Moment by Moment, Each is a Gift

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Yesterday wasn't the best day, but it wasn't the worse day either. One thing I have learned standing by my Father's bedside (in the ICU at the hospital) is that there are good moments and moments I wished didn't have to happen.

Sometimes he has a pinch of pink in his cheeks and though he is far from better I see a glimpse of my Father behind the medication, and tubes. It reassures me, gives me hope…In those moments I start talking nonsense to my Brothers and we tease our Father. We feel relieved, like children caught in the moment.

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Then in a blink of an eye, my Father's heart races though his feet are standing still. His face twists in pain and his mouth mumbles the rosary as a way to stay focus and centered from the dark hole of agony.

It is these moments I wish I could share his pain, or wake us from this bad dream of reality, or exchange this moment for another place and time. Maybe one where he is riding his Harley, or milking the cows, or wading in the ocean at Wage's Creek…

those memories bring healing to the pain of suffering I see my Father bravely enduring.

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My Father in these moments that are good and not so good has said, "Patience is a virtue, and the sooner you have learned this virtue the simpler life is. Patience, to accept the moment as it is and let it be, and ride with it…it makes life a whole lot easier to deal with."

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Thank you for listening and for being by my side. It adds grace, and courage to my heart in need.

       



Comments

117 responses to “Moment by Moment, Each is a Gift”

  1. My prayers continue non-stop…

  2. Corey, I hope your father gets feeling better soon, that any pain passes quickly. continued well wishes from me as well!

  3. Hi Corey, I have been a lurker for some time, but I now want to send my best wishes to your Father for a speedy recovery. Men of his era have True Grit & I am sure he is using every ounce of strength to win the fight. My thoughts are with you & your family.
    Jenny (Melbourne, Australia)

  4. so wise your father! I wish his pain will go out. Courage mon ami! A big hug

  5. My heart absolutely goes out to you. Still praying!

  6. Corey.
    As profound as it is difficult to accept.
    rel

  7. Dearest Corey… I have just caught up on your father’s illness. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Nel x

  8. Bless your hearts! Still sending up prayers for you all.

  9. Blessings and much love and many prayers to you.
    Love Jeanne

  10. I can’t imagine anything worse than having to watch those you love suffer. Hold onto those happy memories as you go through the dark spots; they are little beacons of light. Keeping your dad tucked in my prayersleeve.

  11. I hold you in my heart and prayers together with your family and most of all your Father. Blessings Barbara

  12. I have tried calling you but I guess that each time you are still at the hospital. Please know that I am thinking of you and yor father and that I have not stopped praying.
    love “Eva”

  13. I hold you in my heart and prayers together with your family and most of all your Father. Blessings Barbara

  14. Thinking of you and your family and adding my wished for your Dad’s speedy recovery.
    Darla

  15. Thinking of your family and keeping you in my prayers

  16. Keep the faith Corey….

  17. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of love is sent to you.

  18. I keep hoping your Father is getting better. This must be a terrible time for you and your family and I’m glad knowing you have so many people thinking and praying for you helps 🙂
    Love Ria xxxxx

  19. We are here, indeed. Much love going to you and your entire family.

  20. Your beautiful though sad words say it all and I’m transported back to 1976 when I flew home to England to be at my Dad’s hospital bedside. I know just what you are going through. I know your dear Dad is loving that you’re there to help him through the times of pain – hanging on to every word you and your brothers say to keep him fighting the good fight.
    Make sure you get your rest too Corey – days at a hospital are so hard and wear one down fast.
    Blessings to you all – our prayers continue.

  21. It is so good that you are able to be there with your Dad, and your family at this time.
    I’m sure it makes George feel better too..!
    Thinking of you all..
    hugs
    xx

  22. Corey,
    I’ve been enjoying your blog site for a month now without adding a comment. I’ve now shared the excitement of young love as well as the pain of an aging and ill parent. Lurking seems inappropriate…I’ve been praying for you and your father. I’m sure it is an amazing thing to you to know so many that you have never met are praying for your family, but its just as amazing for me to join in those prayers for someone I’ve never met. God is Awesome.
    Toni

  23. What a blessing you have to have each other…sending light.

  24. Corey,
    I am here listening, everyday.We all are..the power of prayer must be immense around your Father:)
    Every minute, that your father and your family is entering my mind…quite often…I am thanking God for healing him…thank him…he will be healed..
    laughter is the best medicine and you are right, revisiting memories…
    sorry to ramble, this isn’t making much sense, but i just needed to say something that i have been feeling.
    take care and God is with you of course:)

  25. It must be great comfort for your dad to see you by his side bantering with your brothers. I’m sure he sees you as children again.

