My Dad passed away on September 1st after a courageous battle with stage 4 cancer. Once diagnosed, they gave him 2 weeks to 2 months. He was gone in 2 weeks,almost to the day.
He was ready, he had put his house in order and he wanted to go. My daughter and I flew back to be with him for whatever time he had left. We had a couple of good days with him – we were able to visit with him and he was able to say all the things he needed to say, as did we.
He was one of that older generation – he was 89 – who had come through a depression, a war and the loss of all his brothers and sisters. He had hip replacement surgery a couple of years ago but he waited almost 8 months before he finally got the surgery. My brother and I were concerned that he wouldn’t recover from the surgery. Once they got him on the table they discovered that he had been walking and then limping around for almost 8 months with a broken hip. The doctor said no worries with him recovering; anyone who could tolerate that pain was a tough old guy and he’d do just fine. And he did.
My Dad was still living in his own home when he was finally admitted to hospital. He was stoic and strong and when the doctor tried to soften the diagnosis he wouldn’t have it. He told the doctor he was a soldier and he’d seen terrible things so just get to the point so he would know what he was dealing with. Quite a man!
He wanted to die quickly and he really tried but God just wouldn’t take him. Dad said he was devoting his energy to get the job done and he was frustrated and angry that he couldn’t make his plan work. He was concerned about inconveniencing us and what it was costing us for parking ! Can you believe it??
I can’t help but wonder if God didn’t take him more quickly because of all the love that surrounded him. Dad had all his family with him during his last days – so when his time finally came he died peacefully.
He was very special and I loved him very much and I shall miss him. I know he’s up in heaven with my husband. I asked Dad to give Garry a hug and tell him I loved him.
We love you Dad. Rest in peace Dad, rest in peace
