..My dad lost his fourth on Jan. 13th. It took that many times for the disease to take him. Obviously a fighter, he was thoroughly and lovingly cared for by a devoted and sweet lady, who is a prime example of support and unconditional love. He and his wife had only a couple years together, sad as that is, however they surely lived life to the fullest. No doubt they were meant to be a pair. During his final days, when home care became unmanageable, my dad was brought to a wonderful hospice facility. Our family knew of the grim diagnosis last spring, but to witness his rapid deterioration..suffering and pain..was no less than excruciating to see. As his lucid moments became more infrequent, his voice fainting, body basically turning to a living corpse..he still uttered some of his trademark humorous quips. And we made sure he heard how much we love him. One afternoon, in the hospice bed, his wife by his side..he asked "when am I going home...I want to go home". These were the same exact words posed by my brother, to my mom, 21 years ago in his hospital bed as he himself was failing. I almost lost it completely, my heart was crushed. Well, in a sense, they have all arrived home..at peace..always looking down at us. My dad was an avid traveler, having ridden through 49 of 50 states in his RV the past few years. Now there's a new motorhome in heaven with his name on it...ready for new journeys to embark on..and I bet he's enjoying the scenic views. And, just as his light will keep on shining...one of those iconic expressions he often stated...we will indeed "keep the faith".
A wonderful memorial tribute was held in my dad's honor last weekend at a VFW post. The turnout and weather perfect, the service was uplifting, heartbreaking at the same time. All in all I'm sure we did my father proud.