**Edited to add: My dad still has presence of mind, but his physical health is rapidly declining. None of us know how much longer he has, but of course my fear is that each time I see him will be my “last”. My weekend home has been a good one filled with good food, family, laughter, tears, reminiscing, and love. I have so appreciated reading each and every one of your comments. You all are the BEST. I am absolutely overwhelmed and humbled by your outpouring of love & prayer for me and my fam. I truly don’t deserve you…but I love you and am so grateful for each one of you. Thank you for allowing me to share my life stories. Blessings all around!
Learning to Say Goodbye
Today, I write you from the beauty that surrounds me. I adore it all. I adore being here. I adore being home. My visit is brief and my purpose is to say goodbye.
I don’t know how…
Share this:
Rambling Girl says
My thoughts are with you during this time, Beth! Will keep you and your family in my prayers! Hugs to you!
Beth
Lorie says
((HUGS))
You are in my thoughts.
I am so glad that you have this chance to fill yourself with more memories. And know it isn't goodbye. Just see you later.
Kasey says
I'm so sorry beth.
xo
Carmie - the Single Nester says
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kimba says
Oh my friend. I am so, so sorry for your loss. I am stopping right now to pray for peach for you and your whole family.
Anonymous says
Oh, honey. We don't know each other, but we are walking similar paths. My beloved father is also losing his battle with cancer…I will pray for you and your family. May God comfort and keep you.
melissa * 320 Sycamore says
Beth,
What beautiful pictures…may God lift you up and carry you through this time, and please keep creating. Big hugs to you~
Melissa
shelley says
beth, my heart is with you. i'm thinking about you so much. i love you! shelley.
ps. the photos are stunning. the one of the porch swing expresses so much and took my breath away.
care says
Beth, I've been praying for you and your family. Your dad is such a wonderful gift of God's glory. Love your cousin, Care
Liz @ Sugarplum Creations says
Beth, I am so very sorry. I can't imagine what you must be going through. You are in my prayers.
Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs says
Oh Beth, I am so sad that a "goodbye" is on the horizon…it truly is the saddest thing…BUT, we know that it is only temporary, and that one day we will all be reunited with the Lord…that is the only way I can face saying a goodbye like this. Much love, Grace
michaela says
Beth, I can see how much you love your dad and how he has loved you wonderfully as your Father. Continue to enjoy those moments that you share together. We are praying for you!
Anonymous says
More prayers for you, your dad and your family. My mother-in-law went in the hospital March 2009 and was sent home with hospice. She lived six months. It was the hardest time in my husband's and my life. We were just talking about it yesterday and are still amazed how God saw us through. He will see you through too.
Jennifer Juniper says
Just soak up the every day moments is really all you can do for now. Many prayers to your and your family and a big hug for Dad.
Quincy says
We are thinking about you Beth, and praying for your family. I am so very sorry for this painful time; but, so happy for the joy and warmth that you have been able to share as a family, and the fact that you have each other for strength…
Mel Tales says
That is a beautiful picture of you and your Dad! Hang in there and cherish every moment!
Love to you!!!
MOM OF 2 says
I am so sorry. The bond between a father and daughter is so special. May God be with you and comfort you during this difficult time. Hugs
Jensamom23 says
Hugs and prayers, Beth.
momstheword says
Beth, I am so sorry that you and your family are facing this. It is very difficult and I understand about wondering if that's the last time you'll see him.
Whenever I left my father, I always felt like I was trying to "memorize" his face, in case it was my last time.
The thing is, my very last day with him was a fun day filled with laughter, and even though he was ill in the hospital, I didn't know that it would be my last day with him.
In a very strange way, this is a gift. Unwanted as it were, but still a gift in it's own way. It truly allows us to treasure and appreciate those moments and not take them for granted, because we never know when we'll get them again.
I love and miss my dad very much and I treasure the memory of the time I was able to spend with him.
I am so glad that you have your precious father now and can enjoy him, as painful as these moments are. I know you would not trade this time with him for the world. I'll be praying for you, my friend.
~ Nan
Miki says
Oh, Beth, I am so sorry. My parents have had some serious health challenges in recent years, and I've had to rush to their side, wondering if it was "the last." May God's comfort and peace saturate you and your wonderful family. Your parents are such amazing people. I'm praying for you guys, Miki
Beth@The Stories of A to Z says
My dad still has presence of mind, but his physical health is rapidly declining. None of us know how much longer he has, but of course my fear is that each time I see him will be my "last". My weekend home has been a good one filled with good food, family, laughter, tears, reminiscing, and love. I have so appreciated reading each and everyone of your comments. You all are the BEST. I am absolutely overwhelmed and humbled by your outpouring of love & prayer for me and my fam. I truly don't deserve you…but I love you and am so grateful for each one of you. Thank you for allowing me to share my life stories. Blessings all around!
