I am not one to often post solely personal content, but this one hit hard, and so I am looking for the good vibes from the Gotham Tribe to help ease my mind.

I spent the first 2 weeks of September in Texas, at my sister's house, while her and my brother-in-law took a MUCH needed vacation.  You see, they are the primary caregivers of my dad, who lives with them.  To say this is a 24/7 job is an understatement.  But it was also time well spent, for a multitude of reasons, not the least was the break for my sister Parie and my brother-in-law Richard.  They have a beautiful home in the country, so it was like a mini-vacation for me as well, with much pool time interspersed with work, and of course, wonderful quality time with my dad.  Seeing him in his normal environment gave me a new appreciation for the daily tasks Parie and Richard must juggle (thank goodness they are both retired).  

Today, we found out that my dad is facing some rough times ahead.  He has a myriad of health issues...uncontrolled diabetes, physical pain, and with some recent issues, mobility issues as well (he had a recent hospital / rehab stay due to DVT.  Now he uses a walker, which he never did in the past.  He has had 23 MOHS surgeries to remove squamous cell cancer on his arms and mainly his ear.  He already lost the majority of one ear (has a prosthetic ear now) and we found out last week that the cancer on that ear is back, and with a vengeance.  Unfortunately, he has an exploratory surgery tomorrow for pancreatic stones, and depending on what they found there, we will have other decisions to be made.

Now, lest you say, "Why we? Why is your dad not making his own health care decisions?"  Simply put, he has mild/moderate dementia.  He leans on and trusts his tribe (family) to assist him in all decisions.  He has a DNR and health care proxies in place (yes, of course as an attorney I made sure those were in place years ago) but these decisions might very well include end of life choices.  While he has always made it clear what his desires are, I think we all know that making a hypothetical decision can be much easier than when you are faced with the reality.  In the end, we will consult with him, but the ultimate decision will be his, and we WILL back him in whatever choice he makes.

All that being said, he has a great team of doctors, as well as his 4 children and many grandchildren to help him along the way.  And, might I add, a very positive and grateful attitude himself.

So again, I ask for your Good Vibes as we face the days ahead and the decisions that must be made and carried out.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this very long missive, I have no doubt that my Gotham Family will come through will many positive thoughts / prayers / offerings.  

Gorge yourself in time with your loved ones, time is fleeting!

(Pictured above, from left to right...sister-in-law Jamie, niece Zoey, brother Andy, nephew Nathan, Dad (prominently center), brother Zach, me, nephew Max and fiancé Mykala, and last but not least, Bones - puppy of Max and Mykala).