This morning my Dad passed away after three weeks in Hospice care. He had terminal cancer and did not want to endure the kind of invasive procedures required to extend his battle. He endured a lot during his last few weeks, but ultimately died peacefully in his sleep.
His name was John and he was born in NY, but lived most of his life in NJ. He married his High School sweetheart, Beverly, and had two sons. He was an electrical engineer by trade. In 1971, he was drafted into the Army and did a tour of duty in Vietnam. He eventually started his own business and retired to Florida.
My Dad loved math and problem solving. He loved science and puzzles. He was the most organized man I ever knew. He loved tinkering in his workshop with everything from electronics to wood. He liked playing video games from time to time. His favorites were Duke Nukem and Silent Service. He also loved reading World War II history and studying submarines. He was a talented photographer and a master of Photoshop. But most of all, he loved his family and he gave us everything he had and somehow always managed to find more to give.
I think the best way to characterize my Dad could be found in his final weeks. He was in the hospital, in rough shape and in a lot of pain. He knew he was facing a no-win situation. And yet every nurse that cared for him made a point of saying what a wonderful man he was. He was kind and polite and did not complain, even when he was at his lowest.
Dad, you were the best father that anyone could have ever asked for and more then that, you were my best friend. I will love you forever and I will never forget you. I feel like I will have a hole in my heart for the rest of my life. I cannot imagine a single day will ever go by that I don’t think about you, and all you did for me, and what a wonderful man you were.
FigureFan Zero 
Well written. My condolences to you and your family.
Thank you.
My sincere condolences to you!
Well-written, and you’ve got ME teary-eyed reading that.
I wish I had more of substance to say…glad to see you’ve made some time for posting recently; moreso in that you haven’t disappeared entirely. So very easy to withdraw with big stuff going on.
Cliche as it is…I wish you and your family what peace is possible with this, especially these next few days as everything…is what it is, and then as you move forward. Feel free to reach out to me on here, or twitter, or facebook; I may not be able to offer much beyond words, but count me on a list of those willing to listen and just be here, however able/needed.
Thanks, man.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I lost my dad a few years ago, so I know well what you’re going through at the moment. Stay strong.
Thanks, my friend.
So, so sorry for your loss. But at least your dad is in a happier place now. Passing away peacefully is a blessing for suffering patients.
When you first talked about your dad’s illness and treatment, and how your life seemed to turn upside down, it so reminded me of what happened to me in 2017. And right now, it reminds me of when my mom passed away at the end of 2017. Take the time to grief, and settle his affairs.
Thank you!
Sorry for your loss 😦
Thanks
My condolences friend. What a amazing sounding man. It sounds like we have many passions that would have bonded us. I work in the electrical engineering field and am mad organized.
Truly, my heart is with ya in these times friend. Bless him and your family!
Thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, it sounds like you two would have been fast friends!
Lost my father to cancer as well, 5 years back.
On the one hand, you lose one of the most important people in your life, but on the other hand, at least he dosn’t have to suffer anymore (mine was fighting cancer for 3 years).
Sorry for your loss and may he rest in peace and be forever in your memory.
Sorry to hear about your Dad. It’s so hard, but I’m glad he’s at peace.
So sorry for your loss. Your dad sounded like a heck of a guy. You honored him with that post, sir. You are a good son.
I still have both of my parents (I’m about your age). They are in good health. My wife lost her dad 7 years ago and her mom last year, both to cancer. It was a rough time.We know that kind of stress and pain, so my heart is with you. God bless you.
Thanks for your kind words. I do appreciate it.
A wonderful tribute.
Hey man. Really sorry to hear about your father. That was a great tribute and I’m sure he’s proud of the man you’ve become. I’m praying for you and your family.
Thanks so much. I appreciate it!
A very sad but well written post. Sorry for your loss
Thank you, sir.