I’m so sorry for your loss, though I know this brings a different kind of peace. Your experience has brought back so many memories of losing my own dad 15 years ago, and I wish I could just hug you.
Your dad would be very pleased to know that I have a monthly reminder, in my phone, on the 2nd of every month, to check my furnace filter 😉
Thank you all so much. I've read each of your comments more than once and he would be thrilled to help form more responsible investors and consumers, lol. He was an engineer and deeply practical, often literal, but also one of the most generous souls ever. I slept deeply last night for the first time in a long while, not dreading the ring of the phone, and I can say we spent more time laughing and celebrating him yesterday than crying. That's what he would want and I really believe that's due to the fact that he had a "good" death.❤️
Also, I can't remember if I've said it here but hospice doctors, nurses and workers are whatever the atheist equivalent of godsent is. I cannot tell you how respectful, loving, supportive and special they made this time. One nurse in particular always really looked at him, talked to him - this made such a difference. They jumped to do anything to make him comfortable and made sure we were ready. Access to this care was an incredible privilege and we will all support it financially and as volunteers in his memory always. If you find yourself in this situation, I cannot recommend a hospice house highly enough. Thank you again, truly.
Thinking of you and here for the next week if you need to reach out about the whirlwind that descends at the end of someone’s life. I am in the thick of it with my aunt who died either Thursday night or Friday morning. I am glad hospice was so good for your family.
I too am so touched by the “helpers” in my aunt’s town yesterday when I tried to find her. The coffee guy who searched his restaurant for her and called me back trying to give me more details from earlier in the week, the grocery store customer service representative who not only paged her but then searched the whole store on foot for her for me, the police who did the wellness check and found her, the paralegal who dropped everything to explain opening probate to me, the neighbors who tried to help and are going to take her trash out, her handyman who has offered to help in any way he can, the senior center staff who explained how they commemorate donations. It seems we have both found that, in the total suck of the situation, it is not such a terrible world. ❤️
Post by basilosaurus on Jan 7, 2023 18:36:22 GMT -5
An engineer? He really was my dad
I've been a recipient of hospice multiple times beginning with my mom in the 80s.
I've also been privileged to be a hospice nurse. Yes, it's a privilege to be welcomed into one of the most difficult times for a family, to care for everyone (hospice mentality is everyone is the patient).
There's a reason I remember Kathy 2 was my favorite and Cathy 3 rode in the ambulance with mom on her last trip.
I'm so glad you had such great support in what is an incredibly difficult time