My father passed away last night

[VintageMike]

If you're not on facebook (I know a few people here aren't) I announced my father passed away overnight after a years-long battle with Alzheimer's/Dementia. Every time he had a slide it would be bad. From researching it looked like he had entered the next to last stage this year. Things escalated and last month we got in a live-in aide. He was in good spirits and it took a lot of the burden off my Mom. Unfortunately, he was getting physically very weak. I came home last night after an extended day at work to find out he had a been coughing up/nauseous all day. I and the aid propped him up in the chair but he was noticeably not talking only making noises. He was also shaking. To me, it looked very much like he was dying, but my Mom thought he would recover. I also reasoned, as to not upset my mother since he had a rough day and that he had been given medication it may be why he was that condition. Unfortunately, I was right as he finally fell asleep and never woke up. I found out when I got up for work (I get up very early) and my mother came down and informed me he was gone. Considering what the next stage would be, it was probably for the best as he no longer has to suffer. He still knew who my Mom and I were, still watched movies and still enjoyed music. I spent time with him Monday and he still talking and tapping his feet to music I put on for him. But he had started losing interest in food over the weekend. The last time the aide and I took him to his chair he had to be carried, he couldn't walk even with both of us assisting. But given the fact he wasn't completely gone mentally, I think his body just gave out before his mind. I am again glad his suffering is over and without knowing it's pretty fair to say we worked hard to give him a quality of life when other families would have understandably given up.

[SeattleEd]

My condolences for your loss. Stay strong. Cheers!

[PNGwynne]

My sincere sympathy and condolences to you and you mother.

[LonnieFisher]

So sorry for your loss.

[Marvelmania]

My deepest sympathies.

[powersthatbe]

So sorry, condolences.

[Goblin19]

My deepest condolences.

[Boywonder0]

My condolences for your loss.... He is much better now.

[Brazoo]

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.

[sprytel]

My thoughts are with you and your family. It is a tough thing to lose a parent.

[MRP]

Sorry for your loss.

-M

[newlyknighted]

My deepest sympathies and condolences.

[rche]

Condolences to you and your family. I know from experience how very hard it is to care for parents with dementia or alzheimer's. It is extremely tough to lose a parent, but it does cushion the blow a bit to know you did your best to have them by your side and give them the best quality of life you could. I wish your family peace as you grieve the loss and celebrate the life of your dad.

[starsky]

condolences to you and your family.

[cjefferys]

I'm so sorry to hear that Mike, my sincerest condolences.