So grateful for my dad
You might remember that I was in Atlanta with my dad when I posted a month ago, and I’m back here again. I’ve been with Dad and Esta for about week now, staying with them as Dad’s been struggling with continuing nausea and sickness following a stroke and subsequent gallbladder surgery.
Dad had an upper GI last Thursday, and the doctor called us Friday saying the results were in but that she preferred to share them with us in person at our appointment originally scheduled for today. Admittedly, news like that makes your heart skip a tiny beat. But we were able to get an office visit yesterday and I’m so grateful.
Waiting is so hard, isn’t it? Especially when someone you love is hurting.
What we learned is that there’s a stricture in his esophagus. It’s serious, but fixable, with a slight increased risk of another stroke since a patient has to go off of blood thinners for surgery. But the risk of not fixing the stricture is far greater (he’s lost 15 lbs in the past three weeks due to inability to eat or keep food down), so the procedure will take place next week, providing all pre-op tests go well.
I’m so grateful to know what’s going on and to have a plan of attack. And am equally grateful for your prayers. Y’all are the best!
On a writing note, I recently shared the cover of my next book on my Facebook Page and want to share it here too. I really appreciate Harper Collins Christian Publishing for taking my vision for To Win Her Favor, the second standalone Belle Meade Plantation novel, and bringing it to life! They captured Maggie and her gorgeous thoroughbred Bourbon Belle so perfectly. I really love the painterly effect they used, too. What do you think?
To Win Her Favor is the second standalone novel in the Belle Meade Plantation series
To Whisper Her Name is the first
About To Win Her Favor:
A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse be a champion. But the one man who can help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing for good.
An Irishborn son far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He’s come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and start a farm. Yet starting over proves harder than he’d wagered, especially when Maggie Linden’s father makes him an offer he doesn’t dare accept. Yet, cannot possibly refuse.
Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the annual Peyton Stakes at Nashville’s racetrack—the richest race run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance, and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder, Maggie’s father—aging, yet wily as ever—makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail—Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
Cullen and Maggie need each other in order to achieve their dreams. But their stubborn, wounded hearts—and the escalating violence from a “secret society” responsible for lynchings and midnight raids—may prove too much for even two such determined souls.
Jack and I are headed back to Nashville today…
I’m looking forward to the drive, and the time to pray for Dad. Do you enjoy driving by yourself? If you were traveling with me today, would you choose an iced caramel latte (like me at the moment) or a slushy cold Diet DP? And more importantly, is there something you’re waiting to receive an answer to in your life? If so, please share. I’d be honored to pray for you in return.
Much love and wish you were in the car with me,
Tammy
Yesterday, a reader alerted me to these two e-books currently being on sale at Amazon. It must be a sale Amazon is running alone, so who knows when it will end. But the e-books are discounted for now!
Tamera Alexander
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Hi, Tamera!!
I’m so glad that you finally have a diagnosis and solution for your father’s health issues and am praying for his doctor’s knowledge, successful surgery with no complications or surprises, relief from pain, peace, strength, and rapid and complete recovery.
I know, firsthand, how hard waiting can be – I experienced it several months ago when waiting for the cancer diagnosis I received, and am again waiting for a diagnosis of another health issue that has arisen since then. My mother has experienced memory problems for some time now – I felt sure she was experiencing Alzheimer’s, but without a diagnosis it has been easier for her to deny the possibility. At my prompting, we had a consultation with a doctor last Friday whose diagnosis is Alzheimer’s. Denial is no longer an option – my mother has concerns that someone else may have to physically and mentally care for her, yet trusts God to spiritually care for her. I’ve assumed some tasks for my mother, assumed many tasks for my aunt who had a stroke and broke a hip April 2013 and now has 24/7 care from caregivers, and there are times when my brother is out of town and I assume tasks for my father who has stage 4 cancer. However, God has been faithful and blessed me greatly and I trust Him to work everything to my good.
The cover of “To Win Her Favor” is beautiful and I joyfully anticipate reading the book – what an exciting story line!! And a copy of “To Whisper Her Name” is making it’s way to me via Amazon – right now.
