My father passed away today at 1:45PM EDT. He was 78 years old, and is survived by his wife of 58 years, seven children, eleven grandchildren and a greatgranddaughter. We had a wake of sorts this afternoon, celebrating his life with his favorite meal. Even though he hadn't had a drink since the 70's, we did toast him and many aspects of his life with his favorite whiskey. We went through and updated an obituary he had writeen three or four years ago and planned his memorial service. He died in his sleep, of natural causes, attended by his family.
The day before he died, he challenged me to play a game of cribbage by asking, "You ready to get beat?"
I'll miss him.
Sunday, 10 June 2007
Friday, 8 June 2007
Fish Chowder
Life is full of quiet moments mixed in among the drama. A family member and I had dinner last night at Captain Nick's. It was a treat for both of us just to go out and have a sit-down meal. In my case, the last week or so has been a constant buzz, what with traveling around the world and alternating shifts looking after my Dad. It was a great meal and I had a taste of an old favorite of mine that I had forgotten about: New England fish chowder. I'd forgotten about fish chowder because I hadn't had a memorable chowder in the last twenty years, I think. This was just awesome, made with cream and real butter. I only had a cup, but it was more or less a cup of fish and a bit of broth to wet the oyster crackers. Yum. If you're ever in Bangor, Maine, do look the place up...outstanding seafood and (for me) monstrous portions. I also had the Honey Mustard Salmon, which must have been 400-500g of fish, and about as tender as I've ever had it at a restaurant.
Yesterday, Dad was disoriented throughout the day. He had an active day, with two trips around the home in a wheel chair and a couple of hours sitting in the recliner. That's the most active I've seen him since I've gotten here, and it was all at his request. The third time he wanted to get in the wheelchair, though, we asked him what he wanted to do, and he replied that we were going shopping. We suggested a stay in the recliner, and he agreed. There were a few incidents like that yesterday; my conclusion is that he's not sharing exactly the same consensus reality as us right now. It's OK, but we've talked about more seriously keeping an eye on him, since he's now started acting independently when we're not there. For instance, I stepped out of the room for a few minutes to make a phone call; when I returned, he was sitting up in the bed with his feet dangling over the edge. By itself, not a problem, but the issue is that he doesn't have enough strength to stand up on his own, so if he were to slide off the bed or try to walk, he'd fall.
He continues on, though, and seems in good spirits.
Yesterday, Dad was disoriented throughout the day. He had an active day, with two trips around the home in a wheel chair and a couple of hours sitting in the recliner. That's the most active I've seen him since I've gotten here, and it was all at his request. The third time he wanted to get in the wheelchair, though, we asked him what he wanted to do, and he replied that we were going shopping. We suggested a stay in the recliner, and he agreed. There were a few incidents like that yesterday; my conclusion is that he's not sharing exactly the same consensus reality as us right now. It's OK, but we've talked about more seriously keeping an eye on him, since he's now started acting independently when we're not there. For instance, I stepped out of the room for a few minutes to make a phone call; when I returned, he was sitting up in the bed with his feet dangling over the edge. By itself, not a problem, but the issue is that he doesn't have enough strength to stand up on his own, so if he were to slide off the bed or try to walk, he'd fall.
He continues on, though, and seems in good spirits.
Thursday, 7 June 2007
Mainely amazing
My Dad continues to hang on to a thread of life. We, along with the entire medical community, continue to be amazed that he is still alive.
Sunday, 3 June 2007
Back to Maine
I've headed back to Maine to be with my family. My father is gravely ill. It was a very long trip to get here....Brisbane to Sydney to LA to Boston, then by car to Maine.
It's odd to be here. It starts getting light at 4AM and stays light until 8PM. It was nearly 80F today. There are hundreds of acres of lawn surrounding the facility where my Dad is staying.
It's odd to be here. It starts getting light at 4AM and stays light until 8PM. It was nearly 80F today. There are hundreds of acres of lawn surrounding the facility where my Dad is staying.
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