  26. My prayers continue daily, thank you for takeing the time to let us all know how things are going. I DO wish I had a magic wand, but that is silly, when the real power is prayer, faith, and love.

  27. Corey,
    I am sorry.
    Just wanted you to know my thoughts are with you and your family.
    Shawn

  28. My thoughts are with your Father, you and your Family.

  29. I’m sorry to read about your father’s situation, Corey. He’ll be in my prayers– as will you. Life is such a mysterious process, isn’t it?

  30. Still praying!!!
    God bless.

  31. Corey,
    My thoughts and prayers remain with your family. I am sorry to hear that George is in so much pain. He is truly a wonderful, loving man and this breaks my heart. Please give your mom a strong hug for me and tell her that I think about her every day and that I love and miss her. If there is anything, anything that I can do. Please do not hesitate.
    I hold all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Love
    Holly

  32. You remain in my thoughts. Stay strong…and I know you will. You are able. God bless & keep you through all of this. Sharing a (((hug))).

  33. “We feel relieved, like children caught in the moment.” – That line jumped out at me; it’s such a perfect description. I’m thinking of you everyday. xoxo

  34. Elizabeth Meredith

    God bless you all and grant your father some relief from his pain. He is saying the rosary so I know he is a man of faith whom God loves.

  35. awwwww…I know that feeling well chica:( watching our loved ones in pain,wanting it to go away, feeling helpless, clinging to those in between moments of laughter..hang in there..I’m here for you, ALWAYS here for you! You & your family have been heavy on my mind since I heard of your papa being sick. Sending lots of love` sending lots and lots & lots of prayers……….xoxoxoxox!

  36. Corey you drift into my prayers like a lovely sweet song. A devoted song just for you, just for your father, just for your family. A dear true song that I am singing over and over to the Savior on your family’s behalf.

  37. You are daily in my heart…thank you for posting such heartfelt messages to us; I’m glad you know and are comforted that we are here for you.
    **hugs** Please rest when you can, Corey.

  38. julie christie leary

    Take care,friend.

  39. Besides the hundreds who are posting, there are many more reading and silently praying.

  40. Ellen Cassilly

    I’m so glad that you are able to be there with him and your family. I’m sure that you are a great comfort to them. Such a wise man. Learn as much from him as you can while he is here. I will keep all of you in my constant prayers. Ellen

  41. Corey, my thoughts and prayers are with you.I understand your words. The drifting between the laughter and the tears. Watching and waiting is so hard. Seeing your Dad in pain sends us back to days when we look to our Dads for wiping away the tears from our bruises. Now, it is so hard not to able to kiss away his pain.
    I’m praying for all of you, and hope your Dad soon gets to drink his cold beer,and is back home with his family. I wish I could pop over with a big pot of soup to warm your soul. I’ll have to settle for good thoughts.

  42. We all love you, Corey, and your dear father, too!

  43. We are with you for a simple reason.. we love you!
    Big hug*
    Suzanne

  44. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your father must be a lovely man; kind of heart and wise of soul.

  45. Prayers ascending and healing light, love and comfort to you all. You will stay in our thoughts and prayers.Take good care of yourself as well.

  46. I’m standing by you my friend!
    xo
    C

  47. Wish I could do more, but I keep your dad (and family) in my thoughts. Hanging in here with you, Corey.

  48. I pray that some of his pain may be taken away and that nature works quickly to heal. Kisses and hugs to you dear Corey.

  49. Awww Corey, we are here if you need us… Blessings and courage to all of you. And my LOVE to you my dear.

  50. Corey, we are all right there beside you. Wishing your Dad has fewer bad moments and ever increasing better health. If you feel that warm feeling every once in a while, that is us, hugging you in our thoughts. I am still sending many prayers.