I haven’t had the opportunity to travel recently, but having been single for 20 years and loving to travel, have done a lot of driving – alone – and always enjoyed having the time to meditate, pray, listen to my favorite Christian music, and enjoy God’s beautiful world!! While I won’t personally be in the car with you, enjoying the pleasure of your company and that iced caramel latte, during your travel home today – my prayers for safe travels will!! Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration from your prayers, your posts, and your wonderful books – praying God blesses you tenfold!!
Post shared on Facebook!!
Good morning, Tammy! Praying for your father and so happy to hear the diagnosis. Something treatable is always good! Still love the cover of “To Win Her Favor” and thank you for providing us with the synopsis!
Right now, we continue to have car trouble with Erik’s car. We bought it in 2010 after doing research and finding out it was a pretty good car…and between a wreck when someone pulled into his lane, the power steering trying to go out, and now the battery dying, we can’t catch a break this summer! I have been without a car more this summer than I can ever remember, due to Erik taking my car to work. Thank goodness that I now stay at home! But even through all the trials, God has been amazing and we have had some HUGE answered prayers!!
Hmm, if I was in the car with you, I would probably go for either a vanilla bean frappachino or a slushy Diet Coke. Can’t stand the smell of coffee (too many Sunday mornings of Momma doing my hair right after 2 cups of coffee…) and Dr. P is just a little too strong 🙂 God bless you on your drive home! Praying for safe travels!
Hi Tammy. So sorry to hear that your Dad continues to struggle. I’ll continue to pray. Safe travels!
Oh sweet friend! Hoping and praying that they will be able to address your dad’s esophageal issues without any complications from holding his anticoagulants.
And what fun we would have in the car together! I’d love an icy Dr Pepper (the real thing, not diet). Or a Starbucks iced vanilla latte (I would go with non-fat milk). Have a safe trip! And happy early birthday! <3
Why does my comment not go through the first time?! LOL
Hoping and praying your dad’s esophageal issues is treated without complication.
And oh! What fun we would have in the car together! I’d probably choose an iced vanilla latte, although a cold Dr Pepper (the real, non-diet version) is awfully tempting to this Texas gal.
BTW, happy early birthday, sweet friend! Love you!
Why does my comment not go through the first and second times?! LOL
Hoping and praying your dad’s esophageal issues is treated without complication.
And oh! What fun we would have in the car together! I’d probably choose an iced vanilla latte, although a cold Dr Pepper (the real, non-diet version) is awfully tempting to this Texas gal.
BTW, happy early birthday, sweet friend! Love you!
Hi Linda! I had exactly the same problem with “Blogger” yesterday. I made a comment to Judy via Lynn’s Post and it didn’t go through. I kept persisting and by the time I had finished there were six comments from me! I was so embarrassed that I emailed Judy and apologised to her. LOL
Cheers
Rosie
Hi Tam!
So sad to hear about your precious Dad but so thankful he can be treated. I know he will have the best of care, especially as he has such a loving family who are always there for him!
You have my Prayers dear friend. I am travelling with you in spirit!
Please take care.
Love
Rosie
I travel twice a year to visit my sweet 87-year old mom in AR….I know all the Sonics along the way! It’s a good time for praying and list-making! I’ve been where you are with you dad with my mom and always find strength in knowing others are praying for me and for my mom! Be safe and know that I will pray for you and your family! (Can’t wait for the new book–love the cover!) Linda
So sorry for all the pain your sweet Daddy has had to go through. He is such a dear. Thinking of you during your travels home. Wish I could be sitting beside you–we’d make it into quite a journey! As for the drink–in the morning it would be a mocha coffee and in the afternoon, a lemonade slushy, at least in the summertime. Prayers going up for all of you!
Precious Tammy, So sorry I’m super late chiming in, but wanted to say I’ve been praying, and will continue lifting up prayers for your sweet Dad. I hope your drive home with little Jack went safely and smoothly. I know this ordeal has been difficult for your Dad and you, but so glad the doctor went ahead and met with you all yesterday and now has a plan of action.
Again, I am sorry for being so late (had my mammogram today and “treated myself” afterwards with turnip greens and cornbread from Cracker Barrel—I’m southern through and through, LOL). 😉
Please know I am covering you all in prayer, and know the Lord is with you each step of the way.
Much Love, Patti Jo
p.s. SOMEONE has a birthday this Friday!! 🙂
So thankful for the diagnosis for your dad, Tammy.