I lost my Daddy on August 18th he was only 63.
Summer 07 - The only fish Daddy ever caught
My brother had called me on Aug 5th to let me know that Daddy was going to the hospital because I am 1500 miles away. He went through his usual routine with getting better one day, bad the next. I finally asked my step mom if he was dying. She said ‘yes’. I booked a flight and was out the next day, my husband followed a few days later. I was with him for a week in the hospital. On Sunday Aug 17th I was there with my husband. Daddy had us lift his oxygen mask when he wanted a drink or when he wanted to say something. He looked me right in the eye and asked “Am I dying”. My husband and I met eyes, both hoping he was just talking nonsense. He asked me again and I had to tell him what he already knew “Yes Daddy, you are dying and there is nothing that they can do”. He pushed the oxygen mask away and told me he didn’t want it. He and my step mom had discussed this many times and he also had a living will and a Do Not Resuscitate bracelet on. He made the decision to let go at 1:10pm. on August 18, 2008. We all got to say good-bye before hand but can you ever really do that? I was thankful to be there and holding his hand. I loved him so much and always looked up to him. He was my hero and I still believe that he is 10 feet tall and bullet proof.

The funeral was 3 days later on the 21st. The church sat 575 people and it was standing room only. He had so many friends and will be missed by all. So many people have told us stories about his generosity, some we had heard before but some we hadn’t. My brother and I are very proud to have such a giving Daddy.