I worked at 12-hour shift yesterday and on my way home last night it occurred to me to go see my dad but I was scheduled to work another 12 today and needed to get home to get some rest. After Sunday's 12-hour shift I planned to go and sit with my dad.
When I got into bed, around 10:30 p.m. last night, I called the nursing home as usual to check on him and my favorite nurse picked up the phone. He said he was just getting ready to call me. I asked, "How is he tonight?" and the nurse said, "I'm so sorry. He passed away about 30 minutes ago."
I spoke with hospice and the crematorium and got a few things worked out. Made a couple of calls.
But I can't feel it. There's a pain in my heart but it's far away and when it starts to come to the surface I somehow push it back down.
My dad was the finest man I've ever known. He was kind and gentle, loving, sweet, funny, intelligent....Anyone who's ever met him loved him. My mom once told me that it sometimes bugged her that dad was so well loved because if she went somewhere without him people were always asking her where he was. He made friends wherever he went. The grocery store, the pharmacy, the library, his various Dr.'s offices. I cared for him for 5 years and I would take him to his Dr.'s appointments and he'd charm anyone we came in contact with and I would often be asked, "Is this your dad?" and I'd tip them a wink and say,"No, he's my husband" then whisper, "he has a lot of money." My dad loved that. It was like our little schtick.
He was a veteran of the Korean War, he was a military policeman, he worked for McDonnell Douglas, retiring in 1990 and went on to be a college professor in his retirement.
When my mom died 6 years ago she and my dad had been married 40 years. My dad was the ultimate family man and everything he did was for his family. He enjoyed thinking of himself as a cross between Bill Cosby and Clark Griswold. The night of my first date he teased me relentlessly and when my mom finally made him stop he did. He disappeared for a few minutes and when he returned he was wearing his boxer shorts, no shirt, a tie and a jacket and he proclaimed that he was ready to meet my date.
When the numbness wears off this is really going to hurt.
As Margeaux said, the numbness can help up get through the beginning of the grieving process.
You were blessed with an amazing father. And he was blessed with an amazing daughter.
I pray that you'll be comforted as you deal with your grief and as you continue to honor his memory.
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I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I read several of your posts on other threads, and it is obvious that you shared a very special bond with him.
I remember that numb feeling just after my dad died. Odd as it may seem, I think the numbness is there to help us get through the initial stage of the loss of a loved one. You are blessed to have had such a wonderful dad. The feelings that you are keeping at bay will come, when you are ready to feel them. Hugs to you, Eyerishlass! You are in my thoughts.
May your father's spirit soar very high!
Much Love & Light! Margeaux
My deep condolences on the loss of your Dad. He sounds like a wonderful man and God bless him for his service to our country and for the love he bestowed on His family. My Dad was a Korean Vet as well!
My Dad passed on December 19 and I know the numbness...it is there to help you get through the days of dealing with the details. I remember thinking, how am I physically making it through each day, why am I not hysterical as I pick up his remains, why can't I stop shaking?
Take comfort in this time....he is at peace and with your Mom. Take time to take care of yourself. You are not alone there are many of us out here who can listen.
May The Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you...and my He be gracious unto you.
Eyerish, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds wonderful and I enjoyed a similar relationship with my dad although it was years and years ago...he's been gone 21 years now and I still have moments of missing him so bad it is like he just crossed over yesterday. He passed about the same time of the day, too.
If you think you'd like to share more stories about your dad, count my vote as one eager to hear them. If it helps you heal, especially. But it is just nice to hear about the good side of care-giving sometimes when we have so much venting to do about the not-so-good side. And for me, personally, it makes me think of my own dad which is always a nice thing.
Be sure and eat well and sleep enough and take care of yourself through the coming days. Give in when those tears come, too. They hurt but they somehow feel good like healing, too.
From what I've read on your previous posts, you have a pretty cool brother, and your family seems supportive of each other. Thank your parents for the fine individuals you are. The type of person that you, and your brother is a reflection of your parents legacy.
I lost dad suddenly 7 years ago. I was lost, devastated, angry, alone, afraid, and saddened beyond words. My dad too, was charming as hell, funny, handsome, smart, adventurous, fair, and loving. He was my hero, and I will never have another man like him in life. Believe me, I've tried and looked high and low. He doesn't exist. I'm happy that you have such a fond, and loving feeling for your dad. But, I'm sorry for your loss more. Dads are irreplaceable. Know that he loved you so much, and he left you with such a wealth of love and good memories. May heart goes out to you.💜💜
I am sorry for the loss of your father and I appreciate the stories you shared about him. It will take time to adjust to his absence and as you share your stories it may help to keep his essence nearby.
You mentioned that the pain is "far away and you cant feel it". This is the kindness of nature. It is often referred to as the first stage of grief, (shock, numbness, disbelief). It allows us to get things done like calling the mortuary, informing others and taking care of related business. Your feelings will trickle to the surface as the shock subsides.
The support from others, your wonderful memories and understanding the grieving process can help you through the sadness as it unfolds. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
((((((( hugs))))))))
God bless you and yours.
Your Mom and Dad are celebrating Mother's Day together and thinking how happy they are with you, their child. Well Done.
Bless your heart.
Welcome to the club that we all hate to become members of.
Ow Ow.
lovbob
I've started a journal about my mom to remember years from now about the wonderful times we have together and the funny things that she says and does.
The stories you recall about your father are a great contiribution to his ongoing legacy. Those are things that can NEVER be taken from you. Again, my most heartfelt condolences to you. Blessings!