Sad.

Our family is experiencing a bit of a crisis. Brent's father is really, really ill, and is now on hospice care at home. We know he will soon be gone from this world. Brent hasn't lost either one of his parents, so this is especially difficult for him. Also, his father's passing will be the first of that generation, meaning that none of Noel's brother or sisters have passed yet.

Brent was able to make a quick trip to Utah to spend some time with his father and to help him get some affairs in order. He said the highlight of his trip was having a father's blessing given to him by his dad - even though his dad was weak and barely able to hold his hands on his head. He was able to give a blessing to three of his four sons, and that was special for Brent and Braden to be a part of that.

Brent took Braden with him, and was able to spend some quality time with him, besides Braden being a safeguard against falling asleep at the wheel. They broke the new car in rather nicely.

Having this situation come up has made me rethink the circumstances of my own father's death. His was a quick passing - one minute he was here, the next he was gone, without any warning to his family that he would be leaving us. So, now our family gets to experience the other end of the spectrum - the parent who leaves in stages. They are both painful in their own ways.

So, I guess that's it. Not exactly a happy post, I know. Sometimes it's good to just write it all out. Our hearts are heavy here at the Smith home, but we know we will see our loved ones again, and that is a blessed comfort. Endure to the end...that is our challenge. I have faith we'll make it.