My dad, my hero, a psychology professor and prolific reader, took his last breath on Friday July 9th, 2021 at 1:47.
Back story: Dad had been living in Texas but was not doing well in assisted living. My husband and I bought a house in February w/a bedroom and full bath on the first floor. My best friend and I began to plot to get him here in March. We had flights booked. I was going to Dallas then fly home with Dad and Sally was going to meet us here in NC. But then, his credentials were stolen so he couldn’t fly commercial. Then we booked tickets to fly to Dallas, rent a car and drive him here to NC. The Friday before we were going to fly out he fell and broke his hip. He got a pin in his hip and went to “rehab”. We ended up flying him here via Angel Med Flight May 22nd, which is basically an ambulance in the sky.
After the broken hip we wondered whether we could adequately care for him. And we certainly needed the help we recruited. But while he lived with us he was surrounded by friends and family, who spent time with him, cooked for him, helped him to eat, held his hand, and made him smile. After he’d passed she commented that it really wasn’t that hard to care for him and that she was incredibly glad we had. Though it started out in our minds as an effort for us to take care of him, in the end we all realized we were the ones who were blessed.
We had our version of a wake last night. I love these people who surrounded us with love, food, and laughter. Below are some of the conversations we had while he was here. Thanks to Sally, my partner in crime, for starting to write them down when he first arrived, May 22nd.
5/29/2021
Me: Dad are you comfortable? We want to make sure you are comfortable.
Dad: That’s a sure sweet thing to say. It was a good thing I ran into you this morning. (For sure he was confused a lot about time especially, but always sweet)
5/30/2021
After talking to Steven on the phone
Me: Dad do you want to say goodby to Steve?
Dad: Why would I ever want to say goodby to Steve? (he says with a sweet smile)
6/02/2021
Me: Dad you remember Sally?
Dad: Ms. Patton? Forever.
6/08/2021
Me: Dad I’m going to bring you some food and maybe you’ll be hungry when you smell it
Dad to Sally: If you can’t trust your daughter who can you trust?
6/15/2021
After eating Laura’s flan
Me: Dad it’s really good for you. It’s got a ton of eggs in it.
Dad: Those are best eggs I’ve ever eaten
Laura: I’ll make him flan forever
6/20/2021
Me: Dad, Carolyn and I will be right be back with dinner (after having served him some appetizers)
Dad: Just like the old days.
6/29/2021
Dad: We’ll get this done
Me: We always do
Dad: And I suspect we always will
Me: Truer words have never been spoken
Sharon I am so sorry for your loss. I know it was such a blessing that you had him with you. And I know it meant the world to him too. Your memories will be with you always!
Janet
Oh Sharon I’m so sorry for your loss. What an incredible thing you all did to care for him in the end. Things happen as they are meant to, it seems. <3
Sharon, I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I loved reading the conversations that Sally took note of. They will make you smile every time you read them.
I will always be grateful for our sweet time!
These memories are so beautiful! You were a blessing to him.
Sharon reading this about your dad, you and Sally was so sweet and brought tears to my eyes. I’m Amy’s mom. She wanted me to see what you wrote about caring for your dad and your dad’s passing. Amy says you are a special lady. I agree. Sounds like your friend Sally is too. God bless and comfort you and your family and Sally.
Sharon I’m Amy Wall’s mom. She wanted me to see what you wrote about caring for your dad and his passing. It really touched me. Amy thinks you are a special lady. I agree. Sally seems like a special lady too. God bless and comfort you and your family and Sally.
Sally is truly special. She made all of this easier. Thank you so much for commenting. Your daughter is amazing as well and I know it is because she has amazing parents.
Such a sweet tribute. I’m so glad that you were able to have these special times with your dad. I know you will miss him but these are amazing memories for you and your family. What a blessing to have a friend like Sally. I sure do regret not getting to meet your dad.
He would have loved you Keli!