last time (and time five).

this is a myspace post I'm posting for everyone... we haven't ttc/temp'd/taken meds since june 14...

As you all more than likely know, my dad was in a pretty bad auto accident this past week.  He was driving, merging onto I-80 and hit a truck in his blindspot.  That truck then sent him into the wall, crashing his van, sending him into the passenger window, and then crushing him between the seats/dashboard.  He broke his pelvis (taking the entire socket of his hip out, leaving "three mushy pieces" his surgeon said) and dislocated his hip. 

In short, my father and I were, at best, estranged.  We had it out a few years ago and haven't been close since.  We had attempted to begin reconciling that relationship, so that we were civil within the past few months.  After the accident happened, I wouldn't say that we were brought horrifically close, but things definately made me think. 

There were several things in his hospital room that were said between the two of us, healing words if I may.  I'm not going to go into detail, as this would make the entire time less special to me, but know that there were at least three occasions where I walked out of his room crying, happy to know that for the first time in my life I felt my fathers love.  It was amazing... eye opening... awakening... yet, I don't know that after all is said and done any of it will have made a difference to him or me. 

I was there every day that he was in the hospital (8 days, btw).  I stayed no less than six hours each day with him... helping him in any way possible.  We had a lot of alone time.  A lot... I just hope and pray it stays with him.

I pray that he finds God through this, and that he continues to realize what a blessing his life is.  I know things have changed with him... as he talked of how he wants to become more healthy in his lifestyle... quitting smoking, wearing seat belts, etc.  He's become (or has been thus far) a kinder, more understanding person... and for those who know my dad that's simply not within his demeanor.

It'll be six weeks before he's out of his bed.  The ortho-doc's originally said 3-4 days post surgery, but after repairing the hip, they've said it'll be closer  in the 4-6 month period before he's able to walk and maintain mobility again.  He's bedridden until nearly August now.  He'll have a lot of time to think and ponder what God has for him in his life.

On a side note...

I'm considering a career change.  If you feel led to pray on that, I'd greatly appreciate it.  Things at work haven't been great for quite some time... and after today having my boss tell me that if I take another day off to take care of my dad that I need to file with FMLA, it was beyond frustrating.  (You can legally take off upto three months without having to file FMLA in IL).

Thanks everybody for your thoughts and prayers for my dad.  There are so many things that would take so long to tell you that make me feel confirmation that he knows HE's there....  (including a medical-induced hallucination??)

~Amanda~

btw-A wrestler named Chris Benoit died today in Atlanta... Eddie's watching the whole wrestling show that's dedicated to his life.  Sad stuff... the news is saying it's a homicide.  (he was killed with his wife and his little boy Daniel, I think he was like five?)  Eck.  :(