My dear dad died at 3am on the morning of 9th March 2010 in Papworth Hospital, Cambridge. He was 83 years old.
He had been in hospital since November, initially in Bedford, then transferred to Papworth to undergo a heart valve replacement procedure. One thing after another prevented the procedure going ahead and eventually he was bedridden and in dreadful pain from gout which had resulted from kidney failure. I am thankful that he is no longer suffering. We, the family are grateful to all the staff at Papworth Hospital for their thorough and sensitive care of my dad whilst he was in Varrier Jones Ward. They helped to make my mum and dad's 55th wedding anniversary on 5th March 2010 a lovely day for both of them, as far as it was possible in the circumstances.
Despite dad's age and heart condition, we always expected that he would come home and have a little more time to enjoy his last days so it has come as a shock to us all and I still can't believe that he will never come home.
The funeral is Thursday 25th March. I do not know how I will get through this day. My children will both be doing a reading for their grandad. I will reproduce them here in a future post.
Rest in peace daddy.
I love you.
Jooles-- My condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family in this time of heartbreak and loss. I was so struck by your father's picture, I can't describe. He looks like a man I would've loved to have met. He exudes a sweetness and joy in that picture. Perhaps when you feel up to up you could post about his life? I would love to read about him! There is a reason I gravitate to older folk (who can tell us so much) and infant's (whom I currently work with, who seem to know just as much--just can't tell us!) as an RN. Two ends of the spectrum and both my favorites! I hope you find the strength to make it through the funeral, and hope that your faith in God is strong. From seeing that picture, there isn't a doubt in my mind that he is sitting at the right hand of God now with that exact smile on his face.....
ReplyDeletePrayers and love to you all Jooles,
~Mindy
Jooles - I am really sorry to hear of your father's passing. I hope that soon all the sadness and emptiness you and your family are feeling are replaced by happy and loving memories of him. He will never be far. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteJooles, sending you and your family love and prayers. I am very sorry for the loss of your dad, Dad's are such special people and I am sure that it will take some time to adjust. Remember that he will be with you always.
ReplyDeleteThank you everybody for your words of comfort. Its one of those things that you want to shout about and I can't understand how the world can carry on as normal when something so devastating has happened. So I had to share it here.
ReplyDeleteWe have so many happy memories of dad and I'm sure that when this painful time passes we will be able to draw from those memories.
I will share some of them with you when I feel up to it.
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. What a tough, heartbreaking loss, but it sounds like you have some wonderful memories of him.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this time. It will never be easy, but he'll always be with you.
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