Dear friends, my father passed away on Thursday evening. My sister and I were with him until the end, holding his hands, telling him we loved him, thanking him for being our father. We told him it was okay to go, to be with my mother and my brother.
I didn’t expect it would be this soon, or that things would take this turn for the worse. Even Thursday morning, we thought he might be improving a tiny bit. But everything changed in the afternoon.
We upheld our father’s wishes. He didn’t want his life to be prolonged in any way that would greatly change the quality of his life. We knew he wouldn’t be able to abide that. He was ready to go. He missed my mother and the eighteen months since she left us have been very hard for him.
I still can’t believe he’s gone. But I treasure the profound gift of being there as he breathed his last, of helping him on his way to heaven.
We’re heartbroken. I’m going to take some time off. I’m not flying home for a few days and I’m going to spend it with my family.
Thank you for all your prayers. I can’t tell you how much they have meant to both Meredith and me. Bless you.
Dearest Claudia and Meredith,
My heart goes out to you. I have walked this path myself and still I don’t know what to say. It was good of you both to honor his wishes. To be with him at the end, to hold his hand and tell him you both loved him was all he needed. I am wrapping you both in hugs and much love.
Deb
I want to say how sorry I am to read of the passing of your father. Please know that I am praying for you and your family. May you feel the mercy of God as you let your memories bring comfort.
Claudia and Meredith, I’m so sorry for your loss. At the very least you know he is with your mother and brother. Sending healing thoughts and prayers to your family.
I am sorry . Doris
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Having lost both of my parents I know the emptiness in your heart! I pray fort the quiet repose of your father in Heaven and peace for you and your family.
Michle
I’m so sorry for your loss. May you find peace being together and remembering the good times with your father.
Thought and prayers for you and your family for the loss of your dear father.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You were blessed to have such wonderful parents and they were certainly blessed to have you as their daughter. There are no tears only happiness in heaven. Knowing that as you grieve will hopefully bring you comfort. God bless.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother last year and my father thirteen years ago. It’s so hard to be an orphan at our age. Treasure your memories and know he’s at peace.
I’m so terribly saddened at this news about your dear dad Claudia – Bob and I send condolences to your entire family, and wishes for strength at this difficult time. He was a dear man who is now in a good place and at peace.
Be strong and know we are all thinking of you.
Mary x
I’m saddened to hear of your loss and heartache.
Dear Claudia, I am so very sorry for your loss, but so glad you were able to be with him during his journey to the other side. Prayers and sympathy to you, Meredith and your families. Love, Martha
I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family.
((hugs))
My condolences to you and your family. It’s never easy, but may your memories comfort you.
I’m so sorry for your loss Claudia. My heart is with you (hugs)
(Nurse) Kat
i am very sorry for your loss, but grateful that you and your sister could be with each other and with your father when Jesus called his name …
wishing and praying for you all to have peace in your hearts and minds and strength for the tasks ahead. hopefully most of those tasks can wait as you begin this process, taking care of yourselves throughout, too.
and what a precious photo of you and your father together! may photos, memories and God’s love bring you comfort.
kathy
Claudia and family, I am thinking of you all and sending up my prayers that God will envelope you in comfort and peace. Being there, as he transitioned, to hold his hand and tell him the words we all long to hear, were a gift to you and to him. I will continue to hold you in my thoughts.
I am so sorry for your loss Claudia. God bless you and your family.
Dear Claudia, my sincere condolences to you. I know that even as an adult, losing a father and mother is truly heartbreaking. I hope that your memories and knowing he is no longer suffering will comfort you. Much love and prayers.
My condolences to you and your family. Such a sweet photo of you and your dad.
I am very sorry in the loss of your dad, Claudia and Merideth. So glad you could be there together and have this time to begin the healing process. The photo of you and your daddy, Claudia, is just precious. I love looking at photos of my dad and me growing up. Take care and comfort in knowing you were there in his last moments.
I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, Claudia, but I’m so glad you were able to make the trip down here to Florida to spend those last hours with him. I’m sure your physical presence is also a tremendous help and comfort to Meredith, as is hers to you, during this difficult time.
Oh Claudia and Meredith, so very, very sorry for your loss, your heartache. So glad Claudia you were able to get to FL and so glad you have each other. Sending hugs and prayers to you both.
My deepest sympathy to you & your family. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
I’m so sorry Claudia.
To you and your sister, I send my sincere sympathy.
Your memories will keep him with you forever!
