Evening Update

This has been the longest and shortest 6 weeks of my life. 

As my cousin and I sat by Dad who had been unresponsive for a couple of days, I showed him a picture of Dad and I outside walking around.  Dad was walking with a walker.  The picture shows Dad smiling while we walked.  My cousin said, “Was that two or three weeks ago?”  I quickly responded “that was Tuesday.”  He said, “A week ago Tuesday?”  I said, “Last Tuesday…4 days ago.”  He sat in amazement wondering if that was possible.

I am sitting in the living room as I write this with some of my siblings and spouses.  One of them just asked, “Is this real? I keep waiting for him to come in the room.”  We are all in shock. We knew it was coming, yet when it finally happened it was so sad.

The family came at different times and was all here by about noon.  The nurse was here and told us that Dad’s blood pressure was down and his heart rate was up which meant he was in the final stages.  At one point Dad stopped breathing and he said that it was time.  I ran out to grab Chris and Alicia but when we returned he was breathing again. We all sat in Dad’s bedroom for awhile but realized it might not happen for a bit.  Some people stayed and others went into the main part of the house.  About 2:45 we all gathered in the bedroom again.  It was a beautiful site!  Mom, all the kids and spouses, all of the grandkids who wanted to be in the room, Grandma Betty, and Aunt Suzie were gathered in the room.  Some people were on the bed, some were holding his hands, and everyone watched his every breath.  As I looked around the room I realized that this is exactly the way Dad would want it.  I am so proud of my siblings because I believe they all kept the promise we made to each other…we would have no regrets.

About 3:10 his breathing become more labored and finally took his last sweet breath. There were many tears. We knew it was coming but when the time finally came it was impossible to hold the tears back.  I have to admit, I was questioning whether I wanted to actually be in the room when he passed.  To my surprise, it was a very peaceful and spiritual experience.  For the next couple of hours different family members sat next to Dad and told stories and cried.  When they came to get his body, we did not want him to leave…it seemed so final.

For 14 years my father has been my best friend.  Even last night I had a question and thought to myself, “I need to call Dad and ask him.” I am not sure when it will actually set in that he is gone.

My mother continues to be the rock of our family.  She spent the rest of the day comforting and serving everyone.  We had a great dinner (thank you, thank you Bunny and RaeAnn!) and are now sitting in the living room not knowing what to do.

We are meeting with the funeral home in the morning and will let everyone know when the funeral will be.

I close with a verse from a favorite hymn:

“What greater gift dost thou bestow, what greater goodness can we know than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts a sweet and hallowed memory, bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim devotion to the Savior’s name, who bless our days with peace and love, we praise thy goodness, Lord above.”