God is Calling You Home, Ice Iowa

It's with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart that I write this entry. After what seems like an eternity of ups and downs, a plethora of revolving doctors, more time spent in hospitals than any of us ever wanted, the final tests are in.

Dad's primary doctor and current neurologist reviewed the results of the EEG and they show a slowness of the entire brain - not just the hemisphere where the stroke occured. They feel this means that he will not get any better than he is right now. They are recommending hospice for him. Once in hospice, he is likely to pass by the week's end.

It's hard to describe the mixed emotions we have at this point. We're SO sad - a deep sadness that you wonder if it will ever go away. We're worn out from the emotional roller coaster. We're worried that Dad will pass after we've gotten to Russia. We're disappointed that Mia will never meet her grandfather, Ice Iowa. We mourn for all the ice cream and fun that Sasha will miss with his Ice Iowa. We are selfish - we had wanted him to be with us for a long, long time. We're relieved that his struggle, a struggle we know he would never have wanted, is almost over. We're comforted knowing that Mom is waiting for him ... with Nibbles, Snickers Platt, Calvin the Lovebird and Casey Christensen.

God is calling you home, Dad. May you find peace on your journey and know that you are so loved by so many.