I will be quiet for awhile.

I just wanted to let everyone know that everything is fine with me, but I will be a little quiet for awhile. My father is dieing. He is 88 and has suffered from dementia for a few years now, so not completely unexpected, but still tough to deal with. We were very close and the dementia has been difficult, but now it will be very final. Got the phone call day before yesterday and I will be flying with my other sister to see him tomorrow.
I just wanted to let everyone know that I probably will not be posting alot as trying to get my thoughts together at the moment is a bit difficult. I will still be lurking as I find keeping up with what everyone is doing on the forums is a nice escape from my `real`life.
Thank you for understanding if I don`t get back to you right away, or have a post that sounds a little off. I promise I will be back to normal soon (not that that is necessarily a good thing! ).

I'll keep you in my thoughts. I also have a parent who is lost to dementia and can share some of your sadness, knowing what a cruel loss it is in that it goes on for years. You take care of yourself.

You will be in our thoughts as well, take as much time as you need and we look forward to hearing some of your post again real soon.

I’m sorry coopslave. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts as well. Please take care. *hugs*

My thoughts are with you in this tough time.

We'll be here when you're ready again coopslave. Thinking of you.

Thank you for all your kind words.
Dad passed at 1:15am this morning. I feel very lucky that I was able to spend some time with him. My sister and I got in late on Wednesday night and they still allowed us to visit. He was actually able to join us. Even though he could not speak, he smiled and winked and clapped. It is the most he recognised us in a few years now. As my sister and I shared stories and memories he would look straight at us and smile.
The next day all of us (I have two sisters that don`t get along and have not been in the same room for close to 8 years) went for a visit and it took a little longer for him to join us but eventually he did. It was a much less energetic presence than the night before and more content and calm. He smiled at our stories, memories and thoughts and even gave us a wink or two. He just enjoyed us holding his hands and being with him. I think it was very good for us sisters too. I have always been the inbetween between these two and I think some healing may have happened over the two days. I hope anyways.
It was a beautiful way to spend the day and I felt very at peace as I flew back on Friday. He when into a coma shortly after we left and was non responsive all yesterday. I am glad he passed quietly in his sleep and I will value that last time I was able to spend with him.

I am glad he is at peace now and that he was still responsive enough to know you were all there, just what he needed to be at peace with his world and pass to a better place.
Hugs.

My heart felt sympathy to you. I too lost my mother after years of dementia, she too had a lucid moment a day before she died. I glad you had the time with him and your sisters.

Coopslave: My condolences to you and your family...I'm glad you were able to have a good last visit. So sorry for your loss.

Coopslave, I am so glad that you were able to spend some time with your Dad and your sisters. What a wonderful gift to give. My heart and thoughts are with you.

So sorry about your father Coopslave but I am so glad you were able to spend time with him, and that it went well. I'll be he really enjoyed those stories!