I'm back
I got back today from my trip to see my dad. The flight both ways was uneventful. Last night I stayed in Chicago at my brother's house, then today my sister drove me home on the way back to her own place.
The consensus seems to be that my dad has lung cancer which has metastasized to his liver. He is also retaining fluid, causing his feet to swell, which is only relieved by keeping them up. In addition, his short-term memory is shot -- for instance, he has a photo my sister sent him of her two granddaughters, but did not know who they were even when my sister repeatedly told him. (Argh, my sister has granddaughters!) Anyway, it may be six months or only a few weeks before he passes.
One positive thing, though, is that he still has his personality, which is kind of an odd mix. On the one hand, he's a very intelligent, well-read, well-traveled man of the world who has done things like hand-write a copy of the Rubaiyat into a notebook; on the other, he's the stereotypical crusty old fart who likes to make off-color jokes and flip off traffic. Really, it's hilarious.
Another positive thing is that he has his wife, my stepmother, who is an absolutely awesome woman. She is taking care of him and sticking by him to the end, despite the fact that she has health problems of her own, including lupus. And she's doing it with grace, strength, and humor. They've always been one of the most compatible, in-tune couples I've ever known.
Since he's chosen to forego life-prolonging treatment, the only thing to do is make sure he's comfortable. He definitely was happy that we came. We got to spend a lot of time with him, and we also got to say things that needed to be said. We're lucky. Not everyone gets that chance.
I'm glad I went, and I'm equally glad to be home.