  51. Hi Corey,
    Thank for updating us on you and your dad.
    Sometimes we should have patience,but it’s very hard. Your dad sounds like such a wonderful guy, even when he is sick.
    I was thinking about him yesterday, and picturing him with his cold beer.
    Take good care, thinking about you.
    Rosemary

  52. Hello Corey,
    Hang in there.. a few years ago my mother had open heart surgery and it was the hardest week in my life, standing by her side as she struggled to recover. You and your family are a blessing to your father and your presence, I know, is reassuring and healing to him.
    Stay strong,
    ~Abbie

  53. Corey, I tried to email you but alas your mailbox is full….I was not surprised.
    Please know you are surrounded with arms and wrapped in love and silent thoughts/prayers. I have been where you are…many times…the knowing I was being held up just by the words of so many, got me through to the next day.
    With love,
    Lisa

  54. Sharing your father’s Wisdom with us, adds to our days also. Don’t feel you are the only one, on the receiving end… during this time.
    Strength to you…
    Mari-Nanci

  55. Best wishes Mr. Amaro.
    P.S. Your daughter is amazing, but I’m sure you knew that already.

  56. Dear Corey, there are moments in life were all we can do is hang on. We do not know how we do it or how long we can. But after it is all done, then we look back and see how the Lord had carried us, given us strength to get through each moment. I am still praying for both of you. Love Clarice

  57. Yes, still here by your side.
    x…x

  58. I’m praying for you all.

  59. Dearest Corey…I know this is terribly hard for you and your family. There isn’t much I can say that will help, but you are such a dear sweet person…when you hurt we hurt. It never EVER ceases to amaze me …this blogging community we all share. I had no idea when I started a blog, how deeply I would be connected to so many others. In this moment of such touch and go with your beloved Dad…I send you peace.

  60. Oh Corey,
    My heart feels for you. It is not easy to see someone you love in pain. May the Lord grant you strength and may you and your Dad feel his loving presence. Say hello to him for me and let him know that I am thinking of him.
    Love,
    Lorene

  61. we are there for you as you would be for us. please know you are all in my thoughts…and ask your dad if he got that beer. 😉

  62. Will continue to pray. Wish i could do something more ‘tangible’ but i know the love and care of God is way more than i could ever do.
    more gentle hugs and love
    laura

  63. I am praying for your dear father.

  64. still here, with you in my thoughts….

  65. Corey, I’m still here sending prayers and hugs to you, your Dad and family.

  66. You’ve got a whole lot of people rooting and praying for your family, including me.

  67. I’m staying near in thought and prayer.

  68. sending healing prayers to your father…and sending you all peace and light as you walk on this current path…

  69. Corey,
    You have a grace and eloquence that must make your Father very proud. I am certain that just having you at his side brings him great comfort.
    Please know that there are many people keeping you and your family in their thoughts and prayers.

  70. Love, patience, peace, and more love to you and all the family.
    bises
    Colette

  71. Tamara Giselle

    Dear Corey, I have been gone a few days and when I checked in today I was so saddened to hear the news of your father’s illness. Not exactly the way you want to come back home is it? That plane trip must have been agony. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you be encompassed in a circle of strength and love.

  72. Hi Corey. I sat by my father’s bed a little over a year ago like you are now. It’s hard I know. I hope that your dad heals soon and is able to go home. I’ve copied out his good advice about patience and I’ll hang it up near my desk. You’re in a special place there with your dad and your family. Hospital stays and healing can be hard and tedious but there are special moments I wouldn’t have wanted to miss ..mixed in with the ones I’d like to have wished away. Here’s hoping for fast healing for your dad!

  73. Country Charm

    Corey,
    Wishing your Dad a speedy healing….my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you wait…..Betty

  74. Corey, thanks for updating us as time allows – I continue to pray for God to supply all your (yours and your family’s) needs.

