Southern Musings: Love My Family

Still trying to figure out what day of the week it is. It was 4 weeks ago today that I decided to go to SC to see my dad in the hospital. In the last 28 days, I've been to SC two times and Omaha once and I've home for 8 of them. It's no wonder I don't know which way is up.
The last 4 weeks have been surreal.
But they have also demonstrated to me how lucky (blessed) I am. I have always known that I have the best husband in the world, bar none. When I talked to my husband about going to SC, he immediately offered to do whatever I needed so that the trip would be easiest for me. Then when the whole family was called when my dad took a turn for the worse, he readily picked up the Imp on his way to SC. Then when it became obvious that my dad would likely survive the weekend, and all my siblings agreed someone should stay with my mom, he offered (yes, offered...didn't have to be asked) to stay with me and work remotely. Wow. If the whole situation wasn't so somber, I would have been on cloud 9 at the generosity of my husband.
By Friday night (2/28) my whole family had gathered at my dad's hospital bedside. Everyone offering to do whatever was necessary. Yvonne and Richie made dinner for everyone (20) Friday night, and then all offering to help pay. There was no "Not me" or "I can't." But definitely, "Whatever needs to be done." And included in that 'everyone' is also the in-laws. How lucky, I've got great siblings who've chosen great mates. Gwyn, especially comes to mind. My brother's widow, she lives in the same town as my parents and is always there for them, and was there for all of us the entire time of my dad's hospitalization. Then there's Tracy, who kept the home front going with 2 active boys, as Brian did almost daily commutes to and from Charlotte. It is so evident that Brian is his father's son. I've heard many stories of siblings back-stabbing each other during difficult times...can't even begin to imagine that. Having 2 doctors in the family, definitely made navigating the medical information easier. I know both Elaine and Mark provided key info for my mom.
The days I was in Sumter after my siblings left town are a blur and run together. Get up, go to the hospital, try to get my mom to go home and rest (which just wasn't happening), go to dinner with Dennis, go back to the hospital, go to back to our room, go to sleep, and then start over. I'm sure the 16 days my dad was in the hospital are a blur to my mom, too. She left only to go shower and get essential things done at home. Otherwise she was at the hospital with my dad. 61 years, and it was clear to all that they loved each other. How blessed am I to have this family.
Not sure what to give my attention to anymore. My garden is growing, but with me leaving again on Thursday I'm hesitant to get too excited and worried the condition of it when I return. My cukes need transplanting. Hoping to have time tomorrow to get that done.
I'm enjoying my time in my own bed. Also glad to be back in moist warm Florida. My skin and nasal passages were suffering in the cold weather and dry, heated indoors.
A few pictures from my dad's funeral.