Sunday, March 26, 2006

And The Journey Is Complete

I believe I wrote my last post around 9am this morning. My father passed away around 10:30 or 11 this morning. He never moved from the position he fell asleep in. I walked in to check on him after my post and he was sleeping, but his breath was very labored, I checked one more time around 10 or 10:30 he was still sleeping. My sister called me about 11 and I told her he was still quiet. After I hung up, I went in and he was gone. He was still very warm and it took me a few minutes to make sure he was really gone. As I touched him, I kept expecting him to look up at me and ask me what I was doing!

I called my sister and while waiting on her to come over, I held his hand and talked to his spirit.
I just told him the same things I had been saying. He was going to be okay now, I was going to be okay without him, I would miss him and he was at peace. The hospice nurse arrived and called the coroner. While we were waiting for the funeral home to come collect the body, the nurse and I washed him up and changed his pajamas to clean ones. I felt so glad to be able to bath his body and clothe it before he left. It felt like the completion of my taking care of him. He was finally at peace and it was an amazing way to be able to say a final goodbye.

Much more happened, I just have to get some rest. We are having the viewing tomorrow night, then travel to Asheville on Tuesday and the burial with full military honors on Wed around 2pm.

Thank you all again for your concern and prayers and thoughts and emails and comments!
Please continue the prayers and good vibes...every little bit helps folks...truly.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

My sympathy on your loss. Go do what you need to do. Take care.

barbie2be said...

God bless...

Chip said...

I just found your blog tonight, but I feel I should offer my condolences after reading your father's story.

Anonymous said...

I just got home from Philadelphia. I am sorry for your loss and may God bless you and your family !!

Anonymous said...

I just linked through NothingButBonfires, but I want to offer you my thoughts and sympathy. When I have to go I hope I have someone as devoted and caring as you watching over me.

Good luck in the coming days