Tough Days Ahead

[Netnorske]

Just a quick update for everyone as I have not been on here much lately. It’s been a long week….but I did manage to get two days on the road alone with my new bike. I took Friday off from work and rode to Sandpoint, ID. I spent the night, then rode back home the next day to get back to the hospital, where my dad is nearing the end. The ride was great, weather, bike, everything. I needed a break and the time in the wind was emotionally healing. Unfortunately it is going to get worse before it gets better.

Dad is not doing well and his journey here on Earth is coming to an end. During the surgery to amputate his left foot last week, he essentially had a heart attack on the operating table, but survived the ordeal….stubborn Norwegian that he is. He was moved immediately after the surgery to the cardiac wing and has been there ever since. Each day he is growing weaker and weaker and his breathing was very labored yesterday. Every day when I leave the hospital I am relegating myself to the fact it could be the last time I see him.

The docs say he is suffering from congestive heart failure and there is nothing more they can do for him….now it is just a matter of time. It sucks, and after seeing him yesterday I wish they would just add a little something to his IV so he can move swiftly to his next journey. He has been the best father, grandfather, husband and family patriarch anyone could possibly ever hope for. He will be forever loved and dearly missed when he leaves us for Valhalla. It’s gonna be a long couple weeks coming up.

[BudMan]

Sorry to hear this. My dad was a victim of congestive heart failure.
It's tough to watch someone you love and remember being so strong wither away.
Even if you know it's coming it's still tough. Hang in there.

[blowndodge]

I read this last night too Kris. Father time has no rules. He calls us all. It sounds like you've come to terms with that. You and I will be called someday. I'd like to believe we'd celebrate a life instead of grieving too much over our own destiny with God. Take care and stand strong for the family as I know you will. My father is in similar shape. He's 85 with CHF. Hang in there buddy and drop me a line later.

[cactusjack]

Kris, I am very sorry to hear this. My dad passed away 33 years ago after suffering with cancer for over a year. It's not easy to watch a loved one slip away in this manner. Stay strong and give me a ring if you need anything.

[crazygene49]

I too am sorry to hear about your dad. I watched my dad die in a nursing home last August. Hang in there and try to take solace in the fact that he won't be suffering anymore. I'll be thinking of you.

[fish]

sorry to hear this Kris, I know how you feel. 13 years ago my dad passed from the same thing

[Jared]

I am sorry to hear about this Kris. My prayers and thoughts are with our family at this time.

[Loafer]

Thoughts and prayers from us are on the way. Peace will come to your family.

[jandreu]

Kris, I feel your pain. My dad suffered for 5 years from cancer and in the end heart failure took him. I lived in Hawaii and Dad in NC. I only got to see him one or two times a year during the ordeal and each time I went home he looked less and less like the strong man I knew. The last time I saw him I told myself that I wished I could help him along on his journey. It was tough saying goodby each time I had to leave but in death he showed me how to live the same as he had done all his life.Take care of yourself as I'm sure he would want you to.

[Bdog]

Kris..I know too what your going thru and No its not easy! My dad passed two years ago. I had to carry him from his bed to the gurney and I will never forget that, he was a 250lb man and that day he was only 110lbs. Hang in there..be there for the rest of the family and when its your turn...go greive...John

[usranger74]

Sad news, Kris. My dad was a victim of congestive heart failure. Take the time to enjoy as much time as you can.

[caribou]

Kris, very sorry to hear this. You and your family are in our prayers.

[cnc]

Sorry to hear this Kris. Both my parents are gone now, my dad suffered a massive heart attack in his favorite easy chair after clearing snow. My mum lingered on for several weeks in hospital and just like you we knew the end was coming for her. In hindsight I can say that the way my father went, though a shock, was somehow easier to deal with.
It's something we just have to go through on our journey of life.Take comfort in the joys and sorrows you have shared with your dad and know that he will soon be in a better place. My thoughts are with you.

[Bud2rat]

Kris, sorry to hear the sad news. Hang in there and prayers are sent your way.

[glwilson]

My deepest, most sincere sympathy goes to you and your family Kris.

The passing of a loved one provides a lasting gift to those closest to them, if you choose to accept it.

The gift? Your view of life, your everyday actions and thoughts are going to permanently change in that you will grow closer to those you love and you will cherish the fragility of life at each of its precious moments from this day forward - thus making your life, and those closest to you all the better and more meaningful because of the gift your father will give you.

Accept and hold dearly onto that gift when it is given to you.