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A Special Entry - to Dad

10-17-06

 

Start: Isleton, CA

Destination: Antioch, CA

Elevation: 33 ft.

Miles: 24.2

Weather: Sunny, cloudless, windy

 

This is a special entry dedicated to my dad. It's a personal piece to my story - not just my battle with Aplastic Anemia, but my family's as well.

 

After having several seizures as a side effect to the heavy medications I was on for the treatment for Aplastic Anemia, I was Life-Flighted to the hospital and in the ICU for a while. While in the ICU, there was a moment doctors and family weren't sure if I'd be able to pull through. A priest was brought in, and with my Dad witnessing, he read me my last rites. I don't have any recollection of that day, but after I came out of it, the more we talked about it (even years later), the more I learned.

 

When I was laying there, my dad sat next to me, holding my hand - the hand of his "Little Polish Princess." He put a set of headphones on my ears and played a song. It was "Lord is it mine," by Supertramp. Years later, when I found out about this, I listened to that song over and over. I don't know exactly why my dad picked this song, but I can only think it was his way of sharing one last prayer with me - in his own way - in case I decided to walk with God that day.

 

So the words to this song mean so much to me, and in my heart, I know that dad knows just how much. It might always be an unspoken understanding - only because there's really no way to put it into words.

 

The lyrics:

 

I know that there's a reason why I need to be alone...

You show me there's a silent place that I can call my own...

 

Is it mine? Oh, Lord, is it mine?

 

You know I get so weary from the battles in this life...

There's many times it seems that you're the only hope in sight...

 

Is it mine? Oh, Lord, is it mine?

 

When everything's dark, and nothing seems right...

There's nothing to win, and there's no need to fight...

 

I never cease to wonder at the cruelty of this land...

But it seems a time of sadness is a time to understand...

 

Is it mine? Oh, Lord, is it mine?

 

If only I could find a way to feel your sweetness through the day...

The love that shines around me could be mine...

 

So give us an answer, won't you...

We know what we have to do...

There must be a thousand voices trying to get through.

 

Dad, thank you, and I love you...

...Pappy...

posted on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 10:02 AM

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# re: A Special Entry - to Dad 10/18/2006 1:37 PM Kunk(Pappy)

Ditto!!!!!!!!

# re: A Special Entry - to Dad 10/18/2006 3:14 PM Becky Z

How wonderful !!!!!!!! Say I hope Elaine has her good homemade Salsa left for you 2 when you get home... It is just wonderful...she gave me some...theeee best. Looking forward to seeing you when you get home...Hugs and good wishes for you and mom.. Becky

# re: A Special Entry - to Dad 10/18/2006 5:34 PM Kandi

Ok. We are all so emotional now since you're almost done. I needed a good cry. I am so happy you are alive and well, words cannot express. You are and will be an inspiration to more people than you'll ever know. Now get home so we can go out and have a crazy night!! Love ya, Kandi

# re: A Special Entry - to Dad 10/18/2006 6:34 PM Elaine

Wed, eve. We are getting a little more snow.It isn/t supposed to amount to much tho. That was a beautiful tribute to your dad. Thanks a lot for sharing. Our team has been in first place for three or four weeks now. Hope the lick keeps up. Aunt Lois is coming to Pt Neyes also, Will see you soon Love XXXXOOOO

# re: A Special Entry - to Dad 10/19/2006 7:19 AM Neilh

Thank you for your very special story and story of life as well as love. Through your trek across American you have seen far more than most in the world have ever seen and everyone reading these notes are so proud of you and Patty. Godspeed to Pt. Reyes!

# re: A Special Entry - to Dad 10/19/2006 10:58 AM Shopping Buddy

What can you say other than that is a very touching story that brought tears to my eyes. I am joining a very special family and feel very blessed. Thanks for letting me in. Keep putting one foot in front of the other.

# re: A Special Entry - to Dad 10/19/2006 4:46 PM StephenK

What a great tribute. I know your father must feel extremely proud of you and what you have accomplished. And we at AAMDS are so proud too. Thank you again for the sacrifice & gift you and Patty have given to us all.

You are blessed to have parents that support and believe in you (and you have a dad with great taste in music).

You should start to smell the ocean soon. And to use words from a famous San Francisco band - Keep "Truckin".


# re: A Special Entry - to Dad 10/19/2006 7:48 PM MN Seester

Thank you for sharing that tribute. The words to that song are a great comfort and inspiration. Your Dad has been a huge part of this walk, even though he could not personally take each step with you, he was beside you with each step you took. The home support he has given you and your Mom contributed to your success in an immeasurable way. THANKS KUNK I am a lucky SEESTER to have such a great brother-in-law. With you in spirit

# re: A Special Entry - to Dad 10/19/2006 11:04 PM WI Seester

Robin, God had a plan for you, and your mom has paid back our families promise to do "anything" to just let you live. Before the helicopter came, you were in your dad's arms. He was sure that you were dying and he begged you not to "go". Your mom was there watching the hardest, most tender moment she thought she would ever have to bear, listening to your dad say, Robin, please don't go, Please don't do this. I remember exactly where I was that day when your mom called me to say you were in the helicopter and they had to drive. I'm sure the longest drive they've ever taken, and still nothing in comparison to the walk you've just shared. Even though your dad and Adam have not taken every step with you, they have walked the "walk" keeping it all together at home and with the background trail support. You are all an amazing family. You and your mom have given more people courage and inspiration than you could ever know. I am so proud to be part of this family. Love you both and can't wait to see you. SOON

# re: A Special Entry - to Dad 10/22/2006 2:50 PM Elaine

Hi girla. Robn your letter to your Dad must have been read by hundreds of people by the respnse I alone have gotten. They all start outwithDid you read that message from Robin to her Dad? Well not once but at least ten times. It was a tearjerker but oh so beautiful. Thanks again for sharing. Will see you in a week. I think it will be the longest week of my life. but i[ll see you .love XXXXOOOO

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