I am so sorry for your loss, Claudia. My dad passed away in 2006. May God comfort you and your family as only He can.
I’m so sorry Claudia. Love survives.
Dear Claudia and Meredith, I’m so sorry for your loss. Keeping you both in my heart and in my prayers. Karen xo
Claudia I am so glad you were able to be there with him. It is not easy to say goodbye but you and Meredith did and with much love. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers and sending big hugs and much love to you and Meredith and your whole family.
Linda
Sending my sincere prayers to you and Mere for the so sudden loss of your Dad. May you find comfort in being together as sisters with your happy memories, as your grief binds you even closer together. You are so loved, Claudia, and your home, family and friends will await your return. Take care and all the time you need. PS that photo is precious!
Claudia – I am glad you and your sister were able to be there for your Dad at the end and my thoughts are with you and your family.
So sorry for your loss.
Take Care,
Kaye
Prayers for you all as you journey through this difficult time
My most sincere condolences to you and Meredith and your families. There are no words to say other than I am thinking of you both and sending my love to you. xx
We are so sorry for you and Meredith. Yesterday my husband and I said a prayer for your family. Enjoy y our time with your family, hate it’s under these circumstances. Love ya! DEB
Oh, I’m so sorry. Sending you hugs. We’ll be here if you need us.
Sending love and prayers to you and your family. Thinking of you all.
Claudia, I am so sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself.
I am so sorry for your loss. May God surround you all with love and support.
Claudia and Meredith, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose your parents, as well as a brother. I am so glad you were able to be there with your Dad at the end. You both are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you both.
Claudia…
My family and I extend our deepest sympathies for your loss. We’ll be keeping you and your family in our hearts.
Karen
When there wasn’t a message on your blog yesterday I felt it could have something to do about your father. I am so sorry for your lost. I know how you are feeling since I lost both my parents years ago. Glad you were able to be with him and your sister on Thursday.
Will be praying for you and your family. ??❤️
So very sorry for your loss. Loving thoughts for you and all!
Oh Claudia, I am so very sorry. I am glad you were able to be with him. Sending loving thoughts and shared tears your way this morning. The photo of you and you father is precious. xoxo
Claudia,
So sorry to hear that your Dad has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so glad you got to be with him before he passed away.
“We are all the pieces of what we remember. We hold in ourselves the hopes and fears of those who love us. As long as there is love and memory, there is no true loss.”
― Cassandra Clare, City of Heavenly Fire
Claudia – holding you and your sister in my prayers and my heart.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
My deepest sympathies.
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers for you and your family.
So sorry for the loss of your Father. I am happy you were with him and Meredith.
A Blessing that you and your sister were with your Dad. You gave him a wonderful send off to be with your Mom and Brother.That will bring you comfort in the future. Having your sister and she having you right now is so very important. kHugs to you both.
Into the arms of angels, Claudia. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you say goodbye to your Dad. May he rest in eternal peace and may God comfort you and all your family. I am so sorry. Susan
I though about you and Meredith all day yesterday when there was no blog post from you. I am so glad that you were able to make the trip down there to be with your Dad and with Meredith. You will treasure that gesture and time together forever.
The feeling of being an “orphan” truly stings and makes us realize more than ever how precious the time was when we were together. To everyone who still has one, or both, of their parents still here, make time for a visit or a phone call. Don’t believe you have time to do those things. Do them today.
Peace and comfort to you & Meredith and your entire family. You know we are all thinking of you and lifting up prayers. xo?
How very glad you must be that you were there for your father, to say goodbye and let him go. Much love to you.
I have been wanting to stop by your blog for the longest now. And when I saw your post I jus had to sit down and write to you. I’m very sorry that you lost your dad and so soon after your mom. Death is so but he is at peace now but just the same. Almost a year and a half ago my mom left us. It was most difficult within a week each day just went to worse she had been in a home and was doing ok i thought she be coming home soon she left before the time she called her own abulance and went to the hospital and made them arrange for her to come home. She knew she was leaving it was the most hardest thing I ever did watching her leaving your post brought it all back holding her hand telling we loved her and telling her it was okay to leave. My heart is with you and your family may God surround you all and comfort you with love and warmth at this time… Blessings and prayers see you when you get back with love Janice ❤️?❤️
Dear Claudia and Meredith…..I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve been thinking of you three all day yesterday…hoping. But, am so thankful that you were both there to be at his side, and that you were able to honor his wishes. Take all the time you need Claudia. Enjoy your family…treasure them. ;)
Oh Claudia, I am so sorry. Yesterday, when there wasn’t a post on your blog, I wondered if things were critical for him. Please know you are in our hearts and we all send blessings to you and your family as you remember your Dad. X Chy
P.S. I’m so glad you were able to be there with him. It’s a gift to hold the hand of a loved one as they take their last breath.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
LOVE & HUGS
Dear Claudia and Meredith, My thoughts are with you both and your families. Blessings.
