It's been a little hectic...

I haven't had much time lately to cook, let alone take pictures and blog what I do get a chance to cook. Our family has been in a bit of an upheaval as of late... It seems like one thing right after another. That is a picture of my dad, he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer that has spread to his brain a little over five months ago. Since then, he has been in and out of chemo and radiation treatments, and doing quite well. Recently, during a routine CT scan, they found three blood-clots in his lungs... They are now treating him for that. He's doing better than the doctors expected, they are really happy with the way the lung cancer has responded to treatment. If all that wasn't enough for my parents to deal with, on Thursday, they had a house fire. The fire didn't destroy a lot, but the smoke destroyed everything in the house. There was nothing that could be cleaned or salvaged. Luckily, with insurance, the house will be fixed and everything replaced. It will take 4 - 6 months, and they will have to stay in a rental property for the duration. Right now they are staying with me until they get settled somewhere. My mom fostered stray cats, and we don't know where the poor little angels will go, as they can't stay in the house, and I cannot have pets where I live :( My parents next-door neighbors were so amazing, stepping up to help my parents after the fire, letting them into their house and giving them coats and blankets and boots. We had other neighbors offer them a room to stay that night. It's really nice to see people step-up and be so giving in the middle of the night, in the middle of winter, instead of staying asleep in their warm beds. I think the next things I make will be some thank-you goodies for their awesome neighbors! I'm sure that will be the next thing I blog about when I find some time.


~No man can worship God or love his neighbor on an empty stomach - Woodrow T. Wilson~

~I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor. Do you know your next door neighbor? - Mother Teresa~

~When God wants to speak and deal with us, he does not avail himself of an angel but of parents, or the pastor, or of our neighbor - Martin Luther~

~Your neighbor is the man who needs you - Elbert Hubbard~

~The love of our neighbor in all its fulness simply means being able to say to him, "What are you going through?" - Simone Weil~

~The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping had of a neighbor - Hubert H. Humphrey~

22 comments:

Malar Gandhi said...

Oh that sounds awful! But good, Dad is showing signs of improvement! Yeah....good to know they had helpful neighbours!

Cynthia said...

Hon, I cannot believe that you have been dealing with so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Take good care. I'm sending lots of love and hugs.

Yasmeen said...

It takes immense patience to see your loved one going through so much pain and misery.My prayers and best wishes are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I love you all and have been thinking of you over the past few days (and weeks!). I hope we all get a chance to visit when I come this week. Please let me know how I can help!

Sum Raj said...

thank god ur parents are safe and good to have lovable helpful ppl near by...take care and everything will be ok...

Sunshinemom said...

The situation brought out the fact that you are surrounded by loving people and that should make it so much easier for your Dad when he is going through this tough phase! Wish him all the best for his treatment - good to know that he is responding well! I am sure he will love a few hugs from a distance too, so give him a few from me:) Take care, and stay brave - Chin up girl!

anudivya said...

I hope you find the strength to get through all this. It is a lot of things to handle, I hope it all gets better. Stay strong!

Dori said...

~ Thank you everybody, for your encouraging words and support!

~ Cindy, Thanks for stopping by and I hope I get to see you while you're here... We can do some yoga :)

lubnakarim06 said...

First of all a big bear hug to you dear. I like the positive approch you are showing in this odd time of the life. My prayers are with you and your family. Be strong and be positive. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Hi Meeso,
How deeply moving..!I am sorry to hear about your dad but glad he`s doing ok.I am very glad to learn that in this time and era the goodness of people shows in such shining colors in a moment of truth!It is an uplifting reminder of what is truly important,as we close the year and set our values straight for the upcoming year..!
Take care & God Bless
Mia

maimoona said...

You are going through a lot my dear!.I can very well understand the pain we feel wen something wrong happens to our parents. Its good you r near them and can support them.
May God give u and your parents enough strength and patience to win through this situation. My best wishes are with u and ur family.

Anjum said...

Hi meeso,its good tht ur dad is improving...i was really sorry to raed abt the housefire...but mashallah u have lovely lovable people around u...may allah give u strength n patience...

Laavanya said...

Meeso.. am sure it has been hectic for you and worrying too.. but so glad to read that your dad is doing well and recovering quickly. Also, good that the fire wasn't too serious.. we have to hang on to the positive aspects when things look grim. Take care.

Navita (Gupta) Hakim said...

Hey Meeso, sorry to hear about ur dad's cancer n the house-fire. Glad all are safe and doing well. Take care dear and now i know why u were missing here.
I will include your father in my prayers.
xoxo

Dori said...

Thanks again, everyone, for all of your supportive words!

delhibelle said...

sending love and prayers your way, girl..take care and stay strong. Hugs

Arabic Bites said...

Hi meeso,
our prayers and best wishes are with you and your family.

zainab & meedo

Cham said...

So many to deal with... Wish a Very good Health and strengh to ur dad, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year :)

vidhas said...

It is happy to know that your parents are safe. Will pray God that Your father's health should improve. Good to know that your parents had helpful neighbours. Take care , Happy New Year

Mediterranean Turkish Cook said...

I am sorry to hear about your dad, but happy that he's doing better than the doctors expected.
Your parents are very lucky to have such helpful and reaching neighbors. I wish you and family all the best during this difficult time.

Uma said...

ooh, sorry to hear about your dad Meeso! Thank god your parents have some helpful neighbors. Hope everything goes well. Take care!

Viji said...

My best wishes to your dad for his speedy recovery Meeso. It is very difficult to digest but don't worry, God will always support us in some form. Take care my dear. Viji