This is my father with me on the front steps of our house in San Antonio when I was but a cute, chubby baby. I’ve been pretty absent here for the past week. I was busy getting ready for workshops, but that doesn’t usually completely take me away from my website. However, last Tuesday I found out that my dad had been put in hospice care, so I’ve been somewhat distracted more than usual. I just want to let you know that I will probably continue to be pretty absent here for a little while longer, though I will try to update more often than once a week, I promise. My dad hasn’t been given nutrients or water for seven days now, only morphine, as per his wishes at this stage. He is 89. He wasn’t particularly sick or anything leading up to this development, which was rather sudden. His body is just done with this world. He’s not aware (or at least doesn’t demonstrate awareness) of people around him at this point, but Morgan–who flew to Texas on Friday night on a one-way ticket–is sitting by his bed every day reading the Bible to him. I will be leaving for Texas myself sometime soon. I’m not sure exactly when yet, or how long I will be gone. Obviously, I have to make some arrangements here for the animals. My father will not live very much longer. Ross (who is named after my father) is out to sea right now, but Weston is here and will also be driving out with me, and we’ll come back with Morgan all together after the funeral.
Just an FYI as to why I’m not around. Thank you for your understanding.
wildcat says:
Praying for your and your family during this difficult time. :hug:
On April 29, 2014 at 8:34 am
luvthecountry says:
Suzanne,
I am so, so sorry. Praying for you all. Safe travels.
Jen M.
On April 29, 2014 at 8:35 am
mamawolf says:
Suzanne I am so sorry to hear about your father. Prayers for your family and for safe traveling.
On April 29, 2014 at 8:48 am
GA_in_GA says:
Safe travels. Prayers for you and your family.
On April 29, 2014 at 8:52 am
Dumbcatluvr says:
You and your children are in my prayers.
On April 29, 2014 at 8:53 am
phyllis8katz says:
Part of life’s cycle. Prayers to you and your family. May your dad feel God’s presence as he passes thru.
On April 29, 2014 at 9:03 am
Nonie0019 says:
Sending up prayers of comfort to you and your family. My heart is with you.
On April 29, 2014 at 9:07 am
fowlers says:
Awe, so sorry to hear about your dad; God speed and take your time…although we love reading your blog and semi stalking you on a daily basis….we all understand that this situation is just a little bit more important right now..Hugs to all of you! big hugs, and what a great photo~! take care….family comes first. https://chickensintheroad.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/hug.gif
Sandy
On April 29, 2014 at 9:15 am
utroukx says:
I’m so sorry. 🙁
On April 29, 2014 at 9:28 am
Miss Judy says:
Sorry to hear you have to go through this.Thoughts and prayers for you and yours and a peaceful passing for your father.
On April 29, 2014 at 9:30 am
folkwoman says:
So sorry – you’ll be in my prayers.
On April 29, 2014 at 9:42 am
kelly jo kirby says:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. May you have safe travels as well.
On April 29, 2014 at 9:58 am
marrypoppinz says:
Sorry to hear this…praying.
On April 29, 2014 at 9:58 am
Heidi533 says:
I’m so sorry, Suzanne. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
On April 29, 2014 at 10:02 am
BrownsFan says:
Oh no. I’m so very sorry to hear this. Prayers are with you all at this time.
On April 29, 2014 at 10:10 am
nursemary says:
I am so sorry Suzanne. :hug:
On April 29, 2014 at 10:21 am
DeniseS says:
May your father pass peacefully to the other side. Prayers for you and your family.
On April 29, 2014 at 10:41 am
Claudia W says:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
On April 29, 2014 at 11:08 am
Pat says:
My prayers are with your father and family. Have safe travels. Pat in Eastern NC
On April 29, 2014 at 11:08 am
Wm.Mike says:
Sorry to here this news. I will be praying for your father, you and your family.
On April 29, 2014 at 11:14 am
angiemay says:
I am so very sorry. Prayers for you and your family. Lost my mom and aunt last summer. Supervisor at work just lost her mom last month, same situation with just morphine being given. Hugs to you.
On April 29, 2014 at 11:24 am
PinkyMac says:
My heart and prayers are with you and your family Suzanne. This is a tuff one. God bless Morgan! <3
On April 29, 2014 at 12:43 pm
bbkrehmeyer says:
Suzanne,you need to go NOW. I went through this with both parents. At his age with no neutrition,or water plus the morphine, it could be a matter of hours. Both my parents were in the same situation and 7 days for both .
