John Miles

We have set up a Caringbridge site for our 87 year old  father, John P. Miles, so that we can share news, and, more important, so that people who love Dad can have an easy way to send him messages and encouragement and so that he can offer his stories and wisdom.  Dad went on hospice last month, not because he is at death’s door, but because we wanted the palliative, at-home treatment that hospice provides so well.  He will continue to live at West Shores Senior Center in Hot Springs where he has been for a year and a half.   His health and strength vary from day to day, but he still has the same lively spirit and good humor about him.

Dad sends this message: “I decided it was time to enroll in hospice, because I was in a lot of pain and hospice is about helping quality of life not quantity. Besides you get free Depends. They are not as manly as my regular Depends, but they are free!  I had hoped to be healed of pain by a back surgery, but it didn't work.  So I have been feeling discouraged, and I got to thinking, you know, this is the end.  But then I asked myself, 'John, since when are you depending on one human cure and strength?' So I went back and apologized to the Lord. God is my strength. God knows where my cure is coming from.  My final healing will come from the Lord in His own time. I want to tell you, friends, that I am not afraid of death. I have grown to accept it.  For me, life continues in another fashion.  I am not trying to meet it or rush it along. I just want to be ready. I’ve had 87 good years, and the rest is lagniappe!"

Please leave Dad a message here or send him a card at John P. Miles, West Shores Senior Living Community -  #225, 2607 Albert Pike, Hot Springs, AR  71913.  We will make sure he hears every message. Please also come back to read his stories and reflections and offer encouragement.  Thanks for your love and care for our father.  Love, Beka (youngest daughter)