Time, age, and the Circle of Life
 

It was going to happen. And, we knew it was going to happen sooner than later. But that didn't make it any easier.

Some may have noticed my absence over the last couple of weeks. That was because I was called out of town; my father, whose health had been slowly failing, suffered a heart attack on the 18th and passed away on the 26th, one week ago today.

His passing was peaceful and a profound experience for those of us in the room with him. He felt no pain, just slipped away between one breath and the next. And he knew we were there, I am convinced.

My mother is doing well. She has a support system in the community where she lives that is exemplary - great friends who support her and grieve with her, who are literally steps from her door should the emptyness become overwhelming - not that I expect she would ever allow it to become so. Classy lady, and strong, my Mom.

My brothers, too, showed thier true colors in the past two weeks. I'm proud to be related to them. And there's no doubt as to the eventual sainthood of Mrs. Dawg....

I'm fine - I don't need to hear that he's gone to a better place, I know that. I don't need anyone to tell me how he is now free of pain - he was free of pain before he left us (he had said he had come away with no memory of the heart attack itself). I am sharing this with you all for the simple reason that this community is a second home for me and those of you within it deserve to know.

I'm sharing it with you because this event is something that 99.9% of us will go through, eventually.

Dad's last hours were spent at a hospice in Tucson. While I was, intellectually, very much in favor of such a place and program, I am now a true believer, having been through it first-hand. It takes a special person to work in such an environment, where the last stage of life itself is the day-to-day reality, and they deserve all the credit and plaudits we can give them for making the end of life as easy as possible on both the person departing this veil of tears, and the family left behind.

So, if you wish to honor the memory of Dawg's Dad (or even if you don't), I encourage you to contribute to a local hospice. If you don't have one in your area, I can make a suggestion of a wonderful hospice in Tucson, Arizona.

Thank you.

Peace.

I am
Dawg
:warrior:

Condolances, Dawg. Thanks for sharing. :salute:

Dawg and Mrs. Saint Dawg....................
My love and prayers(((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))

John,

It's never easy letting go but, one does. At times, I've felt that it's the only proper way to honor the person's legacy.

Having that circle of friends, for your mom, is invaluable. It helps to ease the stress and worry that you would have for your mother, being alone now.


Deepest condolences to you and your entire family, my dear friend.

:(

Pete

Belated condolences.

I'm so very sorry for your loss

Thank you, all, very much.

Yes, the best honor I can show my father is to live the best life I can - the life he gave me, the lessons he taught me over the past 49 years.

And I will miss him, each and every day.

But I'm back.

I am
Dawg
:warrior:

Dawg words cannot express my sorrow over the news of your loss. Take care my friend.

Dawg, I am so sorry. I am relieved, however, that your dad's passing was so peaceful, that your mom has such a tight support circle, and that you are doing so well afterwards.

You gave me a lot of support through my mom's last months, in my thread about her, and I've never forgotten that. So I feel for you and your family as you go through your loss, and I am glad that you seem to handle it so well. Hugs to you and Mrs. Dawg, and mama Dawg, and all the Dawg relatives.

My sincere thanks to both of you.

I've received a lot of support from this community in the last few weeks, and I am eternally grateful.

I am
Dawg
:warrior:

we are always there for our friends in need.