A very different Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving sure did look different this year.  Wednesday, dad started a new medication that caused him to sleep for 48 hours straight.  One of the side effects is drowsiness, but with his other medications it made him extremely tired and he went into a coma like state.  We were worried, scared, and didn't know if dad would come out of it.  The nurses and doctor assured us that they were watching him around the clock and would call us right away if something changed.  We left thanksgiving afternoon feeling the sadness of it all, wishing we could go back to the previous thanksgivings spent together just one last time.  

I didnt sleep much at all Thursday into Friday morning.  I was too anxious, fearing at any moment I would be getting a phone call saying dad was not getting better.  But prayers were answered and Friday showed a turn around.  

When we arrived, the nurse was getting dad ready.  I was not 100% positive that he was any different than the days before,  but we waited at the end of the hallway hoping we would see him come out that door.  Minutes passed that seemed like a lifetime.  All of a sudden his door opened and he came out clutching the nurses arm, holding on for dear life.  He was clearly still very groggy, but he was up which was a blessing its self.  As soon as he saw mom, he smiled.  

It took awhile for him to wake up and get going but once he was able to eat some toast and drink some coffee, he started to come back.  His words were still very slurred ( after effects from the 48 hours of slumber) but he would give us a half smile and we knew he was improving.  

This picture of the 4 of us, may very well be the last picture we take as a family.  But it is a reminder of 4 people who are going through one of the hardest things they've ever faced, but still 100% showing up for one another.  So yes, a very different take on Thanksgiving this year, but also a pretty powerful one.  Reminding us not to take anything for granted and to hold on to one another.  Silver lining.