Dad is HOME!
We have all been awaiting this moment for the last 83 days; it is finally here. Dad was discharged yesterday from Banner Thunderbird to HOME! What seems so ordinary feels like a miracle. I am overjoyed.
Dads journey has been a long one, and while there is still road to be traveled he has overcome the daunting summit that has loomed these past months. Strength is returning along with appetite. The sheer blessing of being in ones home has brought new found motivation and fortitude. Dad will be finishing up some of his antibiotics and antifungals at home with the aid of a home healthcare nurse. He will also continue his physical therapy to overcome the atrophy that hospital life provides. This past week was one full of progress in the strength arena, with his therapist moving Dad to squats and strengthening exercises because walking has become too easy. No doubt this progress will continue from home. The doctors are also happy with the healing state of the remaining lobe of his right lung. This is the closest to a clean bill of health Dad has seen in quite some time.
As I sit on my parents back porch, in the crisp morning air with a warm smooth coffee, birds beginning to wake and the glow of dawn approaching – I feel as though a weight has lifted. As though life may return to a sense of normalcy and grace. A reprieve from these undulating emotions. A return to Sunday dinners filled with sounds of laughing children, retold stories, and most importantly, Dad.
This is truly the upside of down. These are the moments of life measured beyond value. Amidst despair and pain, sorrow and longing, we realize value and beauty in the simple joy of friends and family. I am grateful for the all the love and support given to my family. I am grateful for this beautiful Spring and the smell of orange blossoms. I am grateful to sit and hold and share love with my own children. But today, I am most grateful to sit and share love as a child, with Dad.
With hope and love, and many positive posts to come,
Richard
The Upside of Down - an update on hope, love, and oncology 
Richard, thank you for sharing the positive news.
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Today is a day of celebration to the “Upside of Down”. I’m grateful to learn of this day of victory for Kevin…prayers of continued strength and healing. We love and prayerfully hope for you Kevin and the entire Harless family. Richard, you are a great young man and son any father would be humbled to have. #PressOn #WelcomeHomeKev
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Unbelievably awesome news. Thank you so much for the wonderful posts on your Dad’s progress. Enjoy every moment with him and your family. Looking forward to more good news now that he is home.
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Wow!! When I heard the news I fell to my feet!! Finally, thank you GOD!! To hear those words, He’s HOME just brought tears of joy to my eyes. Stay strong…you got this Kevin!! Love you all!!
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This is wonderful news! Nothing like being in your own bed. Praying for continued healing, strength and recovery. Also sending out a Prayer for the care team as it’s there turn no he’s home.
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What fantastic news! So happy for your family. There really is no place like home. God is good all the time!
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Such wonderful news Richard. Please give your sweet Dad, ‘Warm Blessings” from me. Continuing to pray for him, you and your family!
Donna
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Kevin,
That is fantastic news that you are home. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers that you continue to gain strength and healing. You are a true inspiration of “never give up”!!!
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GREAT news, so awesome to hear! Looking forward to hearing about the great progress Kevin makes in the coming days and weeks!
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This news just made my day! Great to hear that Kevin is home…well before his birthday. Kev – thinking about you all the time….
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What a great way for the day to start. So glad to hear you’re HOME Kevin. Keeping moving forward and make sure to breathe in all that surrounds you. What a blessing! God’s healing power and your determination make the strongest team ever. Prayers of healing continuing for you and your family .
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Welcome home, Kev! Such great news. Here’s to embracing all that is familiar, no matter how subtle.
Thanks for the update, Richard.
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Welcome home Kevin. A great feeling for you and your family. We will continue to pray for you.
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