AdronsCatherine says
I am so very, very sorry. {{{{hugs}}}}
twinmommy2boys says
I'm so very sorry:(
Melissa Miller says
Beth I am so sad to see this post. I'm also amazed at your great strength my friend. I do remember when you told of us about your father and his illness. I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
~Many blessings to you all. ~Melissa
Carmen says
(((Beth))) I'm so sorry. I pray that God's love will surround you and your family bringing you peace and comfort.
Jenny B says
Beth,
Keep the faith girl! I know it is hard very very very hard and know you are being prayed for daily here! I have come to "know" you thru this blog and you are an inspiration in more than just decorating! Know I've prayed for you and will continue.
<3 Jenny
Linda Stubbs says
I do not know you, but I am going through the same as you. My Dad has been in ICU and is very sick. We have had days and days of going to the hospital and not being able to talk with him and just sit. One of my precious blogger friends encouraged me to come to your blog. I scrolled through your blog. What a precious Daddy you have. It is hard watching and trying to make the best out of a very hard situation. I am asking our Father in heaven to give you all that you and your family need. I put up a scripture this morning on my blog about my Dad in Isaiah, "See I have engraved you on the palms of my hand…." Thankful that down here on earth is not all we have. I have cried buckets of tears and felt like my heart is breaking in two, I am sure you are there also. I will keep you in my prayers. Please if you need a friend please come to my blog and my email is on the right hand top side. I am so sorry you are walking this.
Blessings to you new friend, Linda
Vanessa says
Beth
God's word says that He comforts the broken hearted, and I pray that He is with you and your family during this tough time.
Love
Vanessa
Pam says
Beth, I am so sorry for your lose. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Beautiful post, very nicely done.
Pam
this blessed nest says
my heart is heavy for you my friend!
i adored reading your parents' valentine's post/comment to each other. what a beautiful family & testimony of true love.
love, hugs & prayers.
kellie
Susie from Bienvenue says
Sometimes saying goodbye is such sorrow. I try to think of it as..till we meet again. When my brother passed away I just keep thinking those thoughts…and still do. Og the joy of when we meet again. I'm thinking of you and your family tonight and praying for Gods love to surround you like never before. Let Him love on you Beth during this hard time of saying goodbye (((hugs))
xoxox Susie~
Melanie S says
Hi sweetie. I've been crying about this tonight. I've been reading your dad's blog tonight too and want to leave a comment but haven't decided yet how I can possibly express what I'm feeling adequately. I just don't want this to happen. I love your dad a lot, and your whole family. Crying again now. So, I'm thinking about you and continually praying for you. Send me a message sometime soon if you get the chance and tell me what is going on. Give my love to your family, please. I'm going to go bawl some more. Love you, dearest.
The Hopkins Home says
Praying for peace and comfort for you during this time. This is not the end – just a temporary (although painful) separation. May God fold you in His loving arms and provide the peace that passes all understanding…
Christen
BeachNerd says
Beth,
I have been following and enjoying your blog for a while. I know and love your parents, they are wonderful. My heart is with you and your family.
Lisa
Jenny says
I am so sorry. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick says
OH Beth, I am thinking of you and praying for you!
Lovely Scribbles says
Oh, Beth, I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you, girl. You and your family are in my prayers.
Funky Junk Interiors says
Prayers go your way, my friend. What beautiful surroundings you have to enjoy someone very special for today. Rejoice!
Donna
Leanne says
I'm sorry Beth. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family. My God bless you and his love surround you!
Chelsy@ Sweet Pea Kisses says
I know I'm not the first to say this, but you and your family are in my prayers. There are really know other words that I know right now except for those.
jenjen says
Oh Beth —-
I am so sorry. That is the hardest thing to go through. Losing my dad was the most heartbreaking thing I have been through. I am praying for you and your family. I pray that God's love will surround you and comfort you all during this time.
Love,
Jen
wendy hunter says
Beth- I am so sorry. Words are pretty inadequate for a time like this. You probably feel like you are dying in there too. Our prayer for you all is that God's peace "that passes all understanding" will blanket you all with His comfort and bear you up during this time. with love, Bill & Wendy
Julie says
Beth, I don't know what to say except that I am thinking of you and will pray for you, your Dad and the rest of your beautiful family!
Tricia says
Oh Beth,
please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your pain. My heart is with you.
XO*Tricia
Tammy@InStitches says
Here's a hug and a prayer for you and your family.
Heather@PixieDust says
beth, my heart goes out to you!
P@nmyfreetime.blogspot.com says
Beth… {{HUG}} I am so sorry!
Please know you are all in my prayers!
God Bless
Patricia
Mandi @ Finding Home says
Please know that you and your precious family are in my thoughts and prayers. May the love and the strength of our sweet God hold you all so tightly right now. May you find rest under the shadow of his wing. I pray that the peace that passes all understanding will flood your hearts. Thinking of you and praying so deeply for you all.
arkie says
My prayers are with you and your family. May God give peace to you.
