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We knew he had liver disease, but they couldn't really (or wouldn't?) give us a timeframe or expectation. He didn't take very good care of himself physically, s
by prometheus76 4y ago
We knew he had liver disease, but they couldn't really (or wouldn't?) give us a timeframe or expectation. He didn't take very good care of himself physically, so we thought it would be less than five years (he was 71 when he moved in with us). As time went on, however, it was clear he wasn't getting better. He also had diabetes, so his mobility just kept getting worse.
He fell a few times, and just recently fell down the stairs and broke four of his vertebrae and three ribs. When they were x-raying his ribs, they found the cancer on his liver and on his lungs, so we immediately signed him up for hospice. As soon as he was able to get around with a back brace, we brought him home and he died just a couple of days after coming home.
We all learned patience, sacrifice, love, and devotion to someone you love, no matter how hard it is. That lesson alone for my daughter is worth any level of sacrifice it took for my wife and I. I think it's also very healthy for children/young people to confront death and mortality and to go through the grieving process while they are at home with their parents. It's much more difficult to face it alone as an adult.
I also am grateful we could provide a happy environment for him. His granddaughters and their spouses came over frequently for family meals (once or twice a week at least). He expressed how much he loved those times. And he was able to die at home peacefully and without struggle, surrounded by family. May we all be so blessed.
- iAmAPencilYo 4y agoJust wanted to say thank you for writing this down and sharing, most importantly how it reflected on yourself and your family.
- DiggyJohnson 4y agoI have bookmarked your comment in my Uber-important-but-misc. folder. Thank you so much for sharing, especially the part about how your family’s demonstration of care relates to your daughter and her development. That previous sentence wariness too clinical, I can’t do it justice, but thank you, seriously. It relates to my experience, and maybe future experience, and I think your perspective will stick with me. Be well.