The Final Call ?

…. for each of us, isn't life about determining your own finish line?   

Terry has received many calls over the last year about the health and downward spiral of his father.  Many times the calls were made as if that would be the final call.  He had gotten to the point of always questioning it similar to the boy who cried “Wolf”. However, the call he received just a little over a week ago he didn’t question.  There was a difference in that call. He thought that might really be the final call.

We have all lost loved ones.   We have all gone through times where we’ve said things we shouldn’t have said or not said things we should have said.  Maybe we’ve done things we shouldn’t or again, not done things we should have.   Maybe we forgot to say, I’m sorry.  Maybe, they forgot to say it. 

Sometimes the passing of our loved ones leaves such sorrow behind and other times not so much.  Relationships are very tender things.  Some are strong and some .. well, not so strong. How we treated others and how others treated us can never be changed.  What it was, was.  Many times we don't think about what we should have said or what we could have said until it's too late.  The peace we need sometimes leaves when the person moves on. 

The call Terry received this time wasn't really the final call.  The difference was that this time it wasn't a sibling making the diagnosis.  It was the doctor expecting Terry's father only to last a day or two.   After checking American, Southwest, Alaska  and US Air for seats, he discovered no seats were available.  It was summer and a busy Monday – one of the worst days to travel.  Our daughter, Tammi, had found an option for him … one first class seat on United via San Francisco was available using her points that night.  She grabbed it. 

This week the family has been alternating by his bedside .. 24 hours a day.  Tomorrow his brother heads back to Virginia but the schedule still goes on.  However, the doctor today was surprised that the father is starting to improve.  He will shortly be moved out of hospice and back into another care facility.  However, I'm not so sure when Terry will return.  It may not be for another week or so and then maybe just long enough to ready the motorhome for travel south.  Only time will tell.

We never know when we may not have another chance.  Sometimes it’s best to say what needs to be said before that Final Call.

'Tis life on the road.