My Father passed last night. He was 93, born on August 8, 1919

[joeybee12]

He had been ill for a while now, but until this past February, he was able to live at home with a minimal amount of assistance. Then he fell and was in and out of the hospital and nursing homes for a few months, developing infections, etc., and in May I moved in with him (with all my cats) until October when we moved him into assisted living as he needed more care than I could provide. He had congestive heart failure, multiple myeloma (a blood cancer like leukemia) and Alzheimer’s. At his new home he was pretty good for a couple months, but right after Thanksgiving he started having pain in his back, and with medication we could control it, but he was noticeably getting weaker daily. I believe he decided it was time to go this past Thursday, so he didn’t linger, and I’m grateful the end was peaceful.



The above is a photo of my parents when they were courting, back when you called it that. They were married for 57 years before she passed in 2004. My father had a very good outlook, and he eventually got a girlfriend about 3 years afterwards. He liked going out, dancing and traveling, and he was lucky he found someone to share his time with.

He was a life-long Democrat and union member, WWII veteran, loving father and husband. Whenever he was in the hospital the nurses would comment about how glad they had him as a patient because he was so pleasant and never complained. Below is a photo of my sister and I with him with what must be my first Easter…it was the earliest photo I could find of him with me. The second photo is him on his 90th birthday on our cruise to Alaska.

[Siwsan]

1. I'm so sorry for your loss - you are in my thoughts, today

I lost my father in 1999. I was the only one with him when he died and I carry that memory in my heart.

[randr]

2. So sorry for your loss---

Sounds like you are one of lucky few to have had such a fine man for a father.

[southernyankeebelle]

3. Joeybee your daddy was still hansome and had a lovely smile. Thanks for sharing

your pictures with us. I feel terrible you lost your daddy. My mother-in-law was pretty active til she was 89. She fell in her home and she ended up in the nursing home because both my husband and I have medical issues and just could help her at home with the care she needed. But she really gave up on life and she lasted maybe a month after she couldn't eat. He is in a better place because he isn't in any pain any more. Consider yourself very lucky to have had him in your life for a long time. My dad died when he was 50. Way to young to go and left 2 small kids and 4 older in their 20s. I still miss him. My mother died at 66. Its hard they are gone but the love never leaves you.

[CurtEastPoint]

4. Thoughts are with you. Great story and photos!

[msedano]

5. qepd

que en paz descanse

[mitchtv]

6. I'm sorry for your loss

thanks for sharing those great family photos.

[HillWilliam]

7. I'm so sorry, Joey

Losing my own dad a long while back taught me this; maybe it will give you comfort in time. My dad and I weren't close but we grew to be friends close to the end. At the oddest times, you'll think of him and he'll be there. You'll always miss him, but you'll always have the good things he gave you.

[Call Me Wesley]

8. Safe passage to your father.

May he be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you and yours, joeybee12.

[William769]

9. I am sorry for your loss.

It sucks, trust me I know.

[cate94]

10. I'm sorry

It is always hard to lose a parent, even when they have lived a good long life.

[Science Geek]

11. Sorry for your loss...

I know from experience that this is a very emotional time; it can be really tough to take, hang in there.
The pictures of your father remind me very much of my own, born just a few years apart.

[DainBramaged]

12. I hope you are well.

[King_David]

13. Sad and Happy post,

I love my dad too, and he loves me.

[stevenleser]

14. Sorry for your loss Joey...