Yesterday I went down to Dad's to visit him. The health care worker was trying to get him to eat a little bit. Between the two of us we managed to get about four teaspoons of pudding down him. Most of it just rolled out of his mouth. He did take a few sips of water though. He had lots of trouble swallowing. Later, I helped put him to bed. There was not a lot left to him, just skin and bones. Dad was very sweaty as though he had put in a full days work on the farm.
I went down this morning, and my sister had gotten him to drink a little bit of a Boost shake and some water. My cousin Pat called me and told me he was on his way up from Georgia to see Dad. With the torrential rains in Kentucky and Tennessee, it took him an extra four hours to get here. On the way, he picked up Dad's Aunt Jane. Pat was telling Dad how proud his son William is of all the Greatest Generation. Dad was looking at Pat intensely and moving his mouth, but nothing would come out. Dad let out two deep breaths and then he was still. We tried to find a pulse, but there was none. Dad was gone, just like that, around 7:10pm.
Pat was always one of Dad's favorite cousins. Pat had missed his own Mother's death by a few minutes last year. I told him, it was as though Dad was hanging on until he got to see him. I thought it was really kinda nice the way Dad went. He was 92; same age as Mom when she died.
We then began calling relatives and neighbors. Hospice came and removed the narcotics out of the house. Tomorrow the Hospice folks will send a truck and come get the equipment that was being rented.
Tomorrow we go talk to Sig, the undertaker, and make the funeral plans. It will be pretty much like Mom's funeral only with a 21-gun salute at the cemetery.
It's true what Gen. MacArthur said, "Old soldiers never die; they just fade away."
Rest in peace, Dad. Give Mom a big kiss. I miss you!!!
My condolences and prayers are with you and your family, Jerry.
Posted by: Jeffro | May 03, 2010 at 04:37 AM
Jerry - I'm so sorry.
I feel like I've gotten to know your parents so much better through your eyes.
Your papa was a kind, funny hard-working family man - an inspiration to all of us.
much love,
Nora
Posted by: Nora | May 03, 2010 at 06:20 AM
Deepest condolences to you, Jerry, on the passing of a great man. It was such a joy to read all your stories about him...particularly when tractors were involved. The world was a better place for having had a guy like him in it, and he was better off by having you for a son. God rest his soul, and may your memories always comfort you.
Posted by: Erica | May 03, 2010 at 06:29 AM
I'm so glad you took the time to write about your parents. My heart goes out to you.
Posted by: Christy | May 03, 2010 at 07:05 AM
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: hoosierboy | May 03, 2010 at 07:51 AM
My condolences to you and your family. He's with your Mom now. You're in my thoughts.
Posted by: Tina | May 03, 2010 at 08:14 AM
My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Quality Weenie | May 03, 2010 at 08:37 AM
My deep belated thanks to your dad for his service to our country.
Posted by: Granny Annie | May 03, 2010 at 08:48 AM
My deepest sympathies. And indeed, he was holding on long enough to see your cousin. Now he's reunited with your mother.
Posted by: diamond dave | May 03, 2010 at 09:32 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with you, my friend.
Posted by: Omnibus Driver | May 03, 2010 at 12:01 PM
A good life well lived, a wonderful man many of us never met but will not forget. He has our undying gratitude for his service to his country and for making his own small portion of the world a better place.
Posted by: Teresa | May 03, 2010 at 12:06 PM
Jerry
I am so sorry. You and the family have our condolences and are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ralph
Posted by: Ralph Campbell | May 03, 2010 at 02:15 PM
My condolences, Jerry. Everyone I know has heard me talk about the crazy guy in Indiana that drives a tractor while blind. He's how I started reading you...which means he fets full credit for my having the good fortune in meeting you.
May God bless him perpetually.
Posted by: Bou | May 03, 2010 at 05:15 PM
I am so sorry. Your father was a treasure, and as others have pointed out, your stories of him are wonderful. Many thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Posted by: jck | May 03, 2010 at 07:42 PM
So sorry my friend. But what a man! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all.
Posted by: Oddybobo | May 04, 2010 at 10:41 AM
They were the greatest generation and your father was an exceptional member. Nora's observation correctly noted that we came to know both your parents through your posts. Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of a man who set an example, your father. You can be very proud to have called him dad.
Posted by: Mike | May 04, 2010 at 12:54 PM
Sorry for your loss. You did the Right Thing by coming back to help take care of your folks.
All The Best,
Frank W. James
Posted by: Frank W. James | May 04, 2010 at 04:55 PM
One of the hardest things to do is to watch a loved one take their last breaths...but neither would you choose to be somewhere else. My condolences...
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may Your Perpetual Light shine upon him.
Posted by: Mrs. Who | May 04, 2010 at 08:58 PM
Thoughts are with you, and may the light shine down on you and your family now and in the days ahead.
Posted by: Laughing Wolf | May 05, 2010 at 04:42 AM
.... I am so sorry for your loss, Jerry.... you and your family are in our thoughts....
Posted by: Eric | May 05, 2010 at 11:43 PM
May Peace be with you all...
Posted by: Richmond | May 06, 2010 at 03:22 AM
I've really enjoyed taking a u-turn down your dusty gravel road the last few years, and through your writings, feel like I've gotten to know your folks. Your Dad's wacky adventures were always a pleasure to read, and kind of reminded me of my own Dad's last years. I think you did the right thing by moving back home again, and I hope that you feel it was an honor to come help your parents in their last years. My condolences to you and your family, and a hearty salute to your precious father.
Posted by: Scott | May 06, 2010 at 11:12 AM
It's nice that he passed away so peaceful like. I know he'll be missed so much. Pretty amazing that your Mom and Dad both were 92 when they died.
Thinking of you and sending my deepest condolences.
Posted by: Rachel | May 06, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Your Dad must have been a remarkable guy. May he rest in peace... and may your memories of good times together sustain and comfort you.
Posted by: Elisson | May 07, 2010 at 10:09 PM
I wish I could have made it to the funeral. I've told you before that he was a true American Hero. Salute!
Thanks for conveying your feelings.
Your Dad was so fortunate to have you there.
Posted by: cliff | May 08, 2010 at 08:17 AM
My condolences.
Posted by: Patrick | May 08, 2010 at 10:11 AM
Sorry to hear the sad news.
Posted by: JihadGene | May 08, 2010 at 02:42 PM
Man, I'm sorry for you and yours. May he rest in peace.
Posted by: Yabu | May 09, 2010 at 06:49 AM
Please accept my condolences.
Posted by: Annett | May 09, 2010 at 07:42 AM
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. I'm sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Sticks | May 11, 2010 at 05:16 AM
A belated condolences to you and the family. Reading your blog for so long I felt as if he was family too.
God rest his soul
Posted by: Dazd | May 26, 2010 at 03:29 PM