strong, remind me of my grandparents who I thought of when I read this. Much love to all of you! xoxo

Unknown said...

You said it! Life is short! We've only been married six months and my heart is breaking to think of losing my husband like that. Prayers for your parents and you and Brad!

Amanda M. said...

This was lovely. I've been married for 6 years now and I have a hard time sleeping when my husband is out of town.....Prayers for you father's quick recovery!
New follower from Hollie #FF
Amanda

Julie said...

I had the same feeling after my dad had a heart attack last year and my mom was at home alone. It's heart breaking to think of anyone feeling scared alone. All the best to your family!

jessica dukes said...

girls, again, thnaks for the comments, i agree with each and everyone of you. happy saturday. :-)

Holly said...

I'm sorry to read about what happened to your dad. I hope he recovers soon, and yes, I totally agree with you about how important it in that people we love KNOW that. :)
Just dropping by from Hollie's linkup. :)

Holly
http://adventuresofholly.com

© Jessica Dukes of Morrison Lane. Powered by Donuts