My father, Edward, ended his 10 year struggle with Alzheimer's disease earlier this evening as he slipped away peacefully into whatever is next. The hospice nurse said that it was the most peaceful death she had witnessed in her 21 years of nursing. My sister, my mom and I were at his bedside and were witnesses of a true miracle. I had just arrived home from some 'therapy shopping' and pulled into the driveway when, my sister said, that Dad coughed a deep cough, as if summoning all his remaining resources and opened his eyes for the first time in his 6 day coma. He stared straight at my sister for a few moments and then to me as I came to his side. His deep, loud death rattle immediately ceased and his breaths become shallower with each rise of his chest. My mother rose from his bedside and sat on his bed and he immediately fixed his glassy eyes on her and held her in his trance. She kissed him and told him what a good husband he had been for 66 years and that she loved him and would see him soon. You could see him struggling to speak, but no words or sounds came from his lips. But we all knew what he was trying to say. After a few minutes he looked back to his children as we gently kissed him and encouraged him in his journey. His wide open eyes were steadfast on us for a few more minutes and then he was gone. There was an old hand school bell beside the bed from his days as a teacher in a one room school by which he gathered the children back to class from recess. I gently rang deeply resonate bell three times to gather the angels for his journey back to the eternal classroom. Thank you all for your support, love and prayers. I just wish you could have met him. He was an extraordinary human being and I loved him very much.
How very bittersweet... My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Michael. Know that you & yours will be in our thoughts now and in the time to come.
Many blessings to you and godspeed to your father.
Michael...such a peaceful, loving way to leave his loved ones on this earth and join those others that were waiting for him with open arms on the other side. Peace, prayers and hugs for your whole family.
Posts: 127 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: February 26, 2007
