The End is Near

**Sorry this is a bit disjointed...emotions were very high when I wrote this**

I have blogged about my sweet dad in the past. He is an amazing man who has led a life of great successes and excitement. He is a strong, compassionate, loving man who has always been there for me as well as my brothers and sister. He and my mother will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in a few weeks (June 17th) and have set an example of real love for all of us.

My heart is heavy tonight as I write this. It is just after midnight and I can't sleep. Brad and I were watching the finale of "The Celebrity Apprentice" when my cell rang and I noticed that it was my parents home phone. It was 9:31 so I figured I'd call them back when the show was over. At 10:03, I noticed  message (shame on me for not noticing earlier). It was my mom who told me that my dad had fallen in the bathroom, hit the tub and he was sure that he broke his back. She had called the paramedics and they were trying to get him on a stretcher. He was in excruciating pain.

So I called my mother who had just arrived at the hospital with her Bishop and his wife, who happen to be her dear friends, and they were waiting to find out what was really going on. As we are about 45 minutes from SLC, I told her we'd drive down, but she told me to stay home because she was going to go home as soon as he was admitted.

I know that at age 81, my dad's days are numbered. He has suffered for so many years as he had his first heart attack at the age of 52. He has endured 2 open heart surgeries (quadruple bypass/quintuple bypass) and has broken his back at least once that we know of. He is strong and tenacious. He is kind and sweet and willing to do whatever he can to help us. He's funny and witty and tries to laugh at everything, but he's running out of steam.

I don't know how he will make it through this, but he has endured so much already that I never should be surprised. I am amazed at his ability to survive!

So enjoy each moment you have with your loved ones. Never take a moment for granted and be patient with those who are infirm or unhealthy. Thank the Lord for the blessings of family and good friends and let us all remember that life is fragile and everyday is a gift.