The Dean Posted April 20, 2010 Posted April 20, 2010 I am simply posting this for those who know me for real, or who have known me for years on this board. My father died yesterday, peacefully in his home, in his bed, of congestive heart failure. He was 86. I took my Dad to the doctor early Monday morning because he wasn't feeling well. They gave him an oxygen treatment, a shot of lasix and a shot of antibiotics. I took him to get a chest X-Ray and blood work and then home. I rescheduled all my calls to stay with him and suggested we go to the hospital when it seemed like he was having some breathing trouble. He didn't want to go, and asked me to call the doctor. The doctor's office said they would call to get the X-Ray results and when I went to his bedroom to tell my Dad he was in his bed, not breathing. I gave him CPR and called 911. They responded immediately (less than 2 minutes, I estimate). They worked on him for quite a while but it was obvious to me he was gone. He died very peacefully. I asked the doctor at the hospital if things would have been different if I had forced him to go to the hospital earlier (yeah, right...try forcing an old Italian man to do anything he doesn't want to do). She thinks he would have died in the Emergency waiting room. Even if his regular doctor had sent him to the hospital, I think he might be clinging to "life" on tubes and machines. All in all, he died as well as one can ask for. (Well, for me I'd prefer to have a drink in my hand, or die mid-coitus. But my Dad didn't drink and was 86, so neither of those conditions apply.) He will be cremated and buried in Jacksonville National Cemetery which is a VA cemetery. As he is a disabled WWII vet, he will have an honor guard at his burial. We will have a celebration of his life sometime this summer in Niagara Falls. My mother is a rock and taking this quite well (dementia has an upside!). My brother is in the hospital clinging to what little life he still has. My sister (and her husband) and I are handling all the arrangements. Everyone is fine and thankful for the great life he had. As I recently lost one of my best friends, I am a bit numb, but doing fine. Both of them went quickly and suffered very little. I am thankful for that. The next few years look to hold more of the same, unfortunately. But we must tread on. I will be fine, please don't shed a tear for me. I am happy I got to spend the last day with my Dad. Just give an extra hug to your loved ones tonight or tomorrow.
jeanbe Posted April 20, 2010 Posted April 20, 2010 As a lurker here I just wanted to send my condolences to you and your family.
DC Tom Posted April 20, 2010 Posted April 20, 2010 I am simply posting this for those who know me for real, or who have known me for years on this board. My father died yesterday, peacefully in his home, in his bed, of congestive heart failure. He was 86. I took my Dad to the doctor early Monday morning because he wasn't feeling well. They gave him an oxygen treatment, a shot of lasix and a shot of antibiotics. I took him to get a chest X-Ray and blood work and then home. I rescheduled all my calls to stay with him and suggested we go to the hospital when it seemed like he was having some breathing trouble. He didn't want to go, and asked me to call the doctor. The doctor's office said they would call to get the X-Ray results and when I went to his bedroom to tell my Dad he was in his bed, not breathing. I gave him CPR and called 911. They responded immediately (less than 2 minutes, I estimate). They worked on him for quite a while but it was obvious to me he was gone. He died very peacefully. I asked the doctor at the hospital if things would have been different if I had forced him to go to the hospital earlier (yeah, right...try forcing an old Italian man to do anything he doesn't want to do). She thinks he would have died in the Emergency waiting room. Even if his regular doctor had sent him to the hospital, I think he might be clinging to "life" on tubes and machines. All in all, he died as well as one can ask for. (Well, for me I'd prefer to have a drink in my hand, or die mid-coitus. But my Dad didn't drink and was 86, so neither of those conditions apply.) He will be cremated and buried in Jacksonville National Cemetery which is a VA cemetery. As he is a disabled WWII vet, he will have an honor guard at his burial. We will have a celebration of his life sometime this summer in Niagara Falls. My mother is a rock and taking this quite well (dementia has an upside!). My brother is in the hospital clinging to what little life he still has. My sister (and her husband) and I are handling all the arrangements. Everyone is fine and thankful for the great life he had. As I recently lost one of my best friends, I am a bit numb, but doing fine. Both of them went quickly and suffered very little. I am thankful for that. The next few years look to hold more of the same, unfortunately. But we must tread on. I will be fine, please don't shed a tear for me. I am happy I got to spend the last day with my Dad. Just give an extra hug to your loved ones tonight or tomorrow. I know you said "friends"...but I'll post my sympathies too. Long life, peaceful death. Everyone's time comes...there's a lot to be said for it coming late and easily.
el Tigre Posted April 20, 2010 Posted April 20, 2010 I'm sorry to hear this bro. Sounds like he had a good,long life and a loving family. You can take comfort in knowing he's in a better place now.
ieatcrayonz Posted April 20, 2010 Posted April 20, 2010 Sorry to hear this Dean. I will be fine, please don't shed a tear for me. I am happy I got to spend the last day with my Dad. Just give an extra hug to your loved ones tonight or tomorrow. I'm sure he was happy to spend his last day with you as well.
erynthered Posted April 20, 2010 Posted April 20, 2010 Losing my Father was one of the most difficult times in my life. While we have a history, I'm terribly sorry for your loss. God's speed.
Booster4324 Posted April 20, 2010 Posted April 20, 2010 You have my utmost sympathies brother. I know this must be a hard time for you, but you seem to be holding up well. It seems your father lead a a long life and passed easily, so if it was even a moderately happy one, he was a success.
The Poojer Posted April 20, 2010 Posted April 20, 2010 Dean, I am so sorry for the news. Best wishes to you and your family. Stay strong!
HopsGuy Posted April 20, 2010 Posted April 20, 2010 It's because life is not eternal is what makes it so special. Be good, and know there's lots of folks here that will have good thoughts for you tonight.
WVUFootball29 Posted April 20, 2010 Posted April 20, 2010 Dean, sorry to hear my friend. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Nervous Guy Posted April 21, 2010 Posted April 21, 2010 Dean my most sincere condolences, be thankful for all the years you had with him, you are truly blessed to have had as much time as you did with him...celebrate his life and all you shared with him. Sounds like you've had more than your fair share to deal with, know that your friends are here for you.
Doc Posted April 21, 2010 Posted April 21, 2010 My condolences on your father, best friend, and I suppose your brother.
outsidethebox Posted April 21, 2010 Posted April 21, 2010 My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Dean. Only time heals wounds.
Hazed and Amuzed Posted April 21, 2010 Posted April 21, 2010 I'm sorry to hear about that Brian, I hope you're doing alright bro. My condolences
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