Quick Update

Hello to all my readers. I just wanted to give you an update to my last post. As you know, I was to be taking care of my ill father. He was transported to my house by ambulance on Monday, May 2, 2005. He settled in quite well and was in good spirits even though he seemed to be a little disoriented at times. It was like bringing home a new baby. I never thought at the age of 35 that I would be "parenting the parent." Even though I was the caregiver, I still knew that he was dad and that I was the baby girl. Especially when he would give me that look or tone of voice that I remember from childhood days letting me know who is in charge.
I am sad to report that my father passed away one week later in his sleep, on the early morning of Monday, May 9, 2005. I am grateful that he is no longer sufffering and in pain. And it is truely a blessing that he went in his sleep and that he had no additional pain. Do I miss him? You bet I do. But I have many good memories of him and I would not have traded the last week that we spent together and me caring for him for anything in the world!! I helped him to be as comfortable as possible. And the Hospice nurses and staff made their routine visits each day to check on him and to do their duties. We all knew that the end was near and that anything could happen and I will admit that we were a little surprised that it was so soon, since his vitals were still good and that he was still talking and making conversation right up until the night before he left this earth. He was a strong man, a good man. And he will forever be missed, but not forgotten. He will always remain here with me in my heart and in my memories.
To let you know that while I am still picking up the pieces from my loss, I will be slowly submersing myself back into the swing of things and hope to have more content and useful information for you in the coming posts. Until then, tell your family and friends that you love them, and treasure every moment that you share together. Do not let petty arguments and differences get in the way and rob you from these gifts and moments that you have.

God Bless,

Christina Reliford
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