I remember my Uncle Harvey telling me the story that he thought my Dad's name was "Takeherbie" until he was 9, because Grandma Ruth would always say, "Take Herbie" whenever Dad's brothers Phil and Harvey left the house. Well, last night my cousin Cathy emailed me to ask me how it was going, and as I was watching my father in severe physical pain, I wrote back to her that I had just prayed to God that Harvey and Philly would "Take Herbie". This morning when I woke up and went into dad's room I saw the look in his eyes, and as he tried to stand up, I knew that this was it. The brothers are coming just as I asked them to. I immediately called Steve and Leslie who came up with Liora and Noonie. Amy/Angel from hospice, explained to us that Dad is actively dying. She told us what we need to do to make his process as easy as possible. As Amy was speaking , we all noticed that it was the first time in over 12 years that a hot air balloon was going to land in our back yard. We all ran to the porch and chatted with them.Finally, instead of landing the 6 passengers decided to go up up and over our house. I remember Dad, Doug and I taking a hot air balloon ride on father's day one year and we all loved it.
This is so crazy - how can this happen so quickly we asked Amy. She gave us a long explanation that made sense about the tumor putting to much pressure making it difficult for his kidneys and liver to function.
Right now he is resting on his bed and according to Amy, going through 5 stages of something that resembles REM. He is working things out in his mind and enjoying listening to us pretend that we will all be fine after he passes. She told us that we should hang out in his room and talk about our lives as they go on and if he makes a gesture with his face or hands to just exit - Well Leslie was the first one to be officially gestured out of his room. We all so appreciate that you understand that we need to have quite family time and how precious these last days are to us. We will keep you posted as the story unfolds . Love to you all. Suze
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Again, not knowing what to say, but want you to know that we are here, listening, praying.
ReplyDeleteI admire the strength of you and your family. We love you and are thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteGrandpa Al advised my Mom before she married Harvey: Don't break up the brothers. It is a bond few of us will ever understand: fighting over the check at dinner, laughing about anything and everything ... Phil and Herbie meant so much to my Dad. There are no words. They will eventually be together again, laughing aboyt anything and everything ...
ReplyDeleteThe Yalofs of Glastonbury have your family in our prayers.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteWe are here whenever you need us.
With love,
Helaine, David, Carol, Howard, Fay and Howard
Oh, Yalofs! So much love is being beamed your way during this difficult moment, we could end global warming right now if we could figure out a way to harness it into energy. Love, love and more love, Deb
ReplyDeleteHi Suze and the Yalof family:
ReplyDeleteJust heard about the news from Deb and read your immensely touching posts--Amanda and I are thinking of you with love. xxx Tad
Thank you so much for your comments! David we were talking about the don't break up the brothers tonight. We love you all . Suze
ReplyDeleteMy Three Sons-I saw Suze and Marc's wry humor back when we got the black and white postcard... But it is funny, isn't it, that now there are three little ones, three little adorable and mischievious sons, back on the Earth again growing up together.
ReplyDeleteWe send our love your way-
The Phila. Yalofs
Jed, Barb, Jen, and Brett
Suze,
ReplyDeleteI awoke this morning with a feeling of anticipation that in another week I will be up in Vermont to spend a little time with Herb. Sitting on the back deck as we have done so many times in the past exchanging thoughts and as usual, bitching about politics. I now realize that may not be possible. Please try to convey my love to Herb and thank you Suze for the posts and being as honest as you can with all. It surely is the Yalof way. Hugs to mom, and all.
Paul
Paul , I just spoke to dad about you and told him how much you love him. The feeling is more than mutual. He adores you and so do we! I never thanked you for that amazing hand made candle holder - Marc and I LOVE it!!!! You are the best. XXOO Suze
ReplyDeleteThanksgivings at Marion and Harveys before the Macy's parade. We always looked forward to seeing ALL of the Yalofs and have so many happy memories of your family and Phil's also. Our hearts are with you during this journey. Love, Joanne & Sue
ReplyDelete