Friday, March 19, 2010

Dear Friends

Many of you probably don't know me very well, but I need to tell this story. My mother died 2 years ago from a brain infection. At the time my father wasn't in very good health. In 1995 he had a kidney transplant, and a few years ago he had a knee replacement. He also had some heart problems. We, (my 4 siblings & I) never expected mom to died before dad because she was in good health. But she lived less than 2 months after she was diagnoised. Since mom has been gone, dad has died a little each day. He was in the nursing home for about the last 6 months waiting for the time he could join mom again. Dad died this morning, Friday, at 2:20 am. I was able to be with him. He was in no pain at the time and died very peacefully in his sleep. He is now with the love of his life. They were married 57 years and had barely spent a night apart. Dad owned a business and mom worked with him doing the bookwork. In 1990, dad started dialaysis, and sold his business to my brother, but mom and dad continued to help out at the shop doing the bookwork and answering phones, etc. After he received his transplant in 1995, they were able to travel again and loved to go to Branson and to Illionis to visit relatives. I can honestly say I never saw them have a fight. We always said mom was the "activity director" in the family. Dad loved to do whatever mom loved to do. They spent many hours in the flower garden, something dad was very proud of. Today is St. Joseph's Day. St Joseph is the patron saint of happy deaths, and my folks grew up & got married in a small town where the church was named in honor of St Joseph. So it was appropate that dad was able to go home to mom today. I will miss him so much because he lived with me after mom died, and after going to the nursing home, I would visit him every day. He was a very loving and caring person, and I will be forever changed by having such loving and caring parents. Thank you for listening and God bless each of you. Please tell everyone you love, how much you do love them while you have the opportunity to do so. My love to you, Patty

10 comments:

Darlene said...

Leaving thoughts and prayers for you and yours. And, a little (hug) just for you. Thank you for sharing your story.

Kim D. said...

Patty, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute to your parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Thanks for sharing with us and I hope writing it out helps your healing process.
Glod bless you!!

Anonymous said...

Hugs Patty, so sorry for your loss... I will keep y'all in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.

Pokey said...

Such a great heritage of love your parents leave to you and your siblings! I'm glad you were able to share this, Patty. Bless you all at this time, I'm praying for peace for you in this time of loss.

FlourishingPalms said...

My sympathies are with you, Patty. You've painted a picture of a beautiful couple who shared a beautiful life... and have a beautiful daughter. Blessings on you.

imquilternity said...

My condolences for your loss. Both of my parents are gone and I miss them terribly, but treasure all the beautiful memories I have of them. Sounds like you have wonderful memories too!

Diane said...

Patty, I am sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your family. Thanks for sharing such wonderful memeories of both of your parents with us, your bloggy friends.

Denise :) said...

Patty, you so lovingly expressed yourself in this post. My heart goes out to you. *Hugs* :)

Em said...

Patty, I would like to think that a sunbeam in my home yesterda morning was a celebration of your mom and dad being together once more. I am sending you love and what a wonderful CELEBRATION post this is of your parents and their love! Em

Thea said...

Hi Patty, I'm sorry to hear all of your sad news. It sounds like you can remember your parents fondly so keep doing so. Thanks for visiting & reading my blog and I wish you all the best.