30 posts
My dad passed away this morning at 8:50 A.M. This has been an extremely hard time for our family.
Thursday night, I took my nephew to the U.C vs South Florida game. We got home about 12:30. Dad has been home from the hospital for a couple days with Hospice care at the house. I have spent every other night this week at their house, knowing that it could be over any time now. Thursday night I dropped my nephew off but it was late and of course dad was asleep. Earlier thursday evening was the last time he was conscious.
At 2:30 (about 10 minutes after I went to bed) they called in the family. At 9:00 a.m. yesterday, the nurse called us all to gather round the bed again, saying his vitals had suddenly gotten worse, and that he certainly couldn't make it much longer now. We stayed by the bed for over an hour, at which time he was doing little better. This happened FOUR more times. Each time they were sure he was taking his last breaths. Each time he rallied and would get better. The last time they did it was this morning at 8:40.
I'm certain this is a very hard thing for everyone when it happens, but it's been extremely hard for us. First because we are such a close family, and second, two nights in a row with no sleep, and they just kept saying he couldn't make it but he kept fighting.
I'm pretty drained physically and emotionally right now. I greatly appreciate all the thoughts, comments and prayers.
Wow Howie... So sorry for your loss, and what your family has gone thru. You know I've been there. Just remember your dad's in a better place now, and his suffering is over. Hang in there.
Howie,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris
My condolences to you and your family, Howie.
Sorry to hear about it Howie. Remember the good times!
Sorry to hear about this, at least he is not in pain anymore and the suffering is over.
I hope your family heals up quickly.
Very sorry to hear that Howie. I lost my mum 20 years ago and my dad 8 years ago....funny thing is I still think about them every day. There's nothing anyone can say that makes a bit of difference except to know that you are in peoples thoughts.
I still remember the actual moment that my dad died...I was right there with him. He was in a lot of pain and then suddenly slipped away and I swear to this day he had a big smile on his face as he went as if to say "thank fuck that's over"...strangest experience I've ever had.
Jon
Sue and I send our condolences to you and your family Howie.
Stay Strong...
Sorry to hear man.
It ain't over but the worst part is over now.
The healing process starts now.
I am so sorry my brother, Alma and myself send our deepest condolences for you and your family. You are definitley in our thoughts and prayers. I hope the healing starts quickly, at the very least he is at peace now. The easirst way is to remember all the good times you had and pass down everything he taught YOU.
God Bless my brother....
cgtrox :'(
Well shit. I'm sorry to hear this Howie. I know how much this type of lose sucks balls, but at the same time it's a relief because you know he will not suffer anymore.
:-[
Sorry to hear that, Howie. All my thoughts for you and your family.
Condolences and best wishes to you and all your family Howie.
Sorry to hear that Howie. At least it wasn't sudden, in a way you were able to prepare mentally and emotionally. But at the same time I understand staying by his side during the struggle must have been the worst kind of torture. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi Howie,
I sent you a private email yesterday.
Very sorry to hear about your dad.
Hang in their and God Bless.
Randy
VERY sincere thanks to everyone here for your thoughts. It really means a lot too me.
My dad was the oldest son, and I saw how he handled the death of his father years ago. I really thought I was prepared to be the strong one for my family when this time came, but it seems that so far, I'm not as strong as I thought. :(
Sorry to hear that Howie :( I talk to my dad about once a year, but it will still be hard for me when he passes. So I can only imagine what you are going through seeing that you were so close.
As stated by several, at least he is not suffering anymore. Me and Kaci send our condolences to you and your family.
Howie, I'm very sorry to hear about your dad. My utmost condolences for you and your family.
I lost my dad about a year ago aswell. I was there too when he died, holding his hand. In a way it's a blessing to be able to be there but these images also haunt you. Just always remember that your father was surrounded by the people that he loved the most and that loved him too in his last moments. He felt everyone of you there and could pass with that feeling, so it was in peace.
I was very close with my dad too and since his death last November, the past year has been the worst time in my life. Deepest depression, suicidal thoughts, some days I just stared at a wall for hours, I've been through many phases. Some still return every now and then.
Unfortunately I know that nothing can ease your pain or help, just know that with passing time it gets a bit better and the love and support of your dearest ones will give you a bit of strength.
My thoughts will be with you and even though I haven't prayed for a year, my prayer tonight will be for you and your dad.
Chris
Sorry to hear that Howie. I hope you and your family are o.k. Wish you and your family all the best as you try to get over this loss.
Howie - my heart goes out to you and your family.
Tripper
I'm sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you and your family.
DTR: I am so sorry for your loss.
Thats the downside of getting older. Its got to be tough to deal with the situation.
hang in there and remember all of the good times and memories of your pop
My deepest sympathies Howie, to you and your family.
I lost my Dad 5 years ago, and yes, it is very hard when your parents pass on.
Phil B
well, the first phase is over. Or whatever phase this is. Visitation was tonight. I did pretty good. Seemed like it lasted forever. But it was ok because even with all the people that can't be there that we know about, and those who haven't even told us yet but that couldn't be there but would have, there were over 500 people there. I felt bad for the ones who got there 30 minutes after it started, who waited in line for over two hours! My boss was there, and even though I told him there would be alot, he just couldn't believe it. Plus, because we had too, we had this on church night. I know there would have been at least 200 more people there if not for that. So now you know what I'm trying to live up too, with regards to wanting everyone to like me! LMAO!!!!!!!!
I was glad to see friends of mine, some of which didn't even know dad, show up in such numbers. I had high school friends showing up, guys I've played softball or basketball with, customers, even a realtor I'm working with on a deal now and whom I've never met myself.
It's always comforting to know that people care enough about you to pay respects to your dad, even if they had never met him.
If I lived nearby, I'd be there...and I only know you from the internet. You're obviously good people, and the people whose lives you've touched know that and wanted to make sure you knew that they were there for you as well.
Take care. :)
Tripper
Howie
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Rich
Thanks Trip and Rich.
Well, the funeral was today and so that part of it is all over. Now to try to get back to some sort of normalcy. ::)
Sorry for the late reply H. Jo, Becky and I send our condolences.
Tis' true what they say...It DOES get easier as time passes but, like Jon, I still think about Mum every day. It's been nearly 5 years now and it stil hurts like hell.
Best wishes man.
I'm very sorry to hear about this, DTR. :( My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Remember Romans 8:28. That verse helps get me through some tough times...