My uncle passed during the night....I had wonderful help & hospice....

[Historic NY]

My uncle began his journey at 0347 am peacefully in his own house and room. I wrote a week or so ago about using hospice and some of you replied and I thank you. I had a private Polish nurse who came here on Monday. She works in the States to earn extra money to send home to her family. Her name was Teresa a true angel of mercy, she treated my uncle like he was a king. The hospice people made things easy even thou I was sad. They helped me make him comfortable, providing me with whatever I asked. He received his last rites. His daughter, my sister-in-law and our nurse held vigil for him taking turns during the night. I was awaken when I thought he called for me. Perhaps it was a dream that startled me, but I went to him. He passed peacefully as soon as I went to his side, with all of us with him. I am sad and will miss him but he goes to a far better place.

He faded fast since becoming sick at Thanksgiving. I brought him home Monday and while my life has been a whirlwind since, with so many details. He live a long, fruitful life and had many friends. He liked to tell people this year, you know I'm almost 91, and would have been on 12/23. He always put other people first and always tried to make things right. I've live with him since I was 12 when he took me & my brother in after our father died (his brother)some 36 yrs ago.

He spent his life helping others in one fashion or another. Held elected office in our town from 1948-1973 as a Democrat. Was a member of many community organizations. My uncle came from a time, when a party meant nothing when it came to doing the right thing for others or the community. Disagreements were limited to developing a consensus, and not the bitterness that tries to bring people down. Many politicians of both sides visited him in the recent day.

I just wanted to tell someone about how special he was to so many people, and now it is time for me to get some rest. It just doesn't feel right being here, knowing he won't be here, but then again he has earned his place and is probably now visiting with old friends.

[Metatron]

1. My condolences to you and your family.

You uncle sounds like a wonderful man.

[bettyellen]

2. I am sorry for your loss. It sounds like you really did right by him. nt

[madrchsod]

3. sorry for the families loss

and by your writing we have lost a really decent human being. he lived well and prospered.

[goclark]

4. We had to arrange hospice care for my aunt and a dear friend too

So many people talk about hospice care as if it is a bad thing.

It was a blessing in both cases for our family.

Both love ones were able to rest in peace and with dignity.

Blessings to you and your family.

[Nite Owl]

5. So sorry for your loss

Much peace to you and your family. He sounds like a wonderful person.

[faithnotgreed]

6. what a great man. you were lucky to have each other and

im sorry for your sadness. he sounds like a great gift and now he can share that with others by where hes gone, and by raising you and your brother.

best wishes to you and i hope you can rest well and know he is at peace. please take good care
God bless

[Maddy McCall]

7. So sorry. He must have been a very interesting man.

You are fortunate to have had him in your life. :cry:

[bigwillq]

8. Very sorry to hear of the loss of your uncle

My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.:hug:

[mhr]

9. I Wish You The Best - I Lost My Sister On 11/29

She was relatively young and the coroner has not released the cause of death yet.

Hopefully her passing was not too painful.

We buried her 12/7.

[SheilaT]

10. Thank you for sharing this.

You make me wish I had known him.

Hospice is truly wonderful. Last year when my 94 year old father-in-law was dying he was placed in hospice care, and it was the best thing. He was able to die at home, surrounded by his family, rather than being subjected to the indignities of regular hospital.

[roguevalley]

11. I am so sorry. He sounded like a good, good man. My best

wishes to you and your family. There is nothing like hospice. I am glad it was an option for you.

[babylonsister]

12. What a lovely way to remember your uncle for us all.

And I agree about hospice. My mom was ill with cancer for 2 1/2 years, but for the last 6 months hospice was a godsend. The people who work for hospice are angels and we will always be grateful.
I'm glad your uncle had a nice, long, productive, happy life!

[dobegrrrl]

13. I lost my Mom in November

and it has been horrendous. She was diagnosed with lung cancer (yep, she smoked, dammit) in Sept and she passed on Nov. 14. The cancer caused her to have a stroke and she was unconscious when I arrived at the hospital (I live 5 hours away).
We gather around her and the Episcopal priest, a wonderful young woman, asked us all to say something about Mom's life. I commented that at least she wouldn't have to face the nightmare of the next 4 years. She had said on the eve of the election that she believed that she might win the battle if Kerry won. I think she perhaps gave up facing 4 more years of (*F&^9^*&F^(P*DF0< !D [br />
I miss her so. Mom, I love you. O8) :cry:

[babylonsister]

18. Hi, dobegrrrl. Welcome to

DU and I am really sorry for your loss. Losing my mom was so hard, and that was 14 years ago, also from cancer that lingered a long time. I know how you feel. It does get better, but it will take time. Grieve when you need to, but laughter at memories and good times together help.

[dobegrrrl]

19. Thanks babylonsister. I'm still having trouble sleeping too. UGGGGH

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

21. My sincere condolences. I lost my dad 7 years ago.

Thankfully my mother is still alive. I am very sorry for your grief.

[fluffernutter]

14. i'm so sorry for your loss, he sounds very special.

[sheilajane]

15. sorry to hear....

Your uncle sounds like he was a wonderful person and I wish we had more like that in our world,and he was lucky to have you to watch over him. Peace!

[ikojo]

16. Your uncle sounds like a mensch

May his memory be a blessing for you and your family.

[UrbScotty]

17. A very fitting tribute to your uncle.

Thank you for sharing your story.

O8)

[donheld]

20. I'm sorry for your loss

my you always have fond memories

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

22. My condolences on your loss. What a very moving tribute to a man

who moved in and filled some very big shoes for you.

[sandnsea]

23. Blessings for your uncle

I have an uncle that age, a very special generation. He's in his 80's, but he still insists on holding the door for all his nieces and granddaughters, out of reverance, not condescension. He's also just as likely to vacuum the floor or do the dishes or any little thing to make your life easier. And turn around and have a good political debate on the side. I love my old guy, I know how much you're going to miss yours. :hug:

[KT2000]

24. I am sorry

I remember when he got sick at Thanksgiving.
What a special man and he was lucky to have you too.
My condolences to you.

[Padraig18]

25. May God comfort you and your family.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[peacefreak]

26. I am glad he was blessed with a peaceful passing.

It is obvious that you & the rest of his caretakers loved him very much. His life & death are a lesson in grace.