Tomorrow it will be 11 years and four months since my Dad had his surgery. Sadly, Monday morning, November 25th 2019, my father's long fight came to an end. His family was fortunate to be able to say their goodbyes and 'I love you's'. The last few weeks we've seen his health start to decline. He lost what few abilities that he was allowed post surgery. I would tell him each night how much I loved him, get hugs while he still had the strength, and watched one last Seahawks game together.
Every week during the NFL season, he and I play in a pickem league where you pick the winners of each game. If you pick the most right, you win a weekly cash prize. He actually won a few weeks ago, which couldn't have been better timed. Every Wednesday I would ask him for his picks, and enter them in. As the recent weeks went on, he became less and less responsive, so I had a feeling this was coming. My tears started weeks ago, and haven't let up.
We all thought this would be relatively easy since a majority of our tears were spent 11 years ago. That couldn't have been further from the truth, I'm afraid. The support from family and friends is incredible.
For those that are just reading this blog for the first time, please find the archives and start at the beginning. It was recommended that I discontinue these posts, which is why there is an 8 year hiatus from my last post. I'm toying with the idea of continuing to post for the short term, sharing memories of my Dad. I miss him more than words can describe. He truly was my hero, and an inspiration of the man I've always wanted to be.
Help John Heal Fundraiser!! (Thank you!!!)
Dad trying to smile (8-17-08)
Dear Friends,
As many of you know, my father John, has Parkinson’s Disease. He has fought and struggled with the symptoms of this for well over a decade. He is a loving father, husband of 45 years, and one of the kindest persons that many have ever known. At 66 years of age, he is now being forced to learn how to live again. He decided to make a choice for himself, his three sons (Brad, Matt, & Chris), but most importantly for the love of his life and best friend, my mom Claudia.
The choice my father made was for a procedure known as DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation), which can be read about in our Medical Link. He made this choice for a better life, for a long and healthy retirement. The procedure claims to have a 97% success rate, thus he deemed it worth the risk. Sadly, we fell into the 3%, and his story has been said to be one of the most tragic this procedure has seen to date. I know my Dad, and I believe he can come back from this. He is a man that has always put others before him, and would come back just to kiss his wife, one last time and tell us that he loves us. The doctors claim that he may never walk again, that he may never leave his bed. They say that in three months, we as a family; have to make a “decision”…if he has not improved. Now, due to the stipulations of his Medicare, we may not even get those three months.
I invite you to read his story and watch for updates as we prove the doctors wrong. For all of those who have asked how you can help, I have provided information on how you can donate. Thank you and God bless you all.
~The Petrovich family
P.O. Box 310
Kirkland, WA. 98083
The choice my father made was for a procedure known as DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation), which can be read about in our Medical Link. He made this choice for a better life, for a long and healthy retirement. The procedure claims to have a 97% success rate, thus he deemed it worth the risk. Sadly, we fell into the 3%, and his story has been said to be one of the most tragic this procedure has seen to date. I know my Dad, and I believe he can come back from this. He is a man that has always put others before him, and would come back just to kiss his wife, one last time and tell us that he loves us. The doctors claim that he may never walk again, that he may never leave his bed. They say that in three months, we as a family; have to make a “decision”…if he has not improved. Now, due to the stipulations of his Medicare, we may not even get those three months.
I invite you to read his story and watch for updates as we prove the doctors wrong. For all of those who have asked how you can help, I have provided information on how you can donate. Thank you and God bless you all.
~The Petrovich family
P.O. Box 310
Kirkland, WA. 98083
1 comment:
Chris, You have me in tears now. I KNOW the feelings you are having now. And I agree your Dad and my Brother did not deserve what he got, but he was blessed with a loving family who he had passed his love to. You boys and your mother have done a super job caring for John for the last 12 years, It seems you have literally put your lives on hold to make sure he had all the comfort and support he deserved. I am in awe of what you have accomplished. Do not be afraid to cry; yes big boys do cry. I will see you Saturday. Olga and I are coming up to Lacey of Friday and staying overnight on Saturday, returning home on Sunday. If there is anything you need from us during that time, we are available.
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