Hi guys,

Well, December has been a difficult month for me. I suffered a TIA leaving my left side numb, a massive flu (still lingering after 2.5 weeks) and two trips to Boston for my Dad. One to say my last goodbye's and the other....for his services.

I heard he was very weak. (end stage heart, kidney and diabetes along with fighting a pneumonia) so I went up quickly on Friday the 8th of December. He was unresponsive with the exception of 15 seconds...he momentarily opened his eyes...they were alive with excitement...and he KNEW I had come to visit....a wisp of a smile...then he returned to unconciousness. Later that day the docs all gathered to consult with the family and they were of the opinion to stop his feeding tubes as he kept pulling them out and apparently they were causing him discomfort. He could not win the battle of an aggressive pneumonia so the goal was to make him comfortable.

On Saturday, I was expecting a worsened state, but to my surprise he was somewhat responsive. He could not open his eyes, but he could squeaze my hand and nod his head or shake side to side for a negative answer. He put both hands on mine and he listened to my words of endearment and courage for the journey he must soon make.

I traved back on Sunday morning.....he passed on Sunday night December 10th.

I returned a few days later for the services and a tribute to a wonderful man that was "my daddy"

I am posting this to share with you, as it is another small blessing of my affliction with Moyamoya.

My MM diagnosis deeply upset my dad, and he was quite worried for me. This enabled us to have deeper conversations over these last few months and share our inner feelings. It brought us all a little closer and made it easier to say "I love you" with every call.

I am happy that he witnessed my successful surgery and I was able to show him that he need not worry about me. He was a gentle giant and I will miss him deeply. He left this life as he lived it..... peacefully and thankful to all around him.

Diane

My Mom passed suddenly in 1991 and it still seems surreal. I was blessed to have them influencing my life.

I suppose they will always be a part of my actions and my character. I hope I will face the challenges with grace and integrity.

Diane

Sorry for you loss.  You will always have the memory of the 'inner feeling' talks with your Dad. 

Janice

Hey Diane,

I hope you are feeling better now.  As always, thinking of you.  As I told you before, I'm so glad you got to see your dad before he passed on.  I'm sure it meant as much to him as it does for you. 

Hugs,
Trina

Hi Diane -

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your father.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you...

-Shari

Thank you all for your kind thoughts....you are truly my very special group of friends!

My Tia was due to the stress and happened only two days after he passed on. That is a reminder how fragile "we" can be.  I am doing much better (still weakness & tingles) but, immersed back into my routine (like I had any choice) and reflecting on different chapters of my life. Death always seems to be poignant.

Now.....LORE!!! After reading your post....I feel.....I need to give YOU a HUG girlfriend! You have been through an emotional rollercoaster. That is quite a lot for one to bare. I am so glad you and Cubby have each other and may God keep you for each other for a long, long time.

Boy....when you, I and tomasai eventually get together for that "lunch".....it will be a bear hug! Put on padding....LOL

May this new year bring peace and good health to all.

smiles....Diane

Diane,

I am so sorry to hear about your dad! I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking about you!!!

Love, Christy

Hi Diane,

I'm so sorry to hear about your father.  Please accept my deepest condolences.      My heart goes out to you!!  I know what it's like to lose someone dear to you.  I lost my father in 1978...just a few days after my 16th birthday (it was pretty much when I needed him most).  Lore...know what it's like, she lost her father on her birthday.  He's in a much better place and he is no longer suffering.  Keep the faith...God Bless.

Aloha,
Jan

THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!

Your kind words and support are really very touching. He passed on Dec 10th...today is already Jan 15th! It is hard to believe how fast time keeps marching on.

I am in a good place now.....smiling whenever I reflect on his funny character. In the last few years, he went through a lot medically....never complaining....but he certainly dealt with quite a lot.

We may be meeting in "cyberland" but I truly value the friendships made on this site. I thank you.....for being there.
Hugs....Diane