Mom was at the hospice in the morning, and she called to tell us that the nurses were no longer able to find an arterial pulse, that his extremities were getting quite cold, and that it wouldn't be long before he went. My sister and I went in right away. The doctor said he could last anywhere from several hours to a day or two.
We stayed and talked to him for some time while he slept. Finally my sister and I decided to pop out and pick up some magazines for Mom. Just before we left, I looked at Dad, and noticed that his breathing had become even more shallow.
When we were in Chapter's, I said to my sister, "Bet you anything he's going right now."
Sure enough, we got back, and he was gone. He'd left with Mom's head on his shoulder. She'd wanted desperately to be there when he went. It was as though he was waiting to be alone with her... it was very lovely.
We had a prayer with him (the doctor came in the room and joined us at that point... a darling man who was so good to Dad. He used to sit and talk to Dad... they were both avid soccer players, and both had owned an Austin Healey.) holding his hands, and then we all applauded Dad and his gracious departure.
Then the three of us toasted Dad with some tea and coffee, and gave him lots of hugs goodbye. And as one the nurses said to me when I was distressed at leaving him, "You're not leaving him. You're taking him with you."
We all had dinner at Mom's place last night, and toasted Dad a few times again with wine and whiskey. It was a good ending to the day.
Thank you for all of your support during the last few months. Your prayers and love and hugs got me through this. I'm so very grateful to you girls.
Lauren
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