Peace be with you in your time of trial.
On April 29, 2014 at 12:52 pm
bbkrehmeyer says:
He’s aware,and is waiting for you. As soon as we told our parents it’s ok to go ,they did..
On April 29, 2014 at 12:55 pm
Louise says:
God Bless you and your family. So sorry to hear about your Dad. Please be safe driving. We will be waiting to hear from you whenever you can. Know that you will be in our prayers.
On April 29, 2014 at 1:00 pm
MousE says:
Oh Suzanne! I’m so sorry to hear this. I wondered what had happened. My condolences to you all in this time of grief.
On April 29, 2014 at 1:01 pm
burmabears says:
Suzanne,
You and your family are in my heart and prayers. May the Lord bless and keep you, and may sweet memories of your Dad always comfort you in the times ahead.
Joan Ann
On April 29, 2014 at 1:17 pm
SpinnersEndFarm says:
Safe journeys and hugs to all.
On April 29, 2014 at 1:23 pm
steakandeggs says:
I am so sorry to hear about your father. Our prayers will be with you.
On April 29, 2014 at 1:56 pm
wanda1950 says:
I’m so sorry. I’m praying for you & your family.
On April 29, 2014 at 2:36 pm
boulderneigh says:
I’m so sorry for this, Suzanne. I hope you can get there in time to say good-bye. That Morgan could go to be with him until you get there is a precious, precious gift….
On April 29, 2014 at 2:59 pm
JudyT says:
Thoughts and prayers are with you, safe travels.
On April 29, 2014 at 3:03 pm
MrsMac says:
So very sorry. It is always such a sad time. I had a feeling it was something of this nature. Be safe all of you. Diane
On April 29, 2014 at 3:12 pm
Journey11 says:
So sorry to hear it. Prayers going up for your family.
On April 29, 2014 at 3:31 pm
AnnieB says:
(((((Suzanne))))) I’ll be praying for you and your loved ones. Remember you have lots of love and support out here. Stay safe.
On April 29, 2014 at 4:24 pm
4jsMOM says:
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news, Suzanne. You and your children will certainly be in my prayers. Hope you have a safe trip to be with him. May all the beautiful memories of your father bring you comfort in the coming days.
On April 29, 2014 at 5:09 pm
Busy Solitude Farm says:
Suzanne, you have my sincere sympathy. At the end of 2012, my mother had died, and Dad never really had a vision of life without her. Six weeks after she died, he chose to stop eating at Thanksgiving and died a week later. It was a peaceful passing made a little more comfortable with the knowledge that it’s what he chose to do. I hope your dad will have the same.
On April 29, 2014 at 7:04 pm
Njoylife says:
I hold you and yours in my heart and my prayers. You are surrounded by love.
Joy of Michigan
On April 29, 2014 at 7:18 pm
Jersey Lady says:
Sending love and hugs to all. My dad passed away last June under the same circumstances. His body just pretty much wore out. Take care, God bless, and safe travels~Gloria
On April 29, 2014 at 7:42 pm
Dghawk says:
Oh, dear. I am so sorry you are having to go through this. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and I send you my strength. Have a safe journey, and we will be here when ever you decide to return. :pawprint:
On April 29, 2014 at 7:43 pm
Tidleywink says:
I am so so sorry to hear about your father. Please don’t waste any time getting to his side. I went thru the same thing with my mom(she was also 89 and in good health). But once her body started shutting down, it was just a matter of a couple days. One of my brothers lived only a few streets away from the hospice unit, he waited too long and didn’t see her before she died (she was still aware until the last day). All my thoughts and prayers will go with you on this occasion. Please travel safely.
On April 29, 2014 at 7:44 pm
Flatlander says:
My thoughts are with you, save travels and I hope you on time, to say goodby. Hugs my friend.
On April 29, 2014 at 9:49 pm
willsahna says:
I’ve been reading your blog for so many years now that I knew something was wrong, just not what. Sorry it is this. Traveling mercies to you and your family. Wishing peace for you all.
On April 30, 2014 at 12:12 am
Stick Horse Cowgirls says:
So sorry to hear this news! I’ll be praying the Lord be close to your father and all the family.
