Day 7 of Bruce's Recovery

August 09, 2009

Today I saw my dad smile and laugh for the first time. It brought tears to my eyes to see him grin from cheek to cheek and chuckle with us by his side. It felt like old times. If any of you really know my dad, you would believe me when I say that he can most definitely laugh and he made it known today.


As I walk through the ICU unit I am reminded of how lucky my dad is to have family and friends in his life. They have come near and far to visit him and help him with his recovery. And although there are many more people who have not seen him yet, they have blessed him with their thoughts, prayers, emails, etc. There are so many people who are lying in their hospital beds without friends and family to support them. I know my dad is grateful for all of you in his life.

I caught myself at different points today, thanking God for all that he has done over the past seven days for my dad. I have had several nurses and doctors come up to me and say that they just can't believe what has taken place with him. There are no words for me to truly express how wonderful it is to be here with my dad, talking with him and holding his hand. I will never go another day without thanking God for truly blessing me. It is a gift that I never thought I could have.


When I have lots of things going on in my life, I enjoy reading poems. The day before my dad pulled out his life support I read this poem. Thinking the unthinkable was going to happen, this poem some how made me feel that we would always be together. So, I thought I would share it all with you and even though the ending is sad, it reminds me that in any situation, me and my dad will be together even though at different times in life, we will be apart.

In Your Heart

Thomas S. Carver

He was so proud of his little girl
It was her very first day of school
He walked with her to school that day
And she held his hand all the way
They walked together quiet and sad
A little girl and her loving dad
Into the school her father led
But he almost cried when she said
Daddy, Daddy please don't go
Don't leave me here all alone
I'll miss you if you go away
And I might need you, can't you stay
Little Daughter please don't cry
You'll be okay so dry your eyes
You have our memories in your heart
We're together though we're apart

He sat up front on her wedding day
And cried as his daughter walked away
Later that night he watched her dance
He sat there waiting for his chance
The band started to play their song
Father and daughter danced along
She looked at him and saw a tear
Then leaned and whispered in his ear
Daddy, Daddy I have to go
I hate to leave you all alone
I'll miss you when I go away
But if you need me then I'll stay
Little Daughter I'll be just fine
I'll love you always you are mine
I have our memories in my heart
We're together though we're apart

She came in his room and kissed his head
Then sat next to his hospital bed
He took her hand and held it tight
And wished he had the strength to fight
They sat together quiet and sad
A daughter and her dying dad
He saw the tears she tried to hide
She looked at him and then she cried
Daddy, Daddy please don't go
Don't leave me here all alone
I'll miss you when you go away
I still need you, you have to stay
Little Daughter I love you so
I want to stay but have to go
I'll always be here in your heart
We're together though we're apart