There are no words to comfort, just know that we are all holding your family in our hearts.
Claudia, I am so sorry to hear this news. I am glad, however, of the gift given to all three of you that you were able to be there. Together. My prayers are with both you and Meredith as you grieve together.
Blessings,
Betsy
I am so glad you were able to be with your Dad and Meredith at his passing. My heart and prayers go out for you all. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time and bring to your remembrance all the good and loving years.
Sorry to hear about his passing, but so glad you got to be there! That will always be a comfort to you.
So sorry to hear of your dad passing away. I’m sure it was a great comfort to be with him at the end and to share this time with family.
Christy
The only thing I can think to say – that hasn’t been well-said already – is something from Dr Seuss that I received in a card from a friend when my own father died, 17 years ago. Of all the kind messages I received, this one really said it best, for me at least, and it’s one I always try to remember when I experience a loss, although it’s surely not easy, as you know:
Don’t cry because it’s over…
Smile – because it happened.
Wishing you much comfort and love at this very difficult time. ?
I’m so sorry, Claudia. You and your father are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I think the greatest gift we can give our loved ones at the end is to respect their wishes, and you and your family did that well.
Claudia – I knew something was wrong when you didn’t post yesterday. I am so sorry about the loss of your Dad, It is so hard to give up your parents – it leaves such a void in your life. Am praying for you and Meredith as you go thru this season of change in your life.
Prayers and sympathy.
Love ya,
Judy
So very glad you were able to be with your Dad as you ushered him on to his heavenly home. It is such a hard time for those of us that remain here. We are all praying for you and thinking of you and your sister and other family as you remember his life this weekend.
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief…and unspeakable love.”
Washington Irving
Love and blessings to all of you….Nancy
Claudia, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Being with your dad was a comfort I know.
So sorry for this sudden grief Claudia. May you and your family,here or there, find Peace in the Love you share.
I am sorry for your loss but happy you could both be there with him at the end. It was a gift for all of you. He was a second fathered too me. I am very lucky to have had Gord in my life.
Very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss Claudia. Hugs to you and your family.
For your dad to pass peacefully in the company of those he loved and who loved him was truly a gift. My heart aches for you and Meredith.
When I saw your post title and the beautiful black and white photo, my heart stopped and I whispered “oh, no”…. I’m tearing up a bit now for your Dad, for you, and for Meredith, for all who will miss your Dad. It is a blessing that you got to be with your Dad, Claudia. Take many deep breaths; have quiet moments of remembering, alone and with Meredith; continue to talk with your Dad.
May his memory be eternal in your hearts and God’s.
So glad you were able to be there……holding you and your family close in my heart
I’m so sorry, Claudia, to hear of your dad’s passing. I’m glad you and your sister were there with him.
May the road rise to meet him.
Elle
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. So glad you could be there with him and your sister. Take care of yourself!
Sorry to hear of your loss. It is, indeed, a blessing to have been there with family. May you find comfort in these next few days with your family.
Dear Claudia, to you and your sister Meredith, and your families I send my condolences. The loss of a parent is so hard. I hope in time some peace will come to you. Until then try to enjoy the company of your family. I send a long big squishy hug. Dianne
I didn’t want to say anything earlier, but my red flag went up when you mentioned he said, “Help me.” My great-aunt said that quietly from her hospital bed and passed shortly after. Do they know? My dad did, because the doctor explained it to him and gave the timeline based on medical opinion. My mom didn’t, but had heard the doctor talk to me about Hospice the night before she died. She turned her head to look at me square in the eyes and said, “I just don’t want to be alone.” Where do they find the courage? Most will say from the presence of a higher power. But these brave seniors are also The Greatest Generation and I’ve been witness to their amazing strength; a noble bearing under adversity.
It is so poignant…how you speak here of the months succeeding your mother’s death being so hard for your father. I feel my own mother had not one good day after my dad died. She tried; she really tried. But they needed to be together, as they’d been from their teens into the elder years of their 80s; instead, she lingered five years after him, and I would ask myself WHY because her silent sadness was gut-wrenching and I couldn’t do anything to ease her pain of losing the one person with whom she’d traveled through life as half of a whole. She tried to explain it to me…she felt as if she was dangling; no longer on firm footing. And life just lost its color with his absence.
