Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Gone

My dad's eyes were open when I came to the board and care this morning. They were already fixed though, and so I got down where I thought he might be able to see me and told him it was okay just to let go, that I was there, and that we would take care of mom. I told him I love him, and that I would miss him. Shortly thereafter, a few breaths, he shuddered, and he was gone. It was very quiet. There was none of the awful stuff some people had told me about at the end. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't, yet I could see that I had put his mind at ease, and that's what I wanted.
Now I am trying to talk the cemetary (El Toro Memorial Park) into burying him on Sunday. Jewish burials don't happen on Saturdays, and that would be the soonest he could be ready. We don't embalm or cremate either, and my dad specifically asked for a Jewish burial. I might just have my mom cremated when the time comes because it is so much easier. You don't have to worry about when it will happen.

7 comments:

Robin said...

I am so sorry, Robbi! What a blessing that you were able to be with him in his last moments, and that those last moments weren't filled with suffering. It sounds like a peaceful end, especially since you put his mind at ease.

Rebel Girl said...

It was good for both of you that you were there for him.

Thinking of you~~~~

Lou said...

How very good that you were with him, Robbi. You have both my deep sympathy for the loss of your father, and my relief for you that he is released.

Michele said...

I am sorry that your dad is gone. May he rest in peace.

Robbi N. said...

Thanks my friends. It helps to know that you are there for me.

marly said...

Much love, Robbi--
How good that you were there. Birth and death are solitary acts, but it is good to have somebody on the shore, waving and saying the words one needs to hear.

Pax tecum.

Robbi N. said...

Quite right, Marly.