V
On April 30, 2014 at 12:33 am
The High Altitude Tea Duchess says:
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
On April 30, 2014 at 8:17 am
whaledancer says:
I’m sorry, Suzanne. I will be holding you and your family in my heart at this difficult time. Wishing you peace and strength.
On April 30, 2014 at 12:13 pm
cindyinohio says:
So sorry. Prayers being said for you all during this time. God Bless & safe travels.
On April 30, 2014 at 4:51 pm
lavenderblue says:
Bless you all at this time.
On April 30, 2014 at 6:47 pm
yvonnem says:
God bless you. You look a lot like your father.
On April 30, 2014 at 8:14 pm
jodiezoeller says:
So sorry for your loss and for your children’s loss of their grandfather. I know if he was ready to go, then he was determined to do it. It’s better if they choose instead of death choosing them and deciding to linger for months or years. Trust me, I’ve been there done that with both parents. My mom died at age 56 when I was 22 but she had cancer then more cancer and much pain before she died in 1983. My dad tried to die in 1994, but he didn’t make it all the way but the stroke took him close and he was in a nursing home for 5 long years without any quality of life on a feeding tube. I always tell people to enjoy your parents while you have them, but pray for an easy death or accident. Strokes, cancer, heart disease are all bad ways to end up. My 60ish husband is a diabetic heart patient. I’m trying to make the most of our years together (2nd for both of us) and not worry about tomorrow and what it will bring. I say again, SHALOM to you and the family that you love wherever they may be. We have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers! I wish something happier brought you to Texas. I would love to meet you if you come back in happier times again later. Dallas would be great for a meet and greet famous author and farmer – Suzanne McMinn. HUGS
On May 1, 2014 at 12:40 am
holstein woman says:
May the Good Lord take care of all of you and keep you. You are in my prayers. Safe travels.
On May 1, 2014 at 1:21 am
ibpallets (Sharon B.) says:
Suzanne,
My heart goes out to you-
May He give your father His peace and comfort in this stage of his life.
I also pray for His peace and comfort for you and your family.
((((hugs))))
On May 1, 2014 at 2:29 pm
Augustlace says:
So Sorry to hear this! Prayers for Suzanne, Ross, Weston and Morgan during this time! Traveling Mercy’s to and from Texas!
May GOD hold each one close.
On May 1, 2014 at 5:26 pm
PaulaA says:
I hesitated, and missed seeing Daddy on his deathbed when he died Christmas morning. And the more I consider this, the more comfortable I am with it. We had a long, meaningful visit a year ago, and he didn’t seem aware of anyone’s presence as he slipped away. I have attended to a couple of dying relatives, and while that time can be very special, I have to admit I like having the images from happier times in my head instead of the deathbed ones. And I believe Daddy is made whole now, and knows my heart.
I wish all of you peace.
On May 1, 2014 at 6:06 pm
Snapper119 says:
…thoughts & prayers to you and your whole family…
On May 1, 2014 at 6:44 pm
myaizar says:
My heart goes out to you…it is horrible to lose someone but when it is a parent it is just so much worse. But being there when someone passes is a blessing, I was there when my great grandmother passed…holding her hand and talking to her. I will be praying for him and all of you, and take all the time you need because we will all still be here when you need us!!
On May 1, 2014 at 11:39 pm
tenderfootfarmgirl says:
Oh, Suzanne. Thoughts and prayers for you and your precious family.
On May 2, 2014 at 6:25 am
luvsclassics says:
Dear Suzanne , I feel for you.
I commend Morgan for being at his side reading the Bible passages is a beautiful way to be near her grandfather at this time.
I hope that there are plenty of neighbors or friends or hired ones to take care of the farm while you fly down to be with your dad.
I, too have not checked in on your blog, as I have a family member with a serious health condition, asking for Hope.
My prayers to you and your family. Sincerely, Grace
On May 3, 2014 at 7:02 am
VictorianGirl says:
Suzanne and family I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though our parents grow old with age and we know the end of their life is near it’s never an easy time to deal with. Just think of all the happy times and know he’s in a better place. God bless you all.
On May 3, 2014 at 6:44 pm
michellecapps says:
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
On May 10, 2014 at 9:36 pm