Every Christmas morning our family enjoys a dish called Scrapple. It’s a Pennsylvania Dutch treat made with pork sausage and corn meal, sliced and fried, then topped with real butter. Even though Grandpa Tom hasn’t been able to make it for us the last few years, we still savor our version with a smile, thinking of the tradition he started and we continue.
His 81st birthday is December 28 but the doctors at Mercy tell us he only has a few days left of his life. He’ll be celebrating with my parents in a place free from cancer, kidney disease, dialysis and pain. Today marks his 15th day at Mercy Hospital. Fluid on his lungs and low blood pressure brought him here. It turns out the fluid was filled with cancer cells. He says he is ready because he knows exactly where he’s going and already knows everybody else who will be there.
The nurses here have fallen head over heels for him. He’s so sweet with such manners and thanks them so kindly and sincerely for every little thing they do to provide comfort. When his doctor came by this morning we talked with her about how he has been on dialysis for 16 years. Tim asked her if she ever heard him complain about it. She said absolutely not. He cherished each day and was just thankful to have time with his bride of 58 years and his three children and six grandchildren. Oh – and his fabulously amazing daughters-in-law and son-in-law.
After an incredibly difficult day Thursday making some final decisions, my husband arrived home late at night and we sat together and talked for a long time. Tears rolled down my cheeks as he spoke of the courage his father showed and how proud he was of him. How often do you hear a son talk about being so proud of his father? And Tim has had the opportunity to tell him that and to thank him for all the things he taught him throughout his life.
Now as I walk this road for the first time as a daughter-in-law, I am so proud of my husband and his entire family for the way they are handling this with such grace and love. I’ve been blessed with in-laws who have always treated me like their own child and given so much love and support to their grandchildren. Tyler and Sarah share qualities of their grandfather. I love it when I see it in them as young adults.
During this Christmas season spend time with your family and friends celebrating God’s goodness. In this third week of Advent we light the candle of joy to honor Thomas Ross Hartley for the joy and love he brought to our lives. Well done!