Saturday, December 22, 2007

On a serious note

In writing this blog I've hoped to amuse, to entertain, and to provoke some thought. In return I get to bring my creative side out to play in a welcoming arena. And I discovered a benefit I never imagined when I began; connecting and caring about people and their lives in so many places.

But today I have nothing to give you: no amusing story, no travel photos, no dream travel destination. Today I am doing something I've never done here. In fact I find it difficult to do at all, whether here or with the people I connect with in person every day. I'm asking for your help. I need your prayers. In whatever form or to wherever your beliefs direct.

Since I last posted, my Dad fell ill and has been diagnosed with a serious brain tumour. I've written about my Dad and how special he is here and here. A few days after Christmas he will begin a tough daily treatment of radiation and chemotherapy. I wish I could be beside him and my Mom on the other side of the country every day of this.

I believe in the power of love, of community, and prayer. Not necessarily prayer to the God of my Dad's Anglican church, that Dad sings in and is a lay preacher for. (But hey, if you share that particular God, great. Dad and He are on a first name basis.) When I pray I can't really say what I pray to, the Universe, Nature, Creation, Love, whatever. But I believe in it. And I ask now for yours. For my Dad. Please.

25 comments:

jmb said...

Voyager I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's illness. I do hope that he will do well with this combined treatment which will not be pleasant it's true. Cancer can be beaten but it's a very tough row to hoe.
My thoughts are with you and your family and I will pray for you and your Dad.
I do hope there will be some time of joy for you during this holiday season.
Take care and thank you for coming over to say hello and leave your kind words.
jmb

Voyager said...

jmb, Thank you so much.

Jocelyn said...

Absolutely. I very much believe in the power of collective thought. So I will do my version of praying for your dad.

I'm so sorry, dear woman.

Rozanne said...

I remember your lovely posts about your father and how much he encouraged you as you were growing up. I'm going to guess that your dad is going to fight this every step of the way, just from the tidbits you've shared about him on your blog.

I'll be keeping keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

Dumdad said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. This must be a very tough time for you all. My thoughts are with you from the other side of the world.

Ian Lidster said...

My dear, dear friend, I am so sorry. Of course prayers go out for your Dad, and also for you and your family. I find you a very special person in both your musings and your zest for life and love.
Be kind to yourself this season and thoughts are with you.

CS said...

Of course, and the perfect use for your blog. All those connections are there for you now. I will be holding you, your Dad and your family in my heart and in the Light.

Carver said...

Dear Voyager, I am so sorry to hear that and your Dad, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. As ever, Carver

Voyager said...

Thank you everyone. I can't begin to tell you how much your thoughts and support mean to me.
V.

Big Brother said...

I'm so sorry about your Dad, though I'm an atheist, I'll still think of him and send out positive thoughts. Hope things will get better.

Voyager said...

Big Brother: Actually, I am an atheist too, or non-theist, or something like that. But I truly believe there is power in loving thoughts, and connection, and collective good wishes. All of which are types of prayer in my view.

All of your kind words bring strength and comfort. And that alone is powerful!

V.

V.

Alda said...

Consider it done.

Please give my very best wishes to your Dad. I'll be thinking of him and will keep you all in my prayers.

xx

Judy said...

You are indeed lucky to have such a dad. I'm not a pray-er, but you and your dad will be in my thoughts (in probably about the same way you pray). May he have the best possible result from the treatment.

Here's a seasonal card for you. Definitely a bit "light" considering your current concerns, but isn't laughter good medicine?

Thinking of you and wanting all that's good for your family -

Wiz

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your father. He will be in my prayers during Christmas mass.

Ruth L.~ said...

Whatever we believe, and I don't always know any more, it doesn't take away the fact that a community of people care for you, and for your father. And all that power, the thought, prayer, love, hope . . . it matters. You and your father are not alone.

pierre l said...

Very sorry to read about your dad; he is in my thoughts on this Christmas say. Mo prayers from here either though I an afraid.
Thank you for the previous advice - I have enjoyed reading Jazz and BB (although I haven't left any comments there yet,

Voyager said...

You are all so kind, to send your prayers, or support in various forms to a family most of you have never met. Thank you.
It has just turned midnight here, December 25. Merry Christmas.
V.

Echomouse said...

I am so sorry. I was stopping in to wish you a Merry Christmas. But considering what is happening with your family, that seems trite.

I will definitely keep your Dad and Mom and you in my prayers. I've got a few fav bloggers on my "send positive healing thoughts" list and you're now at the top.

{{HUG}}

A said...

Oh, V. I am so very, very sorry to hear this. Loving thoughts for peace and healing are speeding their way to you and your dear family.

Voyager said...

Thank you echomouse and Ang.

Jazz said...

Sorry to hear about your dad's illness. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Tons of cyberhugs to you.

Diana said...

I'm very late but no less sorry for what you and your family is going through. How very scary, both the disease and the treatment as well as what the treatment may bring as a consequence. But he is a strong, vital man; well loved and deeply cared for, and that counts for a lot. Quite a lot.

I'm here, of course and as always, should you need anything from an ear to a shoulder to any medicalese-to-English translating or what ever else you need.

My prayers will, of course, be added to all the rest.

I wish you strength and the best that modern medicine can bring.

Coffee-Drinking Woman said...

I'm sorry to hear this. My thoguhts and prayers are with you and your family.

Voyager said...

Jazz and Coffe drinker, thank you for your kind thoughts.

Diana, Thank you, and I may take you up on that medicalese translation service some time.

V.

ryssee said...

Blog surfing today and came across this post. Best thoughts and best wishes to you and your family during this difficult time. I hope the treatments are going well and that you're able to see him or speak with him often.