My Dad's Last Moments in New Beginnings

We moved my dad to a hospice yesterday. That move had been delayed because Dad wasn’t strong enough for it as I mentioned two entries ago. I suppose we got to a point where we had to take that chance for the benefit of being in a place that was more accommodating to us and more comfortable for Dad, even if it was only marginally so. Staying overnight in the hospital with him was too draining.

The hospice was nearby, and we made it without incident. My dad was still unresponsive. His breathing was steady, but much more shallow than it had previously been.

My sister and I went to grab some dinner, and my brother and his fiance stayed with Dad. When we returned, the plan was for me to stay overnight in the hospice while my siblings returned to the hotel.

They left at about 10 minutes after 10pm, and I sat with Dad. I talked to him. I told him how much I’d miss him, how he was such a great father and provider, how he didn’t have to stay for us, how he could pass over to be with God and Mom, and generally made sure that I wouldn’t regret leaving anything unsaid. I went to use the bathroom, and when I came out, my dad’s breathing had changed. He was taking sudden, sharp inhalations, once every seven seconds or so. I sat next to him and held his hand until his breathing stopped. I held his hand as he died.

I texted my brother and sister to let them know. They came back, and we we spent a few minutes with his body. We’re having the funeral service tomorrow, then Saturday, we’ll bury his body back in Snellville next to Mom. We’ll bury him on the 10 year aniversary of my mom’s death.

Last updated June 26, 2015