Dad died just after 4:30am Saskatchewan time. So from the time they first noticed some blood in his ileostomy bag til then was just over 12 hours. It was quick.
After talking more with the nurses and the rest of the family, he did clearly understand what was happening. They were able to talk some about what he wanted at the funeral. He understood and was able to say goodbye. I'm so thankful for that.
Around 1:30am here in QC, I wasn't sleeping so I got up and called him again. Mom said that he'd started to get a bit agitated and jerky (as in twitchy) and was seeing things. But when we talked, he made the most sense he has in weeks! It was so good to be able to tell him how much I loved him and would miss him, and how thankful I was for everything he'd done for me. He knew how much I desperately wanted to be there with him and see him again.
Heather said he continued to twitch and jerk a lot even after he fell asleep, but that for the last hour he was completely still and peaceful. I know it couldn't have been easy for them all to just sit there, but it's a comfort to know that he left this world calmly and without a terrible struggle at the end, surrounded by people who love him. And to know that there were two lovely, eager little boys there to welcome their grandpa and show him around.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Even though I know they talked quite a bit about the funeral, I don't know that a date and time have been determined yet. I'll let you know.
Love, Amy
oh, Amy, your Dad was so lucky to have such a loving family with him till the very last breath he took on this earth... My heart goes out to you and I pray that you'll feel comfort and peace at this time...
ReplyDeleteAmy, my heart is just aching for you. I am so thankful you were able to say goodbye and tell him how much you love him...that always brings me peace when I think about my dad. May the Lord hold you in his hands and carry you all through this. I wish you were beside me so I could just hug you.
ReplyDeleteI just know he is at total peace and pain free right now, enjoying his two grandsons. Until you meet again.
Much love to you all...I am sending you all the prayers and love I can!
Amy, I just heard about your dad through an email from Debbie Loewen. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a really good man. I was thinking of him this week, remembering the summer that I was broke and looking for work and Bill set me to work trimming the hedges and digging in your back yard. Your dad made a guy feel good and valuable. I'm sure he will be missed by many, many people.
ReplyDeleteJeff Linton
So glad you were able to have that last conversation with your dad while he was alert. I know how close your two were. It was a hard year of fighting for his life, especially for your mom. We are praying for you and your family as your grieve and recoup.
ReplyDeleteDear Amy,
ReplyDeleteI never met your Dad, but know he was loved dearly by his family and others. He knows how much you loved him and I;m so glad you got to talk to him in that last conversation. I am sure he was very proud of you and must have been a very caring man, who along with your Mother raised such a wonderful daughter. Our love and prayers are with you. Love ya, Dianne and Duane