My dad has passed away...

Oh Lila,

I just don't know what to say. My heart is breaking for you and your family. It is so hard to lose those that we love. Just know that you all did everything you could for your Dad and you made his passing from this life easier.

I know it is a cliche, but in my experience, time does make a great healer. I lost my Mom back in 1980, when I was but 19 years old. For many years I could only think about the tragic circumstances of her death (suicide), but as the years rolled on, only the good memories were available. You will miss your Dad terribly, but you will grow to cherish the best of your memories with him for the rest of your life. Please know that you are all in our prayers to bring you peace and the comfort of knowing he is not suffering any longer. He put up a valiant battle with this monster, and he had the best of help all along the way. I am thrilled to hear he was able to leave from the comfort of his own bed with your Mom by his side. Hospice is such a help in these times of need. I can only hope we are so lucky when our time is here.

Thanks for sharing all the triumphs and trials during your Dad's experience. It is helpful for all of us still on this road, just a little further back than you guys, to hear some of the things we might have in store. I fear we won't be far behind you.

Big Hugs,

Scott

I'm so sorry to hear you lost your dad...We lost my dad on 1/08/09. It has been very tough...he lost the battle to stomach cancer/lung cancer after 5 months...I am so thankful hospice was there for your mom they really are great. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers in this time everyday for me is like a roller coaster so please if you need to vent know we are here for you. My heart goes out to you.

Your dad is my prayers, this is the worst and I feel your pain.  I lost my dad in Sept. 2008 only after 1yr he had been diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer stage III/IV.  Thanks to a great small company I was able to spend my last months with my father, I only wish there was more research in North America and that my father woulrd have checked himself at 50 he would still be with us...An incredible man who had everything but gave it to all in need...   

 

On 4/3/2009 LSUSAN wrote:

My dad has passed away after only 2 weeks and one day since he was placed on hospice.  He passed away this last Wednesday, March 25th after a valiant 1 1/2 year battle with this terrible cancer.  It was two days before I was to fly home and see him.  It's okay that I didn't see him because I just didn't want him to suffer anymore, but I do really miss him now.  As some of you already know, my dad was a fighter all the way up until the end and he maintained his full cognition the whole way and knew exactly what was happening which is a difficult thing to endure for both the patient as well as the family to watch.  My dad passed away in his own bed at home, where he wanted to be, with my mom by his side and the hospice nurse with my mom (thank God for the hospice nurse and that my mom was not alone).  I flew home later that day.  It was the hardest thing to say good bye to my dad at the funeral the next day but I do want to share that he looked very peaceful as though he was sleeping and all of the wrinkles seemed to disappear and he looked like he did before he was diagnosed with the cancer.  My mom, brother and I are grieving but we also have found a renewed sense of peace in knowing that he is no longer suffering.  My dad was a brave strong man who put up ONE HELL OF A GOOD FIGHT AGAINST THIS AWEFUL CANCER but unfortunately in the end the cancer took over.  My dad went down with dignity and will always be remembered for the wonderful father, husband, and educator that he was.  His memories will live in my heart and soul forever and he will not be forgotten.  I know that he would also want me to say that for those patients and caregivers that are still battling this disease to be brave and keep fighting and to never give up as there is always hope.....God bless all of you and may you also find peace within yourselves.

Lila. 

God bless you and your family.  I know you gave him great comfort and care during his illness.  May you take comfort in knowing that others have been there and feel your emptiness.  Fill it with wonderful memories.  They will flow easily after the pain of loss begins to subside.

Atlanta

 

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  I lost my dad in December 2008 to lung cancer (he was in Peru) and my mom on March 2, 2009 to stomach cancer.  What you said about feeling relieved is exactly what I felt - I knew my mom was no longer going to suffer and that she was at peace now.  I also noticed that she did not show any wrinkles, she looked younger and her face looked fuller.  She looked beautiful and at peace.

I am an only child so this has been very difficult, but I am doing well - God is giving me the strength to get through for me and for my daughters and husband.  I do still feel my mom's presence though, I feel that she is always protecting me and my family.  I am sure your dad is doing the same - you now have an angel in heaven.

We will pray for you and your family.  God bless.

-Wendy