19 May 2013

The final chapter

It has been a long and emotional week.  My wife's father finally succumbed and passed away this afternoon.  Thursday they placed him on "active dying" status and 24 hour hospice care.  I had never heard of active dying but essentially it means that death was eminent.    My wife and her sister were with him for most of last few days.  He passed away quietly this afternoon.  David has been suffering form Alzheimer's for several years and it has been very painful/sad to see him slip away.  They've known this was coming for some time and were prepared for the inevitable, but it is still hard to say goodbye and emotions are very raw right now.  On one hand, the daughters are saddened that their daddy is no longer with them, but on the on the other hand, there is some mixed relief that he is no longer suffering and is in a better place.    

Death is the last chapter in time, but the first chapter in eternity.

7 comments:

Peter said...

My sympathies on your loss. I'll pray for his soul.

Abby said...

So sorry Agg.
I've never heard of "active dying" either. I wonder what the other options are?
Thinking of you and Mrs. Agg.

ShadowRun300 said...

Relief and sadness. We know those feelings well. We also know how difficult this last week has been for you all.
My deepest sympathies to you, Mrs. Agg, and all your in-laws. Being prepared helps, but it's sad all the same.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you this week.

Rock Chef said...

Sorry to hear that. It is never easy, no matter how much warning you get.

Anonymous said...

Our sympathies for your family's loss; our prayer's for God's comfort and presence.

terri said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your father in law. I know your wife has been taking care of him for some time, knowing this would be the inevitable result. I'm sure no matter how prepared one is, it remains very difficult when the end comes. Thinking of all of you.

meleah rebeccah said...

Oh Agg. You have my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. XOXO