Today at a little after 12:15 AM on February 12, 2014 I lost the most important and influential man in my life, my dad.
He had been battling cancer for about two and a half years and last fall he took a turn for the worse and in December we engaged hospice to help him (and us) with the final months of his life. We were able to keep him at home and I packed up some things and moved into my parents' house so that I could be here to provide assistance to my Mom and keeping Dad comfortable.
Last week he slipped into an unresponsive state (perhaps a coma, but it was never titled that) and yesterday around 5:30 he started to have pretty ragged breathing. My sister came over to stay with us and Dad's three girls sat in the room with him through the evening talking and laughing and telling tales. At about 10:30 PM, we decided that he had developed a bit of a rhythm and decided to lay down and catch some shut eye. At about midnight, my sister woke up to come upstairs to check on me and Mom woke up to give Dad some medicine. Within about 15 minutes, Mom called us girls down as Dad had taken his last breath. He had been sleeping with his mouth open for days and when Mom first called us down to say our final goodbyes, his mouth was still opened. As we sat there, keeping vigil, his mouth slowly closed and he got the most peaceful, sweet smile on his face.
Within a couple of hours, we had hospice arrive to attend to the final arrangements for us, which was wonderful and just held each other...my Mom, my sister, and me.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about my Dad...so I'm not even going to try.
Dad - I know that you are still there keeping an eye on us all. We are going to be okay and you are going to be sorely missed but we are so happy that you are no longer suffering. I love you.
He had been battling cancer for about two and a half years and last fall he took a turn for the worse and in December we engaged hospice to help him (and us) with the final months of his life. We were able to keep him at home and I packed up some things and moved into my parents' house so that I could be here to provide assistance to my Mom and keeping Dad comfortable.
Last week he slipped into an unresponsive state (perhaps a coma, but it was never titled that) and yesterday around 5:30 he started to have pretty ragged breathing. My sister came over to stay with us and Dad's three girls sat in the room with him through the evening talking and laughing and telling tales. At about 10:30 PM, we decided that he had developed a bit of a rhythm and decided to lay down and catch some shut eye. At about midnight, my sister woke up to come upstairs to check on me and Mom woke up to give Dad some medicine. Within about 15 minutes, Mom called us girls down as Dad had taken his last breath. He had been sleeping with his mouth open for days and when Mom first called us down to say our final goodbyes, his mouth was still opened. As we sat there, keeping vigil, his mouth slowly closed and he got the most peaceful, sweet smile on his face.
Within a couple of hours, we had hospice arrive to attend to the final arrangements for us, which was wonderful and just held each other...my Mom, my sister, and me.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about my Dad...so I'm not even going to try.
Dad - I know that you are still there keeping an eye on us all. We are going to be okay and you are going to be sorely missed but we are so happy that you are no longer suffering. I love you.
5 comments:
Thank you for writing about it. I know it was not easy...none of this has been easy. The picture of his final hours is just so beautiful. I'm so glad you all were there entertaining him, and holding each other up. Big, big hugs to you three.
I am sorry for the loss of your father. Prayers for your family for strength at this difficult time.
I love you! Thank you so much for putting your life on hold to help keep Dad at home!! It was wonderful getting to know you all over again! We are not going to let that experience fade!!!
God bless you and your family. I love you!!!!
Oh, Andrea. I didn't realize you were all going through this. I am so sorry for your loss but grateful he is at peace and not suffering. This is so hard. Prayers for you and your family.
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