Well, Dad is officially a year older, and he certainly had to work for this one! Last night Mom, Grant and myself ate carrot cake (Dad's favorite) and drank Stone IPAs (more favorite than carrot cake) in honor of Dad's 57th birthday. Honestly, we didn't know if he'd make it to this one, but in true Comstock fashion, he simply hasn't given up.
And so it is with this final blog and a very heavy (heart broken, really) heart, that I want to let those of you know who perhaps haven't heard, that Dad is now on hospice care here at the house. Again, his pneumonia was causing high fevers and trouble breathing, but by suctioning through his stoma and managing his fever, we were able to get him comfortable and alert enough to ask if he wanted to go back to the hospital. Using a fairly reliable nonverbal form of communication we developed in therapy (close your eye for yes), his reply was a clear "no."
So this would bring me to the reason Grant has suddenly appeared! No, he's not done serving in Lesotho, but we felt it would be a good time for him to come home, spend some time with Dad and say goodbye. Ben is also coming home for the weekend, so we can at least all five be together one more time! Grant's travel plans depends heavily on the next couple weeks; it is certainly nice to have him home for a little bit.
For those of you who have been so supportive and worried about us, I just want to say this: From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your support over this past year has been what has truly gotten us through it. As a family we are all processing the impending events of (what I imagine will be) the next month in our own ways; it's certainly not easy. Speaking for myself, I have found peace with our decision and now, although he has put up a truly remarkable fight, it is time for Dad to find some peace of his own.
I won't be blogging anymore, but please feel free to stay in contact with me through email or phone, either way, I'm usually free. If you would like to come by the house to say hi to dad or Grant while he's in town, feel free to contact my mom or myself. I'll leave our contact info below.
Allie: allisoncomstock@gmail.com
805.558.7515
Anne: acomstock@roadrunner.com
805.558.3732
