My Father passed away on Sunday Jan 15th.
It was all very quick, took him to the Hospital for what we thought was a reoccurrence of a pesky pneumonia that he had been having trouble with. Turns out is was CHF he was released into Hospice Care brought home and was gone in a week. If you could call a death a good experience it would be my Fathers. Mom and I cared for him with help from the family and Celtic Hospice. It was pretty hard especially for my Mom. But she held in there. My Dad had Dementia the last year or so and although pretty easy to care for it was pretty hard on my 86yr Mom. So I have been in and out of their home a lot. Just in the last month or so staying overnight a couple of nights a week. Thursday he was his regular old self up and down the steps, sitting at the table eating, just a little more fatigued than normal. Friday 2AM he coughed up small spots of red blood, So up I came thinking we were going to Hospital for X-ray and antibiotics. He was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure We had had this diagnoses 2X before once 5 years ago and again 2 years ago. Springing back both times with med changes but this time it was for real. We found out Sunday morning that he was going to be released that afternoon. Mom has a family room with an attached bath that was empty but for an old treadmill.
Julie & friend came and cleaned waited for Hospice to deliver bed and equipment, Jamie & family moved our daybed to Mom's, Josh came in with 2 small tables and a nice comfy chair, Jen showed up with lights, pillows and blankets. By the time he came home we had cozy homey spot set up. For the next week the family came and went, dropping in over lunch hours, after school for dinner bringing food that Mom and I didn't eat. Both DD Jen and DIL Deb did an overnight. Ric and Josh were very sick but even they helped where they could. Ric was able to come up on Thursday and stayed till Monday. We filled that room with stories, laughter, tears and love. Mom and I were with him when he very peacefully slipped away.
Holly

Awww Sweetie with tears in my eyes I send Hugs and love to you and your amazing family. Thank you so much for sharing.

Holly, so sorry about your dad, but glad it was quick and "easy", as that is always a blessing for everyone involved, whether they feel that way or not. Pat's mother passed last spring after years of dementia, and months of very difficult home care at the end.

Holly, I am so sorry, even knowing it's coming, it is still hard. It sounds like the family made his last week the best that it could be. Peacefully slipping away is perfect. Hugs and prayers for your family and for your Mom.

Holly, so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting both of your parents a few years ago at one of the plant swaps you held at your house. You really do have an amazing and supportive family. Glad you and all of your children were able to spend time with him in his last week and that it was as comfortable for him as these things go. Many hugs.

Holly, sad news but you told it with deep affection.

I'm so sorry for your loss
He was lucky to have loving care at home and to pass away peacefully.

Holly and Rick---
I have tears running down my cheeks (pretty rare!). You all are such a loving bunch of people.

I agree with everyone above, that it was a loving peaceful way to "go".
With his loving family at his bedside. You all are such a nice family...and you have passed that
on to your children and they will to theirs.
All I can say is that you all will be in my thoughts. Safe, loving journey to your dad.

Hugs to all---Gita

Very sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry.

Holly,

So sorry for your loss, glad to hear you have a wonderful family...

Thank you everyone. I know quite a few of us have lost loved ones over the past year or so. Peace to us all.

You have had amazing support with your family and friends. Obviously, your father was well-loved. Hugs to you during this difficult time.

Holly, I am very sorry about your dad.

So sorry for your loss, Holly! It is a comfort that your dad went peacefully with his loving family at his bedside. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

Holly, it's all been said. Ditto.

Tears for your loss and smiles for the love that shines in your post, Holly, as well as through all the responses on this thread.

Holly my deepest sympathies to you and your family

OH, Holly I just saw this. Thankful he went peacefully and didn't linger. Hospice is such a wonderful thing. I'm thankful you have a circle of family and friends who love you and are there to comfort you and your family.
HUGS! Dear