Saying Goodbye...

I wanted to write to let you know that I will be taking a short blogging break.  My dad passed away yesterday.  He was taken to the hospital on Sunday as he was having chest pains and difficulty breathing...he suffered from COPD.  He was feeling much better and doing well, so they let him come home on Tuesday.  Around midnight Tuesday, mother woke up and found him on the floor, unresponsive.  He was taken by ambulance back to the hospital, but remained unresponsive.  He died just as I pulled into the parking lot of the hospital yesterday.


Please remember us all in your prayers.

I had a wonderful conversation with my dad Tuesday afternoon...it was comical, but typical of my dad.  He told me he couldn't stay at the hospital for long because he would gain too much weight...that the hospital food was just too good to pass up.  Now, we have ALL eaten hospital food and there is nothing good about that food.

He was a wonderful man and we will miss him so much!

Thank you to all of you for your prayers and sweet, loving words here, in emails and on Facebook.  I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life!!!

Love to you all!!


66 comments

  1. I am so sorry for your loss. There is a special bond between a dad and his daughter. May your wonderful memories comfort you in the days ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your sweet words! You are so right…I miss him terribly! Hugs!!

      Delete
  2. I'm so sorry Benita! I'll be praying for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Prayers have been the only thing to keep me going so far! Hugs!!

      Delete
  3. I'm so , so sorry Benita . I knew on IG you said he was in the hospital....Nothing can ever take the pain away , just celebrate his life !! My heart aches for you sweet friend and yes you are in all our prayers. Extra big hug's and love , Tammy❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! He got to come home from the hospital only to turn around and go right back! Thank you for all of your sweet words and prayers...they are so special!! Love and hugs to you!!

      Delete
  4. and now we know his greatest gift to you... his sense of humor.
    and that you have that wonderful phone call hearing his voice when he still felt good. the best kind of goodbye. if we have to say goodbye.
    tears here now. streaming for your loss.
    with love to you sunshine girl. great love. from all of us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Miss T! I appreciate your loving words, thoughts and prayers....I know the holes that have been left in your heart also! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!!

      Delete
  5. I am so sorry to hear about you Dad. I lost my Dad on Feb 6th and it still feels like I'm in a fog. I will pray for your comfort. May God Bless you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bless your heart...I will keep you in my prayers also. It is just so heartbreaking...and a fog is the perfect description! Comfort and peace to you also Sheila!

      Delete
  6. Oh Benita my heart is breaking for you. So glad you were able to have that wonderful conversation with your dad on Tuesday. May all the wonderful memories with your sweet dad give you comfort. This is a big loss and I am keeping you tight in my prayers. Sending a virtual hug. Wish I could be close to cry with you and give you comfort. Time does not take away the deep loss but it does have a way of making it more tolerable. May this time away help you to grieve and say good bye in your soul to your dad. So sorry.
    Love and Hugs,
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much sweet friend for your sweet words, hugs, thoughts and prayers!! We have been doing what I call the “zombie dance”…just going through the motions without realizing what we are doing. This has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life. And yes, I am so thankful for that last conversation to hold in my heart! Thinking of you also…Love and hugs to you!!

      Delete
  7. Benita, I'm so sorry. I'll be thinking of you and saying little prayers. I love my dad so much I just can't imagine. Sending you hugs, friend.

    Stacey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Stacey! I knew this day was coming, just didn't expect it to be so soon. I'm so thankful for the final conversations and that we were all able to be home at Christmas! Hugs to you sweet friend!!

      Delete
  8. I am so, so sorry, my sweet friend - and this post truly hits home. My dad is in the hospital since Sat, and he also has COPD. He was brought in because he couldn't breathe. I shall keep you and your family in my prayers. Love and hugs, sweet friend - xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Debbie! I hope your dad is doing much better...the COPD is such a horrible thing. My dad wanted to go quickly and not suffer the final stages of this disease, so I am thankful that he got his wish! I will keep you all in my prayers also!! Love and hugs to you!!

      Delete
  9. So sorry to hear of your dad's passing Benita. I know what a difficult time this will be for your family....but try and remember all the good times and memories he left. My dad's been gone since 1980 but I still feel the loss.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judy, thank you so much for your sweet thoughts and prayers. It is a heartbreaking time but we have been clinging to those wonderful memories and his quirky sense of humor. He is still with us in spirit! I’m sorry for your loss as well….I know that it doesn’t matter how many years it has been, we never get over missing them! Hugs!!

      Delete
  10. Oh Benita, I am so sorry for your loss. But so happy that you had that comical chat with him, very recently. A sweet memory, to hold.

    Gentle hugs to you, at this sad time...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Tessa! You are so sweet and I appreciate your sweet words and thoughts...the conversation was definitely one I will never forget! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!!

      Delete
  11. I'm so sorry to read that your father passed away. It's not easy at all, losing a parent. I lost my mother a year ago, and tomorrow I will go on my aunts funeral. The older generation disappears, one after Another.
    Take care.
    Love Elzie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Elzie, I am so sorry. I will keep you all in my prayers. It is so very difficult. My mother's brother is not doing well either....you are so right! Love and hugs to you!!

      Delete
  12. My heart is with you in this time of loss.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much...it is much appreciated! Hugs!!

      Delete
  13. You and your family are in my prayers. Such a hard thing to go through. In time it will get better. Hold on to those wonderful memories of your dad. I lost both my parents recently. Remembering the good times and talking about them keeps them close in my heart. On a beautiful day when I see a butterfly I know that is one of them watching over me. What comfort it brings me. We will all miss you while you are away. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Lynne...prayers are so appreciated at this time! I can't imagine losing both of my parents close together...bless your heart! I will keep you and your family in my prayers also. I've heard that when cardinals are around that it is our loved ones watching over us. The memories do comfort us and we will always have our parents close when we have those. Love and hugs to you!!

