Sunday, September 14, 2008

Rest in Peace

My dad has battled cancer for months.

When I got news earlier this week that he had fallen at the nursing home where he was staying, I knew I should go home and see him this weekend. They moved him to a nice hospice in Williamsport. He had broken his hip, and the doctors said as sick as he was, the best they could do was keep him comfortable.

Matt, Mom and I went out to see him late yesterday afternoon. I honestly wasn't expecting much, but he was surprisingly coherant. We had a little bit of a conversation before he went off into his state of confusion. Mom helped to feed him some soup, and as he was rambling, he mentioned something to her about being ready to go.

I think she answered something about how he couldn't get up and go anywhere, he was in the hospital.

I tried not to cry because I was pretty sure that wasn't what he meant--I thought he meant he was ready to go.......well, you know.

This afternoon, we had lunch at mom's. Matt and I were going to go visit him before we headed back here to Blue Bell. We had lunch, packed our suitcase, and I went to the bathroom. Then the phone rang.

He was gone.

The nurses said he went very peacefully in his sleep. Said they talked to him this morning and he was incredibly coherant, he knew it was Sunday, and that it was September. He knew he was in the hospital. I guess he even managed to have a little breakfast. Then he started to get uncomfortable, and they found his lungs had fluid on them. They gave him some medicine to keep him comfortable, and eventually he fell asleep. They went to check on him around 2 I guess, and he was gone.

I'm glad you don't have to suffer anymore dad. I'll miss you.

23 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:11 PM

    Hannah,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I am not sure if there is anything else to be said. My aunt died from pancreatic cancer in May in much the same way as your dad except I was not able to see her in her last few days.

    I will be praying for you and your family and that you will be able yo hold on to happy memories of your dad.

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  2. God Hannah, I'm so sorry.
    Whatever you need, please ask.
    We all love you and are here for you.
    Love,(hugs), and prayers to you and your family.
    k2

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  3. Thinking of you and your family, Hannah. Much love - Nicole

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  4. Oh Hannah. Such heartbreaking news. May the coming days bring you peace and healing.

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  5. Anonymous9:59 PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.

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  6. Same here, Hannah. Take care and hang in there.

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  7. I'm so sorry for your loss, Hannah. You and your family are in my thoughts.

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  8. Hannah - so sorry about your dad. Sending hugs your way.

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  9. I am so sorry for your loss Hannah. I'm praying and thinking about you and your family.

    Take Care

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  10. I'm sorry you've lost your dad.

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  11. I am really sorry to hear about your dad. That's always a tough thing to deal with, but if there is a bright side, it is that he died peacefully after having the chance to talk to all of you (I have heard so many stories of people who have literally postponed death until they have a chance to attend to unfinished business like that). Anyway, our thoughts are with you.

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  12. My sympathies for your loss.

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  13. So sorry for your loss
    ,losing a loved one is very hard.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you + your family.

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  14. Hannah, I'm so sorry. Chris and I send our thoughts to your mom, Matt, and to the rest of your family. And especially to you, my friend. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    If there's anything you need, please let us know. We're here for you.

    xo - Kerri.

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  15. I'm so so sorry to hear your sad news. I'm really glad you got to have a good visit with him on Saturday. My thoughts will be with you and your family. Take good care of yourself during this difficult time.

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  16. I'm so very sorry, Hannah.

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  17. Anonymous4:18 PM

    Oh, Hannah, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll be thinking of you and your family, wishing you peace and healing. All my best to you and yours.

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  18. Hannah, I am so sorry.

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  19. Thinking of you and your family.

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  20. I am so sorry for your loss, Hannah.

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  21. Anonymous9:16 PM

    Hannah I would like to offer my condolences to you and your family.

    Betty Jackson

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  22. Hannah, I apologize for my lateness. I am so sorry for your loss. You & your family are in my prayers.

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  23. Oh Hannah, I just read this post and I am truly sorry for your loss. I am keeping you and your famiy in my thoughts. (hugs)

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