Claudia, I AM SO GLAD that you took the initiative to fly down to be with your father and sister. Thank God. No regrets. Be there now, you two girls, to help each other with next details; so important to be together.
No words can express what it means to lose one’s parents. I am glad you have your sister for the sharing of all the emotions/memories of childhood and other times throughout the years with your mom and your dad.
My deepest, most heartfelt sympathy to you and your loved ones. I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. The photo you’ve posted is just precious. You’re in my thoughts, Claudia.
I went back and read the condolences left for you here by your cyber friends. The quotes sprinkled here and there in the comments are so beautiful; I hope they bring you a moment of comfort. Your readers love you, Claudia.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sounds like he was an amazing dad. You and your family are in my prayers.
Dear Claudia I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and I am so happy for you and your sister that you got to be with him and comfort him until he left this earth.
blessings,
Sue
I am so very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Claudia, my heart is broken for you. I’m so glad you were able to visit with your dad and to be with him as he went to be with your mother and brother. I’m so sorry… Donna
My condolences to you and your family.
I am sending my condolences and God’s Strength & Love to you, and your family.
Claudia, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Cherish the memories and know he is free from pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs.
Claudia, I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to let our loved ones go, but you must be at peace, knowing that you and your sister were able to be there to say goodbye. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I am so sorry, Claudia.
Claudia and Meredith,
I am so sorry to hear that your Dad passed and so glad Claudia, that you were able to go down and be with him and Meredith for his remaining time here, before he went to join the Lord,your Mom and Brother… I know that you and Meredith will be of great comfort to each other, as will your families…
Debbi
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss, Claudia.
Claudia, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your Father, but I am so glad you were able to be with him. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family in the coming days.
Dearest Claudia- I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. May God bless you.
Claudia, I am so sorry. I pray that you and everyone who loved your father will be comforted and consoled and surrounded by love, kindness and compassion.
Claudia, I am so sorry about the death of your dad. I am glad you were with him at the time. I am also glad you can spend some time with your family. Prayers and hugs are with you and yours.
Claudia, just want to say how sorry I am for your loss. It’s wonderful that you were with your Dad until he passed. May God Bless and Comfort you and your family.
{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}
Diane M.
Blessings and prayers in this sad time. It is wonderful that you had such loving parents.
I am so sorry. I know how much it hurts.
I am sorry for your loss. May your memories uphold you.
Addie
Dear Claudia
I deeply regret your loss and I wish God sends peace and comfort to your broken heart ! A big hug to you
Alicia,Buenos Aires
Dear sweet Claudia,
I’ve been following along sporadically. It’s late Friday and I’ve just read this news.
I’m praying for you and your family.
May the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
… Cherish.
Dear Claudia (and Meredith) ~ I am so, so sorry for the loss of your beloved father. My heart and my prayers will be with both of you and your families.
Claudia, I am so, so sorry for the loss of your father. I am glad that you and your sister were able to be with him. My prayers are with you and your family.
So very sorry, Claudia.
My deepest sympathy, Claudia. Sending a hug, Deb
Claudia, I don’t have the words to express the grief I feel for you and your family. The poem I have included was given to me when my dad died. I hope it brings comfort.
And If I go while you’re still here…
Know that I live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
Behind a thin veil you can not see through.
You will not see me,
So you must have faith.
I wait for a time when
We can soar together again.
Both aware of each other.
Until then live your life to the fullest
And when you need me
Just whisper my name in your heart,
……I will be there
Emily Dickinson.
Beautiful!
What a lovely poem. Thank you for posting this, Trudy.
I´m sorry. I wish the best for you and your family.
What a beautiful picture. So sorry for your loss, but what a gift to be there with him til the end. Sending you and Meredith and the entire family blessings of peace and comfort.
Claudia, sending condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear father.
I am so so sorry to hear the news Claudia. I am glad that you and Meredith were able to be with your father. May you cherish the memories of a life well-lived. Peace and hugs to you. God bless.
I am so sorry to hear your news. There really aren’t words. I will hold you and Meredith in prayer.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you all heal in the upcoming year.
Bless you and your family Claudia. Sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and Meredith.
My heartfelt sympathy Claudia at such a sad time x
There are no adequate words. Please know that my prayers are for you and your sister. So very, very sorry dear friend.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
I’m so sorry Claudia. My condolences.