kimd Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 My dad passed away this past Monday (2/23/04) with me, my mom and my sister with him. I am still in shock that the cancer just got ahead of us and he is gone, but he is finally at peace. Thanks so much to everyone (my "new" family) for all your words of wisdom, your knowledge about this terrible disease and your prayers. I want to share with you my dad's passing. For those of you who are unsure you want to be with your loved one, I would encourage you to do so. My dad did not have an easy time, the cancer was shutting off his windpipe and his vena cava (sp?) was flowing the opposite direction causing his lungs to fill with fluid. My biggest fear was seeing him not being able to breathe. I followed the onc out of the room on the day he become so bad and discussed this in great detail. The onc promised me that he would not suffer and would not know about breathing difficulties. I am so thankful for our onc and the hospital staff because they made my dad's passing so very peaceful. He did have a tough time for several hours before he was made comfortable with meds and asked all of us why it was taking so long and he wanted to go "home". This was my dad's way of preparing us for his departure and journey to a better place. My dad also had sleep apnea which made his breathing inconsistent. Towards the end of his time, his respirations increased, his color returned to normal and his sleep apnea went away and he was resting very peacefully. My dad died with us in the room -- peacefully in his sleep. It has been a very difficult week and in the five hours of visitation at the funeral home (small town in Indiana), we had around 300 people to console us. My dad would have been so honored! Also, at the cemetery, and Army helicopter flew over and kept circling. We live hundreds of miles from a military base, but my dad put 20 years in the Army and even went for training to fly a helicopter for awhile. Nobody planned this and we still don't know why the helicopter was there, but everyone there thought somehow it was a tribute to my dad. Thought by sharing this, it may help some of you who are having a rough time right now. I already miss my dad so much and it doesn't really seem real and I'm sure there are tough times ahead, but I have found an inner peace to help me deal with this. Thanks again for your inspiration! Quote
shirleyb Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 Kim, I am so saddened to hear of your dear fathers passing. I am thankful you were able to spend time with him and that he was not alone when he died. You and your mother and the rest of the family are in my prayers. Much love, Shirley Quote
Connie B Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 Oh Kim, I am so sorry you lost your wonderful dad. Please now your in my prayers and I know your dad is in a better place. You won't ever have to look far for him for you'll find him right in your heart. (((((((((((((((((KIM))))))))))))))))) Quote
pritchie Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. I was also with my mother when so took her last breath and was glad I had been there to see how peaceful she looked. Pamela Quote
J.C. Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 Kim, So sorry about your wonderful father, you were with him at the end and he will stay with you all your life. Prayers for all the family in this time. Hugs J.C. Quote
Guest Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I, too, was with my Dad when he died of lung cancer 15 years ago (now my Mom has it too). I found so much comfort in being with my Dad at that time. My Mom whispered in his ear and he was gone. Please know we are thinking of you and keeping you, your family, and your Dad in our prayers. Peace, Soccermom Quote
Don Wood Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 Kim, so sorry at the loss of your dad. My heartfelt sympathies. Don Quote
Fay A. Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 Kim, please accept my condolences on the loss of your Father. And my thanks to you and you family for supporting him during his 20 years in service to our country. Quote
-Cheryl- Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 Kim, I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing such a private moment for your family with us. It really helps to put many of us at ease about the "unknown." I think that it is only human to fear death, and you have comforted us despite your own grief. You are such a comfort to so many, please stay wih us and let us comfort you when you need it. God Bless you and your family. Cheryl Quote
lilyjohn Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 I want to add my thoughts and prayers to all of the others. Your dad is at peace now and it is my hope that all of his loved ones will find peace soon. Lillian Quote
DeanCarl Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 Kim, I, too, am sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. It sounds like he was a well respected and well loved man. No one can ask for more of this life we live. Prayers for you and your family. Dean Quote
betplace Posted February 29, 2004 Posted February 29, 2004 Kim, Please accept my prayers and condolances on the loss of your Dad. My heart goes out to you and your family as you endure this terrible loss. Blessings Betty Quote
cathy Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 Kim, I am so sorry to hear of your wonderful fathers passing. Will be praying for you and your family to find strength during this devasting time. Quote
kimd Posted March 1, 2004 Author Posted March 1, 2004 Thanks to all of you for your overwhelming messages. I will keep visiting the board as two of my co-workers have parents also battling lung cancer (newly diagnosed) and with your knowledge, I have been helping them through the initial shock of the diagnosis. I gave one of them this website for info and maybe they'll join us. You guys don't realize how much you helped me, my dad and my entire family during his battle. When you get blown away with the news that you have cancer, you start looking everywhere you can for info and I'm so glad I found this board! Lots of hugs to everyone Quote
karen335 Posted March 2, 2004 Posted March 2, 2004 KIm, Condolences to you and your family. You are in my prayers... God Bless and gentle hugs for you... Karen Quote
Debaroo Posted March 6, 2004 Posted March 6, 2004 Kim, I am so sorry that you have lost your father. It is so wonderful that your father was surrounded by the people that loved him...I am sure that it made is journey easier-he left this Earth surrounded by love, and most surely he was welcomed into the spiritual world with love as well... Take care, and I hope you stay on here, we need eachother. Deb Quote
Carleen Posted March 7, 2004 Posted March 7, 2004 Kim Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your father. It is a blessing that he was able to find comfort and peace at the end and to be surrounded by those he loved as he transitioned from this world to one without pain and of endless beauty. I pray that you and your family find peace and warmth in your loving rememberances. May God bring you comfort. Carleen Quote
Karen Posted March 8, 2004 Posted March 8, 2004 Kim, Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. You surely honored your father with your post. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you persevere at this time. God bless~ Karen M. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.