Originally Posted by SmoothZ

I think it's time I get you guys up to date so you don't think I'm always flaking out on events and such. I don't like making excuses, but there's been a lot of stuff going on lately.

Since this past Christmas, my MIL had a very mild heart attack. This lady is very close to Tara, and I have to say that she's the sweetest lady that one could have for a mother-in-law. So we spent 2 weeks down there with them and help out around the house. After we left, she had an appt and found out that 70% of her arteries into her heart were blocked. Surgery is basically the only option.

Rewind a bit to my FIL. He's been fighting cancer for years, but it's gotten progressively worse the last year or so even with chemo and pills and exercise. Sadly, the combo of pills and the severity of the tumors basically makes him useless around the house, which in turn causes more work and stress on the MIL.

So back and forth we go with what to do for the in-laws. At first, I was going to take 2 weeks off while Tara flew down to help with her mom after surgery. Then the docs down there are being wishy washy, so the other option was to come up here and stay with us for 6 weeks while the MIL recovers from heart surgery at United Hospital. My FIL can't fly, so they were going to drive 1300 miles (he can't drive). That's a long trip for healthy, young males like us so I can't imagine what it's like for them.

Today, my FIL was rushed to the hospital from being semi-unconscious and vomiting. Hours after waiting in the ER for no good reason and covered in his own vomit, they come out to tell the in-laws that the tumors are back, they've grown, and they've multiplied. Swelling in the brain has been causing him to black out, pass out, sleep more, etc. His muscles have atrophied, and he can't be left alone. The worst part, IMHO, is that they release him from the hospital and allow my stressed out MIL to take him home.

So that's that. I think he's terminal and going to die soon. I haven't committed to anything this year because I didn't know if I should go anywhere due to the health issues with the in-laws. We're the closest relatives to them, even though they have a large family around here. They always stay with us, we usually visit them at least once a year, and we help each other out when we can.

I'm not going to Zdayz or traveling too far because I want to be close to home in case the dreaded day comes. I will consider going to BIR at the last minute, and I'll always attempt to go out to the car meets or cruises. Basically, it's a day to day thing right now.

Sorry for the long post. I hope this explains my behavior when it comes to getting together or hanging out with you guys. Getting older doesn't get easier. The lesson here is to take care of that temple we call our bodies.

Originally Posted by SmoothZ

http://www.automotorplex.com/

Anyone going today?

Originally Posted by Spork

Dave, sorry to hear the bad news. Just be glad you can share the last moments with them, as my grandfather passed away quickly and I didn't even get to say goodbye or tell him I love him. That hurt me the most...

Time with your in-laws is more important, and I understand if you can't make it to any events due to that. I'd sure as hell put everything aside in the same situation.

Originally Posted by Zivman

Ben,
Trust me, it's better if they go quick and suddenly. My mother died of cancer nearly 4 yrs ago. I wouldn't wish that type of death on anyone.

Originally Posted by Zivman

Ben,
Trust me, it's better if they go quick and suddenly. My mother died of cancer nearly 4 yrs ago. I wouldn't wish that type of death on anyone.


Dave,

It is hard enough with one person being sick, but two makes it expontentially harder. Stay strong!

Originally Posted by WannabeSS

It was good to see you all there today at the Cars and Coffee. Even with my car being covered in mud from that parking lot, it was still fun lol