Hospital

Dad went into the Blackrock Clinic for chemo this morning and on assessment it was uncertain whether he was fit enough for it. Following bloods and an x ray they decided to admit him to keep an eye on him. They gave him his chemo but he is still an in patient this evening. They say that he should only be in for a couple of days but we should know more tomorrow.

It is Dad's birthday tomorrow and probably not the birthday he would have liked. Mum is in reasonable form though understandably concerned about them keeping Dad in. I will post more when I know more.

Ordination Report

Sorry for the slight delay in posting this but things have been busy and I wanted to be able to add a note about Dad's weekend away.

The ordination was a wonderful experience. Mum and Dad were both able to make it as I said. Dad was able to robe and join in the service fully as preacher. Although I am obviously biased, I know from the feedback that his sermon was exceptional, and I have since heard it described as "magnificent", "relevant" and "inspirational". I was really pleased that so many of my friends and parishioners were able to hear him for the first time and get a measure of how gifted a preacher he is, but like I say, I am probably biased.

Jacq sang Pie Jesu beautifully and Andrew and Jonathan read lessons. It was great that as it was in the parish I was able to involve family so much. Jessica co-presented me for ordination. Dad was able to participate in the laying on of hands and this was really special. The singing was excellent and I managed to get through the two anthems without shedding too many tears. I love Rutter's Clare Benediction and it had added poignancy under the circumstances. It is an evening I will treasure always.

Dad left early the next morning for the trip to Harrogate with his brother David and Jacq. I think that he enjoyed parts of it but it was very tiring. He came home yesterday evening and rested today and will have another round of chemo tomorrow. It is his birthday on Wednesday so that will be fairly low key. Mum and I had a quiet weekend in Greystones.

Ordination

Just a little note to say thank you so much for all the good wishes and prayers for the day that was in it. I had an amazing evening and couldn't have been prouder of my family, friends and parish. I will post more fully in a couple of nights as I am down with Mum for the weekend but suffice to say that Dad was wonderful and I am so so pleased to be related to such an awesome preacher. Mum was able to be there too and we had a night that I will always treasure.

I will blog fully in a couple of days. Dad has gone to Harrogate to play with his toy cars! So pleased he made it.

Ordination Tomorrow

All going ahead as planned. Will post some info following the event. Dad is set to preach before his big weekend away. Hopefully both Mum and Dad will enjoy the event. Will post news over the weekend. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers

Mothering Sunday

No news is relatively good news. It has been a quiet week really. Both Mum and Dad remain at home and though the week has had its moments, it has been a good one overall. We are tentatively planning for Dad to go on his Matchbox car weekend on the 26th of this month with his brother David and the addition of his personal nurse (Jacq) to travel with him. (I will stay at home woth Mum.) It is the last Matchbox weekend as the club is due to finish up after this and as Dad has been to so many of them, it would be brilliant if he can get to Harrogate for it. The organisers are pulling out all the stops to help him to go and we are so grateful for their help with that. Fingers crossed!

Dad is still hoping to preach at my ordination to the priesthood on March 25th. It will be a quieter event than my ordination to the diaconate. I am delighted to have the support of my family at this event. Andrew and Jonathan will read lessons and Jacq will sing. I will try not to get too emotional!

Mum has had a reasonable week - Jacq and I dropped into her today. Andrew is hoping to get down to see them tomorrrow so she will have been plagued by all of her children within a short period! I admire the good humour, patience and dignity she has shown throughout her journey with MS. Mum we love you. Thank you for your example of trust in God.

Sunday Evening Update

Its the end of another week. Dad's chemo went well and he had great energy afterwards and managed to get some stuff done. The side effects of the chemo are now kicking in and he has become quite tired which is not unexpected. He went to church this morning though so that is a good way to start the week. We hope that his energy levels will pick up as the week progresses.

Mum is in reasonable form though obviously upset that she can't care for Dad.

Ernie continues to behave badly, shredding up any stray tissues and barking loudly to draw attention to himself. It is nice that some things don't change!

Post Chemo

Andrew dropped Dad up for his chemo and checkup yesterday. I was teasing Dad that the seating in the chemo day unit looked like a salon but when I picked him up his hair and nails looked exactly the same! I think he valued the opportunity to ask any questions on his treatment and get some expert advice on his care. He got home about 4.30 and was able to do a few jobs around the house before dinner.

Today he is in very good form and we will wait and see what way this belt of chemo will affect him. It is hard to know what to expect as they have indicated that this session may produce more aggressive side effects. At least he has had a couple of good days if he gets tired over the next while.

Happy Birthday to Mum! I won't reveal what age she is today but she was pleased (I think that was the expressionon her face :-) ) to be surrounded by her grandchildren when she blew out her candles. She is as glad as Dad is that chemo is over for another few weeks.