I Am "Daddy's Little Girl"

Let me start by saying, " I am so sorry for not writing in a while!" I do have good reason.  Well,  I used to think it was a reason, but the more I think about it, writing may have helped me a little bit!

The week before Easter, my dad went in the hospital. My parents live in Florida for the winter and then come home for a few months in the summer. This year they were supposed to come home a little early to see my little guy make his First Communion. 

Dad's body had something different in mind, so he ended up in the hospital instead. Now let me give you a little background on my dad, he is a living miracle. He has beaten cancer multiple times among other sicknesses that he has fought over the years. He is a very strong man, a fighter for sure!

I have nursed my dad back to health numerous times and he has always pulled through. This time there was something different. He was all the way in Florida and I was all the way at home. 

Now communicating with my mom about medical issues can be difficult, especially when it comes to my dad. She is a nervous wreck, plain and simple. Anything the doctor says, doesn't register because when you are that nervous, it just isn't easy to comprehend. 

This is where I have always kind of taken the reigns. I talk to the doctors and explain it back to mom. I help to keep her calm, so dad doesn't have to worry and he can just concentrate on getting better.

Do you see where this is starting to get complicated? I wasn't there in Florida. I was here and the doctors wouldn't really tell me too much, because I wasn't there.

So now, not only was mom a wreck about dad, she was also all alone! 

I was trying to keep my cool. I didn't want the kids to get upset, so I tried to keep it together the best I could. Until the evening before Easter when I received a frantic call from mom, dad wasn't doing good.

He told mom he wanted us to come to Florida. I could tell that Mom definitely couldn't handle it anymore on her own. Now this was really was hard, because for them to admit that they wanted me to come down, it must have been pretty bad. 

So on Easter morning my boys and I left daddy behind. I felt awful that my husband couldn't come with us, he was so sad, but someone had to stay behind and take care of the dogs and stuff at home.

When we arrived in Florida, my poor dad was pretty sick. I found the doctors, asked questions, got answers and helped my mom. 

Not only did this trip help mom and dad, but I felt better being there. Now the really hard part came when I had to get the boys back home. They had school, chorus shows, baseball games and first communions. It was unrealistic for us to stay forever, no matter how badly I wanted to. So a few days later we had to fly home.

When we got home, my wonderful husband was there waiting. He has been so patient and understanding with me. It has been extremely hard to be back home, especially because dad went into ICU the day I left!

I have been trying to maintain some type of composure in my life. Trying to balance family, sports, and  every one's mental health, including my own. I have to admit it has been quite hard to be social and upbeat. 

But yesterday, we got good news. Dad is out of ICU and getting stronger everyday! He is going to be just fine, I know it in my heart and I just knew he wouldn't give up that easy! He still has quite a road ahead to recovery. At least knowing he is on the road, makes all the difference in the world.

I am planning on heading back to Florida, not sure when, but at least I know my dad will be waiting for me. I am definitely what you would call a "Daddy's Little Girl".  He is my hero, and I know with all the love that surrounds him, he will come out of that hospital just like all those other times.

Life is precious. Don't let it pass you by. Tell your loved ones that you love them and enjoy every minute of it.

Love Much, Live Well,

              Michelle xoxo