My dad died tonight

Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS)
#1

My dad had been sick with COPD for years - seven maybe? - and had a serious heart attack in the spring, after which he opted for hospice. The past few months have been heartbreaking as he lost more and more ground, and became weaker and weaker. The past couple of months have been pretty bad, and I kept praying that he’d die before he lost all of his dignity and discovered new levels of suffering, and honestly, I know he did too: he woke up disappointed every day that he was still here.

Apparently, just before I got home from work tonight, he fell and my brother, who’d come over to help him, couldn’t get him up, so the fire department came to help him. Dad was pretty embarrassed by that. He asked me to help him to bed around 8:15, and I did. He was upset that he needed help getting undressed for the first time, and I wasn’t thrilled about it either.

Less than fifteen minutes later he was gone, and he only seemed to be in distress for a couple of minutes. Hospice was very helpful to my brother and I tonight with getting him pronounced, and eventually the funeral home came and went.

I’m sad, but also relieved. He won’t suffer any more, and I won’t be tortured anymore by wondering when he’d die or how bad he’d get before the end, because what paradoxically seems like both at last and so suddenly, it’s all over. As for Dad, if he’s anything right now, I’m sure it’s also relieved. A few weeks ago I thought that he seemed like his bags were metaphorically packed and he was just waiting for his ride to his next destination.

We weren’t ever super close, even though I’ve been taking care of him for the past three and a half years since my mom died, but I will miss him. I already think that a lot of that is going to be missing having parents more than missing him specifically, but I guess we’ll see.

We’re grown ups so it’s not tragic, but I’m 42 and my brother is 36, and it’s strange to be completely parentless this soon. I have so many coworkers who have both parents, and they’re themselves older than my mom ever got…

And after taking care of Dad for so long, I’m not sure what I’m going to do next. Whatever it is, I hope it would make both of my parents happy for me.

#2

RIP.
A parent is a parent at whatever age you are. Your feelings are completely understandable. You were ax good, responsible person.

#3

I’m so sorry. Don’t forget to take time to grieve properly. After the service and family leaves is when it will come apparent the need to honor your feelings of loss. Take as long or as short a time as you need. No one can tell you what’s right for you. I wish you peace.

#4

Condolences to you and your family

#5

It is a wonderful thing to be there for someone. Sorry for your loss,

#6

I’m sorry for your loss. Do be gentle with yourself. Grieving is always painful and I wish you peace as you go through this period.

As for your dad, May he Rest in Peace.

#7

My sincere condolences. I was a similar age when I lost my surviving parent, my mother. I remember thinking that now I was really on my own, even though they’d needed me more than I needed them in those last years of their lives.

StG

#8

Very sad news. Condolences to your family.

#9

My most sincere condolences.

#10

I’m sorry for your loss; and glad that he went relatively easily.

The loss may hit you at unexpected times and in unexpected ways for a while. Bear in mind that all sorts of reactions are normal.

#11

I’m very sorry for your loss. I understand what you’re going through. My dad’s memorial service is this Saturday and I cared for him through a long illness as well. One thing I’ve learned since he died earlier this month is to be so kind to yourself. Don’t want to make the bed - don’t. Want ice cream for dinner - have it.

#12

Sorry to hear it. Take care of yourselves.

#13

Been through it. My sincere condolences.

#14

I’m sorry for your loss.

#15

My dad passed away 2 years ago in a similar fashion. Time had just gotten the best of him and he was pretty miserable. Lost interest in everything when his sight and hearing slowly went, all his friends had already passed away, got short of breath when moving around the house. Even if we could wish him back tomorrow I don’t think we’d do it and he wouldn’t be happy being back, not in the condition he was in.
We’re just grateful for the years we had him, grateful we didn’t lose him when we were young. And he was probably grateful he never had to bury any of his kids, and lived long enough to see all of them into adulthood.
That’s about all you can ask for in life.

#16

I’m sorry for your loss. Both my parents were slowly consumed by cancer and I watched them both pass away.

Your father’s dignity was in the care your family gave him. Better you than some stranger in a hospital.

#17

My condolences on your loss, and best wishes as you move on to the next phase of your life.

#18

Sorry for your loss. Whatever age it happens, losing a parent is not easy. Your parents were lucky to have kids who were there for them like that.

#19

I grieve with you.

And there is no time limit on grief. If you find yourself overwhelmed or nonproductive, see your doctor. Grief messes with the chemicals in your head, and fortunately, help is available, through counseling or short term prescriptions.

And the Dopers are always here.
~VOW

#20

I’m so sorry for your loss.