      Delete
  14. So sorry for your loss-sending bigs hugs and kisses your way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Darrielle! Those are so appreciated! Hugs!!

      Delete
  15. What a nice picture and fun story of your dad's sense of humor, Benita. Blessings to you and your family as you say your final goodbyes and share beautiful memories of someone special. We'll all be here whenever you get back. Love to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julie, thank you so much! And thank you for that sweet, sweet card you sent…I appreciate it so much! Yes, my dad had a bizarre sense of humor…I suppose I’ve acquired it. :-) While we were at the visitation, some people were talking about things they remembered about my dad. Edward looked at me and said “oh my gosh, I’ve married my father-in-law”….LOL Yep, I’m much like my father! :-) Love and hugs to you sweet friend!

      Delete
  16. So sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose someone we love. Prayers to you and your family and may you find comfort in your memories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much! Prayers are so coveted and appreciated! Hugs!

      Delete
  17. Oh Benita, I am so very sorry to read this. My heart aches for you and your family. Hugs, love and prayers to you, my friend. Thinking of you...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Kim. We are heartbroken but have so many wonderful memories of my dad and those will keep him close to us forever! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!!

      Delete
  18. Oh, this sounds so sudden and scary! I am so sorry and will be praying for you and your family as you go through all the arrangements to be made, which is so hard to do. Lots of love to you....xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMarie, it just terrified me! I mean, early Tuesday afternoon he was cutting up and being silly, and then, right after midnight, he was gone (clinically anyway). It just broke my heart!! Thank you so much for your prayers and kind words and for that wonderful card you sent. You are just so precious and I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends!! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!

      Delete
  19. I'm so sorry my sweet friend. I wish I could give you a hug. Just know that I'm praying for you and your family and that I'm here.

    Love you,
    rue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Rue, I appreciate it greatly! We have so many wonderful memories of my dad and those keep a smile on my face. You have all been so wonderful and caring and loving…I am so blessed to have you all!! Love and hugs sweet friend!

      Delete
  20. Benita,
    You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. My dad died over twenty years ago, but I still remember how hard that was. My daddy also had a sense of humor up to the night before he died.

    Judith

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Judith! I think it is one of those things that stays with you. It's crazy....they are with us one minute, fine and cutting up and then all of a sudden they are gone! Hugs sweet friend!!

      Delete
  21. Thinking about you and your family, dear Benita. What a dear man he must have been. I'm praying for strength for you all in this sad time, but with so many sweet memories to share.

    Love to you,
    Dewena

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much Dewena! He was precious, cantankerous and funny....we have so many wonderful memories of him and those memories will always keep him close. Love to you sweet friend!

      Delete
  22. Sending hugs and prayers...your dad sounds like he was a super fella...xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Donna, thank you so much! He was and we have so many wonderful memories! Love and hugs to you!!

      Delete
  23. Sending prayers my dear friend.
    xx oo
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much Carla! And thank you for your sweet email and card. Your sweet words and prayers are so appreciated! Love and hugs to you!

      Delete
  24. Oh no Benita, I'm so very sorry for your loss. My mother passed away from COPD. Blessings to you and your family during this difficult time.

    As you know, I've been out of the loop with limited Internet access but something told me to come here today. I'm sad now. But glad I did.

    XXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doreen, thank you so very much and I'm so sorry about your mom. I know that was very difficult....COPD is such a horrible disease!

      I am so blessed to have all of you for prayers and support! Thank you again so much! Hugs sweet friend!!

      Delete
  25. Benita,
    Your in my heart, thoughts and prayers. I loss my Dad 18 months ago, its a difficult loss. Sending love.
    Vera

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vera, thank you so much!! I'm so sorry for your loss also...I do know how difficult it is to move through this! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!

      Delete
  26. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie, thank you so much! Prayers are so appreciated! Hugs!!

      Delete
  27. I am so very sorry for your loss, dearest Benita. A big big hug.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Amalia! I appreciate it so much! Hugs to you sweet friend!!

      Delete
  28. I am so very sorry for you Benita. How hard this is! You and your family are in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Kelly! It is truly difficult but we have so many wonderful memories to cherish! Hugs!!

      Delete
  29. Benita,
    You continue to be in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Both of my parents are in heaven and I know the depth of the loss that you feel.
    With love,
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Jemma, I'm so sorry! I know they are happy, but the loss leaves us so empty!! Thank you so much sweet friend! I appreciate it so much! Love and hugs to you!!

      Delete
  30. I've been gone for a week and just saw your post....so sorry for the loss of your father.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Cathy!! I appreciate it so much! Hugs!!

      Delete
  31. Benita,
    I've been out of town attending a wedding and am just now getting your news. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. Your Dad sounds like such a lovely man. I'm sending prayers and hugs your way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa, thank you so much! He was truly a character and we will miss him greatly!! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!

      Delete
  32. Oh Benita, I'm so sorry to read about your Dad. Thinking of you and your family and praying for you all at this sad time. Ar dheis de go raibh a hanam.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much! We appreciate the prayers so much! And I love the saying...those words are so much more beautiful than our "Rest in Peace"...thank you for that!! Hugs!!

      Delete
  33. I just saw this now in my feed. I'm so sorry that you loss your father. I enjoyed the story about the food. That's so sweet that his sense of humor was intact even in the hospital that reminds me of my father's ways. Prayers and hugs to your family. xoxo Su

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Su! He was definitely a character and had a unique sense of humor...he kept us laughing! Hugs sweet friend!

      Delete

Please leave a comment! I do love hearing from you and enjoy visiting your blogs. I will respond via email or by replying to your comment here on my blog! Have a wonderful day!