Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Hard Times

Things are good with our little part of the family. I am doing well, the baby is good, and my guys are healthy and happy. My hubby will officially be here tomorrow! And we are so excited about that. But all that is overshadowed by the pain of watching my parents begin an incredibly hard journey.

My dad went in yesterday to hear the results of the biospy of the tumor in his femur. Of course when he, my mom, and my sister went in, the pathologist still hadn't come back with the results. But the surgery was still on for June 4th. The Dr called back that evening and told them it was indeed cancerous. A Carcoma. The plan of action is to cut out the main portion of the bone, replace it with one harvested from a cadaver. The replacement one will have a rod inserted into it prior to. This will be attached with plates. Prognosis? 6 months before he is walking again, 1 yr before back to normal.

On top of all this, he was forced to retire. Something they weren't prepared for at least 3 more years. If he didn't he would have been put on long term retirement. This would cut my dads pay to 60% with no insurance. At least this way, while still not enough, insurance is covered. Things will be tight to say the least.
My parents have never been wealthy. They pay their bills on time. They only use their credit cards when they need them. But they are for the most part on a fixed income. Now with this lose of pay, my parents are devastated. When I talked to my mom about it the other night, she was in tears. They only have $40 for groceries this week. When we take the boys and the new baby to visit in September, they won't be able to feed us. Which is ok with us, we don't mind, we had already decided to get a hotel and stay with some friends so there weren't 5 extra people in their house. My mom was afraid to tell me this, that we would be angry or upset. I told her we were not visiting for the food, (good cook though she is!) but to spend time with them. It so hard for her to think about not being able to provide her daughter and family with a meal.
I want so badly to help them financially. But we can't afford to right now. And I think that hurts me the most. I know PRAYER is the most powerful tool we have. God is all over this. But I want my parents to be able to look past the pain and uncertainty and really grasp that.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Praying for your parents and you.

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to you and your family. I certainly understand the whole thing- with my mom's MS, and insurance, and all that, I know what you're going through. I wish we could afford to help my parents out too. I will be praying for you all!

Sandra said...

Praying for your parents and for you and the rest of the family.

alisonwonderland said...

you, your family, and your parents continue to be in my prayers!