Today we buried my father. He was (almost) 70 years old and survived 8 strokes. His last one (the 8th) took it out of him though. Sometime the night of 3/24 (our 10th wedding anniversary) and the morning of 3/25 he suffered a massage stroke and was hospitalized for a week. If you haven't heard this story go back a few blogs and it should catch you up. After one week in the hospital we were told that we should make him as comfortable as possible in his final days. We took him home, gave him "his" pillow and let Belle (Dad's golden retriever) say hello. He survived a very tough week. It was tough on everyone. We had been told by the hospice nurse on Tuesday 4/5 that we probably had 24-48 hours with him. However he hung on until early Friday morning. He passed surrounded by his wife of 47 years, his son and daughter in law and his daughter.
I can't tell you how I feel. I just can't put it into words. To say I'm shellshocked would be an understatement. This is the man who I thought would live forever! He was so strong! Right up until the very end! I have my moments but for the most part I'm ok. I don't know that it's truly sunk in yet that he's gone.
The service was beautiful today and Dad looked great. He looked very much at peace. He even seemed to have a little smile on his face ;) Mom called in the the recruits and found a "Roll Tide" lapel pin for dad to wear and Bobby picked out a beautiful crimson tie to wear.
The graveside service was led initially by my Uncle Danny (my mother's sister's hubby). He did a wonderful job describing dad and all of his attributes. Bobby then followed (he's stronger than I give him credit for obviously). He said some wonderful, true things about Dad and brought back some awesome memories.
Mom held up pretty well. I think the alone time is the worst for her. I know it's the worst for me. If I can keep myself occupied, then I'm ok but the second I get a moment to think and reminiscence my heart breaks all over again.
I'm pretty sure I'm in the angry stage of grief now. Why him? Why now? All these why's.
I'm literally falling asleep while writing this so I'm going to bed...
Love,
E
i cant tell u how saddened I am about this. I wish your family only the best and know that we were there in spirit but could not manage to get away.
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