by Simon 50 Replies latest jw friends
Simon,
Know what it is like and wish all the best. Just spent the weekend at Cedars Sinai in LA, my wife’s grandmother is in ICU for a series of heart attacks. She is very close to her GM, because she was more of a mother to her growing up. I pray for all.
Regarding the JW family, just show love and a willingness to support family-their loss if they don’t respond...........
Thanks for the encouraging thoughts.
My dad won't be offended by me going - we've been to visit a few times and he's been over to see us. There are no problems there (well, not since I learnt the truth and stopped shunning him ).
My sisters are less 'christian' though and never put themselves out to see him. It's only when he cmoes over here and calls in to see them that they have anything to do with him.
When I called my sister to check what had happened this was the first time we had spoken in a long time. Even then she didn't come to the phone herself but spoke via her husband in 'passed messages'.
To be honest, I don't think they would go but I hope they would because I know how much my Dad would like it.
Another complication is my half-sister in Canada who is very keen to meet any of the family she has over here but is not very confident of herself and my sisters are extremely critical & judgemental and don't hide what they are thinking.
What to do ... what to do ?!
hope its just a glitch and your dads up and about again shortly,
am sure if you can manage to get over will make him feel even better
whether your sisters go or not,
fingers and toes crossed he makes a speedy recovery
luv deb x
My best wishes to your father, let us hope that he makes a speedy recovery.
I hope that your family see that this is the time to set aside ones differences and work together in good spirit.
Kindest regards - HS
((((((Simon))))))))
I say when someone is in critical condition in the hospital, all bets are off, it doesn't matter who in the family wants to deal with whom: you do what feels right for you, and for your dad. The rest of the family can just deal with it.
Go with your instinct. If it tells you to invite your sisters, then do so. They can then decide what they want to do, go or stay.
The members of my JW family who shun me were forced to face me at the hospital when my dad was in critical condition in intensive care over the summer. It was a little awkward for a moment but you know what? I quickly forgot that because nothing mattered to me but what was going on with Dad. I did what I needed to do as a daughter, knowing that whatever the outcome, I could live with myself afterward.
I hope that you will be as fortunate as I am...my Dad made it through.
You and he will be in my thoughts. Please have Angharad keep us posted if she can while you're gone. Hugs to her too!
Love
Essie
So sorry to hear about your father Simon. I hope things work out for the best!
I'm hoping for the best for your Dad, Simon. I know how much it has meant to you restablishing contact with him, and meeting your half-family.
I take it as an encouraging sign that he has been moved out of intensive care. But certainly a visit by you would really 'do his heart' good.
I say go ahead and extend your offer to your sister. It's a fine and generous thing to do; and how she responds is certainly up to her. If she drops the shunning act, and shows some true compassion it would be wonderful. If not, you will still know that you did the true, loving effort in trying to bring family together in the best interests of your Dad and family.
We will all be thinking of you in this difficult time; and please keep us informed as to what happens next.
Hey Simon:
I am sorry to hear about your dad not being well.
When it comes to an ailing parent, your sisters' position does not hold water. He is still her father and she bears a responsibility there. Perhaps a reminder along those lines might be in order.
As far as you coming across the pond, if there is a lay over in Toronto, please let me know and I will meet you at the airport, buy you a beer or something. I'll email you my cell phome number so you can reach me even at the last moment.
Wishing you and your dad all the best.
Kismet
Agreeing with Essie here. Worry about yours and your dad's relationship and to hell with the rest of the family.
Even my old decrepit aunts who were weaned on Charles Craze Russell, I still call them every week and sent them gifts in the mail. It doesn't matter to me that every time they say the 'wish I was in the Truth.'
I don't ever want to look back after they are gone and wish I had loved them differently.
Simon, your post touched a nerve with me. This morning I woke up completely resolved to turn over a new leaf and avoid confrontation over the WTBS issue. Time is too short, and once your family is gone they are gone.
Treasure whatever time you have with your Dad, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us.
Love,
Lisa
(((((((((Lisa)))))))))))))
Simon, your post touched a nerve with me. This morning I woke up completely resolved to turn over a new leaf and avoid confrontation over the WTBS issue. Time is too short, and once your family is gone they are gone.This is exactly how I have felt for the last couple of months. Especially since my Dad's illness, I just don't want to waste any time arguing. I think my oldest sister came to the same conclusion, because she has been acting much differently toward me, even came over to the house 3 times with the Christmas tree up (this is a first!) and we just don't discuss religion now. That's all I've been asking of her for three years and finally it seems to be getting through.
You're so right, tomorrow isn't promised to any of us. We have to love the best we can, so that we aren't sorry later. Thanks for your post!
*hugs*
essie