  75. may our Father come close to hold you all in his loving arms…and give you strength…hugs, rebecca

  76. Continued prayers, healing thoughts, hugs and a telepathic delivery of ice cold beer on their way Corey.

  77. Living in the moment is definitely an art. You seem to have mastered it. Or at the very least you are practicing it. I admire that. Your Father must be very proud of you. I know he loves you and I’m sure he’s glad to have you by his side.

  78. Be brave Corey, my heart goes out to you.
    Much Love
    Di
    xo

  79. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Corey. God Bless

  80. Oh, Corey, it all came back to me. Please know that thoughts from every where, prayers for your journey in this thing to be soft and gentle, do actually make a difference. For you father I send a hug because, even though I do not know him, I feel as though I really do. I hope you can feel that.
    b

  81. Not an easy time, Corey. I’m sorry.
    I have been through similar situations with my mother.
    Make sure you are taking care of yourself as well as caring for your family.
    Hugs to you. Karen

  82. Corey – This brings back so many memories for me…standing by my dad’s side in the icu, holding his hand – wishing neither one of us was there. . . trying so hard to be strong for him and he in turn was trying to be so strong for us.There are manuals for everything in the world you would ever want to know but nothing to warn you or teach you about this part of your life. I am so happy I had that time (bad as it was) to just sit with my dad and tell him how much I loved him and what a wonderful father he had always been to me. When the time was near and he was so in pain, I did something I thought I could never do – that was to pray to the Lord to please take him so he could be out of pain. God does answer prayers…I think my dad was waiting for us to release him. Hugs to You. Caren K.

  83. Holding you up in prayer. The rosary, I’ve found, is a powerful meditation. I never used to get it. Not enough patience, I think. I’m bringing mine to the hospital tomorrow as we wait for Mom to get out of surgery.~~Dee

  84. Corey,
    You are in my heart and prayers…as is your father and whole family.
    Been at the awful place of waiting and watching with my grams who was my whole life and ….well, I can say it’s really not easy for the patient or the family member.
    My faith and hope is in the Lord who has the power to heal as well as to give courage and strength during the awful times.
    I send my love to you xxxooo

  85. Best thoughts for you and your family,Corey, I wish you much courage and hope better days will come soon. xoxo

  86. Corey,
    I would do anything if I could to make things better.
    I can only do small things to try and help ease the pain.
    I go in and out of your blog several times a day
    just to read what others have to say.
    I have to tell you how simply amazing… YOU are!
    And what your blog has done for all who read it.
    Not only for myself, but I see it coming from everyone.
    You give people the power and the courage to write
    things. We are able to write about sad things and
    retrace and go over our feelings. We are able to write
    about happy things that have happened to us in our lives
    and rejoice in the memories.
    You are truly an outlet and huge support to all of us
    and it shows that you are loved and trusted
    and respected by each and everyone of us.
    Thank you for the courage you give us.
    It is truly a gift!
    My prayers are with you
    be kind to yourself.
    We love you!

  87. I feel so much for you & your family. The last time I visited an ICU was to say goodbye to my comatose brother as they took him off life support.

  88. Your father is a fighter, that is for sure. As someone said there are no manuals for this type of thing. YOu can only follow your heart and your father’s lead. He will let you know what he needs and you will gladly provide.
    Thanks for opening up your heart and allowing us on this journey with you. It can help others.
    Peace and prayers coming from the Illinois heartland.
    – Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife

  89. Sending healing thought your way…

  90. Patience/patient – is it really a coincidence that those two words are root bound together? Your father is a wise man – and I think the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree either, dear wise Corey…
    Adding my prayers to the many others here and around the world for your dad, for you and your family, for there to be more and more of those pinkcheeked moments, and less of the ones that try the patience of the patient and his loved ones…xOx

  91. You and your father are in my prayers.

  92. Bossy just got caught up with your news and is very very sorry. Best of strength and warmest wishes.

  93. Hi Corey,
    I’ve been away for a week and just found out about your father. I’m so sorry that you all are going through this. Your father certainly is a fighter with a heart of gold. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there!

  94. I am sending you and your Daddy love and healing thoughts.Thanks for updating your blog and let us know how his health evolves.

  95. Still listening, still by your side. May all the prayers of those you have touched with your eloquent posts give your father, and you and your family strength and comfort.