Robyn Wallace says
I have been there. I lost my Dad to cancer 5 yrs ago and it does get better. Thinking of you and praying for you and your family.
Robyn
Carmen says
Beth, my heart cries with yours. You're all in my prayers! With love and heartfelt thoughts, Carmen
Rachelle says
Beth, I can't imagine. Thinking about you today and saying a prayer, love.
xo
Rachelle
kristin says
Praying for a peace that passes all understanding.
Marianne@Songbird says
Thinking of you and praying for you and your family. Hang in there!
Jenny says
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hope that your heart feels the sunshine of memory and not just the rainy grey of loss.
Allyson/HBMomof2 says
Tears for you. My thoughts are with you today and you will be in my family's prayers. I wish peace for you all.
JB says
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Magic Brush says
Ug… lump in my throat. Grateful for my health. So sad for your family. Dont know what to say but will pray you feel at peace. Bless your heart….
Sylvia (at) Lily's Pad and Petals says
May God be merciful with you and your family in this time of need.
God Bless.
Amy says
You and your family are in my prayers.
The P*dunc's says
my words won't heal the pain, but i know that our Savior Jesus Christ and His healing Atonement can be with you and your family at this time
God Bless
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Love to you and your family today, Beth. This is not an easy road to travel, but I will pray that you feel His peace as you go.
fawnda says
Beth I am so sorry… don't know what to say besides… My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Fawnda
Shortcake and Company says
My heartfelt sympathy Beth. I am indeed sorry for your loss. May our Heavenly Father's spirit be with you and comfort you.
Julia Feitner says
Oh Beth – I'm SO SORRY for your pain! Your father's lead such a long, courageous battle. He's encouraged SO MANY – including ME! I pray for peace – for strength – and for God's grace to sweep over you and your entire family. If there's ANYTHING I can do …. let me know, and I'll hop in the car and BE THERE for you. You and your family's in my prayers! <>
Anonymous says
Dear (((Beth)))….
You are in my thoughts and prayers, as is your Dad….he knows you love him, he knows how hard this is….he also knows what a wonderful daughter you are….
God Bless,
Kathy 🙂
Jess says
I'll keep you and your family in my prayers all week. Saying goodbye for me was just speaking from my heart and offering whatever they wanted- whether a hymn sung, a hand held, or a special meal. You know best and I am sure say so much with your presence. Stay strong!
The Weathered Cottage says
Beth I am so sorry! I wish there were something I could say to make you feel better. I am praying for your family though and I know you are so strong, you can get through this. Wish I could give you a big ol' hug!
~Country Lady~ says
Praying for strength and comfort for you and your precious family. God will carry you through. Being able to have this time to say goodbye can be considered a blessing. I was allowed that with my dad, and I found peace at the end because I was able to say goodbye and knew that he was in a better place feeling no more pain. Hugs to you friend.
Cha Cha says
Oh, Beth I am so sorry. I am praying for you and will continue. Our hope is in heaven not on earth.
Charity Jones
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
I'm aching for you and with you, Beth! You probably won't have to say much ~ I'm sure it is already known. Enjoy the time you have ~ laugh, reminisce, listen.
Between You and Me says
trusting that the Lord is comforting you like only He can. praying for you…
Mel Tales says
Praying for you and your family! Saying goodbye is not easy! God Bless you!!!
A Morris says
I just went through this with my Dad in December. Saying goodbye is never easy but my faith helps me to know that I will be reunited with him again. May God bless you in this journey.
A Morris says
I just went through this with my Dad in December. Saying goodbye is never easy but my faith helps me to know that I will be reunited with him again. May God bless you in this journey.
Pink Princess says
Saying goodbye is always hard, esp from someone that you love. I don't think there ever is a "good" way to say goodbye to loved ones.
Hugs and prayers for you
Beverly @ The Buzz says
((hugs))
Sew Fun! says
i don't know what to say…only that i send my heart felt sympathy,hugs & prayers for you & your family.
xo
Laura PARING DOWN says
I have been there myself. There are not words to express the feelings and no way to say goodbye adequately. Thinking of you.
Amy Kinser says
I cannot imagine what you are feeling. I am so very sorry. May God bless you and hold you in His arms through this time.
Pretty Little Things for Home & Life says
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time!
Pretty Little Things for Home & Life says
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time!
Kelly@TearingUpHouses says
Beautiful! Looks like it might be near my neck of the woods (East coast of Florida)? Enjoy!
Kelly
Jennifer says
lovely ocean, lovely sun, lovely boys, lovely man…this earth is not our home…
Jemsmom says
I can't imagine what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this time.
Annesphamily says
Beth my heart does break for you! I am always here for you and my prayers are surrounding you and your precious family.
foggogs says
Beth, I will say a quiet prayer for you and your family today.
Kristi says
Oh Beth. I don't know what to say. Hang in there. Enjoy whatever you can & keep your head up. We're all behind you.