August 24, 2004

Room Party

A nice feeling in the room on this rainy afternoon. Dad's Norah Jones CD is playing, mom and Jeni are reading, dad is dozing. Martin will be coming in a bit later to spend the night here with dad. Can't remember what has already been reported, but the quick story is that dad has had a shower and a long walk this morning. When the docs told him that he would need to take another walk later on this afternoon, he asked if he could get extra credit for skipping. Apparently, dad could be sent home as soon as Thursday or Friday. This is my last posting and my last full day with dad here at the hospital. Charles, James and I are heading back to Bellingham tomorrow night and then heading to the Vancouver airport early Thursday for our flight to Singapore. I feel so fortunate to have been able to have this time with my family. A month earlier, Charles and I would have had a difficult time leaving our work for so many days; a month later, we would have been in Asia. Now I we can look forward to reading dad's blog postings from Singapore. Can't wait! Thanks once again to everyone for your outpouring of support and love. It has helped keep our family afloat through these difficult weeks and will continue to support dad as he navigates these strange, new waters. Posted by Dani at August 24, 2004 05:29 PM

Dear Dani - What a blessed gift your presence has been these past weeks. We wish you a safe journey and all the best to you and Charles and James. Travel with love and lightness in your hearts as you know all will be well here. You have all done a magnificent job of supporting each other.
Lovingly, Cheryll

Posted by: Cheryll Blair at August 24, 2004 08:05 PM

Dear Dani,

Many thanks for your many entries and updates. I'm so glad you were able to be here. Divine intervention, it would seem.

Wishing you and your family safe travels and a great year in Singapore. It's always a delight to see you. I'm looking forward to tales of your adventure. God's speed.

Love,
Nancy

Posted by: Nancy Kennell at August 24, 2004 08:38 PM

Dani it was so wonderful to see you the couple times at church and we both wish the three of you well in your next journey. I am also very happy that you were able to be with your father over this difficult time. I know he will be just fine and I am sure you know that the church family will be there for both of your parents and will also keep all of you in our prayers.

Posted by: Carol Garguile at August 24, 2004 09:41 PM

Have a wonderful trip Dani and Charles and James. Your physical presence here will be missed but tales of your exploits will be legion I am sure. We promise to take good care of your folks.

Posted by: Janet at August 24, 2004 10:15 PM

Dani,

I'm glad that Charles and you were able to be with your dad him and your family before you leave for Singapore. It sounds like he's doing splendidly. I enjoyed your blog postings! Have a great trip and a good life in Singapore. It should be a great adventure for James.

Love to all,
Cousin Amy

Posted by: Amy McClellan at August 25, 2004 05:05 AM

Dani,

It was so good that you and Charles could be here to support dad and mom. We thank you for your timely updates. Wishing you Charles and James safe travel. Have a great year.
Love and Peace
Larry & Barb

Posted by: Larr y & Barb at August 25, 2004 09:31 AM

Donel- What a devoted and loving family you have! We have been blessed to have this wonderful daily report. Glad you're doing well. Ah, listening to Nora Jones. I remember how special having my music when I spent 38 days in the hospital with open heart surgery. Dani and Charles may your trip to Singapore be safe and may with your work there be blessed. I will keep checking here from time to time.

Posted by: Bob Hempel at August 25, 2004 10:21 AM

Dear Donel, Marilyn and family, It is so WONDERFUL to hear daily of your progress and family support. Those of us who have been there know how tough it can be. So we will keep praying and sending hugs. We hope you can start to relax and let the healing take place.
With love and hugs, Mary and Michael

Posted by: Mary Chaney at August 25, 2004 10:40 AM

Dear McClellans: You have all been very much in my thoughts recently - and now that I have the blog address, I can tell you so! I am glad that things seem to be going as well as can be hoped for - I'm sure the relief of getting through the surgery and the first few days of recovery is huge, as well as the realization that the road ahead is filled with unknown twists and turns.

It was wonderful to have some (all too brief) time with D, C & J yesterday. Dinner in the hospital cafeteria - tres chic! James has grown so much - Jay & I were amazed. I can't believe that tomorrow you will be winging your way to Singapore for a whole year! With all that is going on in your lives, we were so thankful to be able to spend some time together before you go.

Donel - you have been in my thoughts basically all the time lately. I have been recalling the many times you & Marilyn welcomed me (and later Jay) into your home, the times I was faced with a problem & you offered good advice, lots of wonderful meals around your dining table & playing games around that same table and, of course, my & Jay's wedding when you performed that beautiful ceremony. Little did I know when I first met D 22(!) years ago over a bowl of guacamole in an Oxy dorm room, that her family would become so important to me over the years. I am holding hope in my heart for a speedy recovery and health and strength -

Erika

Posted by: Erika at August 25, 2004 11:25 AM
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