April 08, 2004

The Fight Is Over.

Today was my father's 67th birthday. A young man to say the least.

At approximately 12:35 am, April 8, 2004, he stopped fighting the cancer that had invaded his body.

By his side when he died were myself and Mary Ann, my Dad's wife and my step-mom. It was as it was supposed to be. He died peacefully in his sleep. His breathing slowed down, very comfortably, until he took no more breaths. Mary Ann and I both looked at each other and smiled. Sad, that we had physically lost an important person in our lives, but happy that we had gotten our wish, that he need not fight this disease anymore. Every time he woke briefly from his sleep during the day before (about four times in all), everyone present let him know that we loved him but that it was okay to let go. And finally, he did.

I held on to him until the very last moments. As glad as I was that he no longer had to struggle, this is still very hard to accept.


(A special thanks to my Mom for her most recent post in the comments section)

Posted by robdesign at April 8, 2004 03:51 AM
Comments

Thinking about you ... take care of yourself. You will need your strength.

Posted by: Wendy at April 8, 2004 11:20 PM

Hey Rob - It's always tough to lose someone as close to you as your father, but it sounds like he passed peacefully and surrounded by loved ones, which is all any of us can hope for in this life. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.

Posted by: stillman at April 9, 2004 12:05 AM

Rob- may you and your family be comforted at this difficult time.

Posted by: peninah at April 9, 2004 09:17 AM

Thinking of you and your family. Take care.

Kate

Posted by: kate at April 9, 2004 09:34 AM

Very sorry to hear that. We will be praying for you and your family.

Posted by: maphet at April 9, 2004 01:01 PM

Rob, my best to you and your family. Glad to hear it was peaceful and that you were all with him.

Posted by: Bill at April 9, 2004 04:39 PM

I'm a bit slow to post, but my love goes to you during this transition. I'm thankful that your father didn't suffer alone or for an indecently long amount of time. Sometimes the powers that be are very gracious.

I'm sure he knew how much you loved him and how he will be missed. For that I am most thankful.

Posted by: tbtine at April 9, 2004 05:48 PM