07.29.10
South Dakota
Because of a family emergency, I’m here in South Dakota. This is my very first time to visit this state. I had no idea what to expect. Aside from the emergency, I’ve found South Dakota to be very nice. It’s a much slower paced city (despite it’s name–Rapid City, heheh) and the people have been incredibly hospitable from the airport, the hotel, the restaurants, and the hospital. Although I wish that we didn’t have this medical emergency, it seems to be a blessing in disguise because the care my father is getting here seems so much more loving. Loving? Yes, everyone has been so kind and patient and sweet, that I’m glad my dad isn’t in the hands of a rush, rush staff. The quality of care he’s received and the attention given to us has been incredible. The experience has been such that I had to comment. The Bible mentions that in the end times love will grow cold. There’s still love here. . .
Marlakins
patti said,
July 29, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Oh! Is your dad okay?
We LOVE SD! That is one of our all time favorite states! We got to Custer about an hour south of Rapid City to experience BedRock City (home of the Flintstones). Of course, there’s Mt. Rushmore. But one of our favorite traps is Wall Drug.
Mostly we like to go to the western picture shop and get all duded up for our old fashioned shots. We’ve got six of them so far and try to get one every time we take a trip anywhere. Which means always trying to stop at Wall. hee hee. It’s just a good excuse. Love that place.
We looked at moving to Rapid City but Ron decided it was too big for him.
Well, anyways, you just blogged about one of our very favorite places. I do hope your dad will be okay! Were they travelling or was there some treatment there that he could get that he went for?
Hang in there.
patti
Administrator said,
July 30, 2010 at 6:43 am
Hi Patti:
My dad passed away yesterday morning. I have always known it was inevitable that he would pass, but still I have always dreaded the day. Now that it’s here, I’m heartbroken. This week has been very difficult, and so much has happen in such a short time. But I do take comfort that so many people helped us. The people here have been wonderful. The outpouring of notes and emails to our family has been very much appreciated. It’s so nice to know that so many people loved my dad. I know I did. And thank God for so many things and all the wonderful memories he left behind. At first I couldn’t even speak, but now there is sooo soo much to say. Dad is being cremated today, then we can pick up his ashes tomorrow. We plan to take him to Mt Rushmore as that was part of what he wanted to see when he got his stroke. He was on tour. After we take him on that loop of his tour here in S Dakota, we fly home on Sunday. Then to work on his memorial. But yes, of all the places, So Dakota was a good place for my dad’s final days. These people are just wonderful and the land is beautiful. There was even a thunderstorm yesterday, but then blue skies. The air is fresh and my dad lived to the end doing what he loved–traveling and seeing new places and people.
Hugs,
Marla
patti said,
July 30, 2010 at 11:19 am
Oh, Marla! I just sent you an email before seeing this. I’m so sorry! What a shock. I had to stop and reread this. Your family must all be so sad. I don’t think it matters how much we *know* someone we love will pass away some day, when it happens, it’s still so difficult and sad.
It made me smile that you said he was traveling on tour. Living right to the end. That is truly a blessing.
Hang in there. Praying for your whole family.
(((((hugs)))))
patti
Kim Cuadra said,
August 11, 2010 at 1:39 pm
I am very sorry for the loss of your father. What an amazing story of how he wanted to be honored. I am very touched. Blessings to you and your wonderful family. It is good that you have a close family and respect each other so much.
Many hugs!
Kim
Administrator said,
August 19, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Thx Patti and Kim for your kind words and thoughts. Things have been a bit busy here, but I’ve just updated my blog with my dad’s obit. Having a heck of a time trying to get it on properly, and don’t have much time to “fix” it, so it’ll be like that for a while until I can get back to it. Hope the gist of it is legible for now. . .
Thx again, and hugs,
Marla