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A Place for Mom's Family » Caregiving » Parenting your parents » Dear Dad & Saying Good-Bye

Dear Dad & Saying Good-Bye

Last post 04-25-2008 4:42 PM by PattySpinneweber. 6 replies.
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  • 01-27-2008 12:02 PM

    Dear Dad & Saying Good-Bye

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    My family all agreed, as my Dad lived out his last year, that we would make every effort to honor his wishes and extend his days as long as possible in his home with Mom.  My niece, Joanna, stayed with my mom and dad during her summer before starting college.  After a year of battling a respiratory disease, it was to be my Dad’s last season to sit in his garden and inspire us with his courage and determination.  Dad had become quite feeble and was challenged with his speech as the required air to share his thoughts simply was not available.  In August as I visited with him, I saw him struggle to rise from his chair and take hold of his walker.  He moved determinedly to the curio cabinet, raised his hand and pointed in the direction of a very small box.   “Is this what you wanted me to see Dad?”  I asked.  He sat, exhausted, showed a slight smile and nod of his head as his eyes closed in sleep.Picking it up I saw it was a small music gurney.  Seeing the great effort to bring the item to my attention, I eagerly wound it up to hear the tune of the box.  I was to be disappointed – though the box wound up, no sound could be heard.  After several efforts, I returned the gurney to the cabinet.In September, Dad took his spirit and our hearts, and moved on to his next journey.  In October while visiting my Mom in her home, I took out the box from the cabinet and asked her what tune it used to play.  She said, “Oh it still works.  But you have to place it on the table.  The music is generated through the vibrations on the surface.”  Once more, I wound the gurney and then placed it on the table.  The vibrations began and to my surprise it was playing “Happy Birthday.”  My dear niece, who had sacrificed her last summer before college to care for her grandparents, had her birthday on the day Dad struggled to the curio cabinet. At that moment I had been so caught up in caring for and grieving the near departure of my Dad that I had forgotten the special day.This message is for those we love who are facing the greatest challenge of their life with determination and positive energy.  They inspire us with courage, they show us how to care for one another, and impact our lives forever with their love.

     

  • 01-29-2008 9:50 AM In reply to

    Re: Dear Dad & Saying Good-Bye

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    What a beautiful story Connie...thank you so much for sharing!

    Sarah Bentz
    Marketing Director
    Moderator, A Place for Mom's Family
    A Place for Mom
    sarahb@aplaceformom.com

  • 01-30-2008 9:49 AM In reply to

    Re: Dear Dad & Saying Good-Bye

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     Connie, this post touched me so deeply. Thank you so much for sharing this tender moment of your life with us. Many blessings to you and all that you do in the days to come.

    Rainbow 

    May you gather up the colors of your life and weave them into rainbows for your heart and may your eyes continue to see the beauty of your life and your soul dance to the music of each day.

  • 01-30-2008 7:38 PM In reply to

    Re: Dear Dad & Saying Good-Bye

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    Beautiful story Connie. Thanks for posting it. It surely does inspire us to care for one another and to pay attention to what people are trying to say to us in their own way.

    Pam

  • 02-04-2008 7:50 AM In reply to

    • mariab
    • Top 10 Contributor
    • Joined on 12-11-2007
    • Rochester, NY
    • Posts 30

    Re: Dear Dad & Saying Good-Bye

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    How beautiful.....this brought me to tears...but more than that reminded me of the day I said good bye to my Grandfather....I will share that story on this site later...thank you for the reminder.

    Eldercare Advisor – A Place for Mom

    Telephone: (866) 333-4783 Toll Free

    E-mail: mariab@aplaceformom.com

  • 02-06-2008 8:54 AM In reply to

    Re: Dear Dad & Saying Good-Bye

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    Parents do a lot for their children behind the scenes.  Many actions are never recognized or may be taken for granted.  I'm glad you got to see hear the music box, Connie!

     

    Paul Hamilton

    A place for Mom  

    Paul J. Hamilton
    A Place for Mom
    866-355-9427
    paulh@aplaceformom.com

  • 04-25-2008 4:42 PM In reply to

    Re: Dear Dad & Saying Good-Bye

    Reply Contact

    Thank you for sharing this!

    Patty Spinneweber
    Edldercare Advisor
    A Place For Mom
    866-921-2636
    patriciaspinneweber@aplaceformom.com
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