  96. Corey,
    I continue to lift you and your father in prayer. He will give you courage, hope, strenght, and love each day.
    blessings

  97. Dear Corey – patience… yes patience – wishing you the good moments – and we will help to carry the difficult ones – what to say… love is so big – and yours is even bigger – here we are…
    xox- eb.

  98. I just found your blog through The Inspired Room posting— My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  99. Dear Corey,
    Continued prayers for you and your family…he is so lucky to have such a caring bunch to look out for him.
    Christine

  100. Corey,
    Your father and family are still in my prayers. Wish I could give you a comforting hug. Know you are all loved so much.

  101. Until now, I have always been a “lurker” and derived such joy reading your fun and beautiful blog. I wanted to say though that your father and you and your family are in my prayers. Hugs.

  102. Dearest Corey; Tonight I was reading your Avo’s story….your fathers Mother,she speaks of the stay she had in the hospital with her father,”We slept in a large beautiful room. My bed was by the window. My father and I became very close because of that experience together.Each night we would pray together. It was along walk from the hospital to home,but I was the messenger for news and I had to keep a’going”. they are all in the cloud of witness,I believe sending love healing and strengh to you George,

  103. Hi Corey,
    I am in Long Beach, CA now…not sure where in California you are…but if I can be of any help whatsoever, write and I will be there if I can.
    If nothing else, a hug to you and yours. Tell your Dad to remember to breathe.
    Tamara

  104. Marie-Noëlle

    Late though I am, I can feel with you…
    A can of beer , a bucket of milk, … I am ready to get any beverage that could make your father feel better…
    Thinking of him, of you and of your lot !!!

  105. Your father’s strength, inspiration, humour in the face of trial and deep love are virtues that runs in you, and the reason why we love this blog, thinking of you.

  106. Hi Corey,
    The best and only thing one can do is just to be there, the nearest and dearest are the best comfort for anyone in pain. You and Your father are in my thougths.
    hugs
    Liisa

  107. Hi Corey,
    I have been reading your blog for months but have never sent a message. I wish to add my best wishes to your Father for a speedy recovery…all the loving thoughts & best wishes that are coming your family’s way must be creating a big worldwide hug!
    Jenny (Melbourne, Down Under)

  108. Hi Corey,
    I have been reading your blog for months but have never sent a message. I wish to add my best wishes to your Father for a speedy recovery…all the loving thoughts & best wishes that are coming your family’s way must be creating a big worldwide hug!
    Jenny (Melbourne, Down Under)

  109. Hi Corey – I wish I could come stand with you by your father’s side. I have been in a similar situation and so totally understand. I will continue to keep your father and your family in my prayers. Marva

  110. oh, I can’t imagine what you are going through! May peace and strength be with you all! (((HUGS)))

  111. we’re here corey. still sending every good vibe we have to you, your father and your whole family. it’s a trying time, and you are in my thoughts and those of all of your friends – those you know, and those you don’t!

  112. Corey,
    I see where you get your wisdom from. Keeping you close to my heart.

  113. I am sending love and light your way. Words seem inadequate, but I’m borrowing a few of Mark Strand’s and sending them your way, as well. Blessings, Corey.
    Even this late it happens:
    the coming of love, the coming of light.
    You wake and the candles are lit as if by themselves,
    stars gather, dreams pour into your pillows,
    sending up warm bouquets of air.
    Even this late the bones of the body shine
    and tomorrow’s dust flares into breath.

  114. Funny how our thoughts turn to the power of God and His impact on our lives when there we are troubled. If only we would see Him there lifting us up and protecting us in our every day lives, perhaps we would be more apt to have a personal relationship with Him. You and your family are in my prayers. May the great Physican heal your father and strengthen you. And may all of His help lead you want to know him more!

  115. i can only respect your tolerance during these long lonely hours in a plain seat!
    i wouldn’t have! and for sure would have taken care of removing the gasses including their owners right into an abandon corner of the plain… making sure they would remember this particular flight as well!
    where are descent manners and respect to be found these days??!
    just discusting!

  116. (((Corey’s daddy)))
    🙂

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