My dad died Saturday morning. He hadn’t been feeling well for about a week. On Monday he scheduled an appointment with the doctor for 2pm. I stopped by and kept him company as he waited for his appointment time to arrive. We had lunch and talked about my book and business. The doctor said his heart was fine and ordered him to get a chest x-ray. Wednesday I had a full day of presentations and appointments. PB had a tradeshow in Atlantic City and he brought back a White House Hoagie for my parents. Thursday I surprised my dad with the White House for dinner. The chest x-ray came back as normal. We went up to his office and talked and then we watched a little bit of 2 and a half men. I took off before the show ended. On Friday I stopped by and had dinner. I noticed my dad’s face looked really red. I told him he had color and was looking good. He said he felt terrible. I kissed him good bye and went home to my place.
Saturday morning I made myself granola and coffee and went up to my office. I noticed my phone was ringing which was odd for 7:30 Saturday morning. It was Lisa. She was hysterical. She said Dad fell down. I tore down the stairs, threw on flip flops and a trench coat over my pajamas and broke every traffic law getting home. There were two ambulances and two police cars at the curb. I don’t remember parking my car, I just was in the house… which explains why the neighbor came by later with my keys and said she turned off my car which had been left idling in front of her house.
It wasn’t more than an hour later that the doctor told us dad had died.
I knew it would happen. But I thought it was out in the future. He was only 73. And he took such awesome care of himself. I thought I’d have him for another 20 years. And now he is only in the past. No more future. I am destroyed. I am totally and utterly destroyed inside.
It is impossible to know what to say to someone at such a time. The death of a loved one is such an incredibly personal experience that it remains untouched by comments from outside. We are all with you grieving in heart and mind, but the grief of the soul is for you and your family alone. Altogether a burden now, it will at some future time, prove a grounding rod to your own life’s journey.
My mom also passed away at age 73. That day, 8 years ago, is still the worst day of my life. Hardly a day
goes by that I don’t think about her. Your devastating loss is heartfelt by everyone who follows your blog.
But rest assured that time and the comfort of others will eventually heal this wound. God bless.
Donna, I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and we have a lot in common but that’s neither here nor there. I’m breaking my silence to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. My condolences to you and your entire family. Larry S.
Donna, 🙁
I usually don’t shut up and now I am speechless. I will be thinking about you and your family.
I’m so sorry 🙁
Dear Donna. I don’t get out to read your blog as much as I like to, but seeing this update today made my heart sink. I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Reading your blog entry brought me back to the day of my own father’s passing, now 10 years ago, but seemingly yesterday. Words can never say enough at a time like this but know that you have many people who love and support you and will always be there for you. God bless you and your family.
Donna, I just read this – I’m so sorry about your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Words fail me…. know you are being thought of.