To My Dear Readers:
In past posts, I’ve written of a loved one with cancer. Wanting to keep my terms vague so as to avoid violating any privacy my loved one desired, I’ve recently been released to tell you that he is my father. My dad was diagnosed with melanoma January 7th, 2011 and I’m very sorry to say that he will pass within the next few weeks.
I can’t express the deep love, pride and devotion I have for him; and it is inconceivable to me that a man who has conquered so much in his life has met his match. He’s an Eagle Scout who can boast of a wealth of knowledge from home construction to government matters; an accomplished, intelligent man who served his country in the Air Force and continued as a civilian after his retirement. I’ve never met anyone who walks with such collected confidence in himself and his ability to handle the unexpected. He is noted for saying “Proper previous planning prevents poor performance.”
My dad was devoted to his family. He served my mom and the three of us children boldly and quietly and established a home where we would be safe and happy. I think my brother and sister would agree that our dad held us to a higher standard that motivated us to rise to the occasion. We’ve all wanted him to be proud of us, especially as we’ve become adults successful in the ways he taught us.
I can’t believe that in future trips home, he won’t be there. My strong, steadfast father will be gone, no longer present in the most familiar way but present in the hearts of my family and me. It pains me knowing that my three boys won’t remember him and that my time to enjoy a relationship with him as an adult is truncated. Someone recently reminded me, however, that he’s going where we’re all trying to go and this is the only way to attain Heaven.
I will not be posting consistently for a while, but will return to regular publications when I can. For now, I need to be present to my dad, siblings, and mother. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Please pray for my dad’s soul and that he has a happy, holy death. Thank you.
I’m so sorry, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Praying for you, your family, and your dad. I lost my daddy to cancer when I was 24…before I met my hubby, before he could walk me down the aisle, and before I had my 7 children (although two of my children are in heaven with him now). I feel your pain and I will be praying for you! Peace!
Katie, I’m absolutely heartbroken for you and your family. I’ve never heard/read you say anything but the most wonderful, glowing things about your father. We’ll keep you wrapped tightly in prayer and his soul will be at the forefront of our intentions. God bless you all.
Oh, I’m so sad to hear this. š Many prayers for your Dad and your whole family.
I am so sorry…Please know that I’m praying for your dad and will continue to do so in the coming weeks. Your father sounds like such a special man!
Hey Katie~ Praying for your dad and family Stay strong and in Jesus’ arms of comfort~
>________________________________ > From: The Catholic Wife >To: [email protected] >Sent: Friday, August 9, 2013 10:22 PM >Subject: [New post] Ultima in mortis hora > > > > WordPress.com >Katie Sciba posted: “To My Dear Readers: In past posts, I’ve written of a loved one with cancer. Wanting to keep my terms vague so as to avoid violating any privacy my loved one desired, I’ve recently been released to tell you that he is my father. My dad was diagnosed wit” >
Praying to st Joseph for your dads peaceful happy death. And for you and all of your family. Donna barnard
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This is beautiful, Katie, bring tears to my eyes. He is a strong man, weakened by cancer but fortified by his faith and the love of his family. While your boys will not remember your dad, they will know him through you. You will carry him with you always, sharing his memory with them daily- through his expressions, demonstrations, passions, and love. Prayers for each of you as his suffering ends. Love to you all!
God bless Uncle Bill. Praying for his peaceful passing and for comfort for all of you. Love you guys. So sorry cancer made its way into your lives. Xoxo
Thank you so, much Diana! Cancer has been such a terrible occurrence and I’m hoping we’ll all come away founding our security on Christ. Love you girl – take care!
Katie…I am very, very saddened to hear of your fathers illness. REMEMBER THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET and recite it at his bedside? Hold his hand and whisper all the I Love You’s that you can to him. Stay strong for him and your family, too…but, most of all, lean on Christ hard. He will be there for you and will help carry the burden your heat bears. I will be praying for you. Xx/oO
Donna I don’t know if you’ll get this reply, but I DID pray the Chaplet at his bedside before he passed. Thank you so much for having reminded me.
*heart
May God Our Father and Jesus with Our Mother Mary be with you and your family through this painful time. They love your Daddy and your family and will help you through this time. Liz who loves to read your blog
Katie,
I lost my dad 13years ago to cancer. It seems like it was yesterday. May he have a good Holy Death with his family lifting him to Our Lord. Don’t forget to pray the Divine Mercy nightly in the presence of your father. Our Lord promises mercy and love to the dying if this prayer is prayed. May the angels lead your father to paradise.
We have been keeping you and your family in our prayers. I can’t imagine the hurt and pain you must be feeling now, but I pray that things may happen in the best, least painful way possible.
My Dear Harp…. Prayers will continue to come your way. Stay strong… You are leading a great example of keeping the faith during a difficult time. Love you lots.
My dearest T – thank you so much for your prayers. It’s still so unbelievable but in time we’ll all accept, I think. Take care chickadee!
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Hi Katie,
I just found your blog today through Pinterest ( and I think for a specific reason). Your blog is beautiful and so real! I am so sorry to read about your dad. I will pray for him. If I may, I’d like to share my story with you. I am writing to you from Hamburg Germany. We moved here in January for my husband’s job. I went from recently becoming a Dominican Associate in Il and having taught in Catholic schools in 3 states. I love teaching our Catholic faith. We figured moving in the world and learning about different cultures would be real life learning- everything is so new and has put me in a new place to take a different direction to live faithfully. See, where our stories connect, my family is from eastern NE and my mom passed away from cancer 10 years ago. Being 42, and my children being older, I am in a different place than yours right now. Treasure every moment with your dad. You will carry them with you. My mom’s passing was so much a part of life and has made me a stronger person, even given me the courage to move to Germany. Love and prayers, Teri