Friday, September 19, 2008

Dad

My Dad died at 8.30am yesterday (Thursday 18th September). It was a shock to lose him like that, especially as the surgery had gone so well and he'd escaped the stroke & death possibility, that the surgery held. He spent 5 weeks in ICU at Royal Perth Hospital and had nothing but praise for all the doctors and very dedicated nurses who looked after him.

They had shifted him to the coronary care ward on Wednesday as he was having such difficulty getting any sleep in ICU with all the lights and noise that it requires for that place to operate. He'd had his trach tube taken out on Tuesday of this week and was in good spirits and so happy again to be able to talk to his many visitors that went to see him on Tuesday evening. Everyone was so positive about how he was going and how well he was looking and sounding.

Mum called me at 5.38am yesterday morning and said the hospital had called to say he'd deteriorated and we'd better come in. When we arrived the Doctor's said they had done tests and he had developed a lung infection that he was really struggling with. They decided to put him on antibiotics to see if it would shift but when we walked into the room we were shocked to see how he was struggling to breathe. His oxygen saturation was supposed to be around 92-96, it was down to 60 and his heartrate was around 138 beats per minute. He couldn't talk but we could see that he was in great distress trying to hang on.

Ultimately, he just couldn't battle on any longer and his heart that the surgeons had repaired so wonderfully just couldn't take it any more. So we go on, with wonderful memories of a great man who touched so many lives.

As you can see in the photo above, his love of funny moments (& silly hats) started early in his life, that's my Dad in the right with the man who would become my Godfather on the left. This photo was just before he met my Mum and he died just 2 months short of their 50th wedding anniversary. Luckily we have a huge family and there is so much love and support for us(particularly Mum as she has 4 sisters and 4 brothers). We plan on a happy, celebratory funeral for him next Thursday, as was his wish.

50 comments:

Mel Connell said...

Oh Kelsey,


I send my heart to you and your Family. I am so terribly sorry that he had to leave.

Love you.

Mel
xx

Evidence of an Artistic Life said...

I just lost my dad in late June. I am so sorry for your loss. Yes, do celebrate his memory and think of the wonderful times that your family spent together. Take care of you, too!
chris p

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you Kelsey, and your family. xx Natalie

Mary S. Hunt said...

Thinking of you and the family Kelsey.

Linda M. Cain said...

Kelsey, I am so sorry for your loss. You're family is in my thoughts.
Linda Cain

Sharon Manning said...

My thoughts are with you and your family Kelsey.
Regards
Sharon Manning

Natalie B said...

Hi Kelsey

I did leave a comment on your facebook, but I know you are probably inundated with loads of love, support and messages, which is a testament to not only your father, but to you.
Hugs to you and your family.
Nat B

Sherry Goodloe said...

Oh Kelsey, I was shocked when I came over to read your latest post. I so enjoyed your posts with your dad's progress - he always put a smile on my face. I am sorry to read of your loss.

I am so glad that you have a lot of family for support. Your dad is in a much better place than we are - I believe that with all my heart.

Celebrate in the style he would have wanted all of you to celebrate!

xoxoxo Sherry

Teresa Abajo said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like he was a great man.

caryljk said...

Kelsey I'm so sorry to hear that you awesome dad passed away. Remeber him with love and joy in celebrating the wonderful life he lived. He wil be at peace now. My thoughts and prayer are with you and your and family.
Take care
Hugs
Caryl K

Audrey said...

As you know Kelsey, I'm thinking of you and your Family. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Words are never enough,

Love

Megan

Anonymous said...

Oh Kelsey,my thoughts are with you and your family.
All my luv Nicole

Anonymous said...

kelsey, my thoughts are with you and your loved ones. wishing you all the strength needed. love,viv

Julie H said...

My thoughts are with you. So glad you are planning a celebration, and will have a chance to share stories.

Sam Marshall said...

***Thinking of you and your family.****

Stampabit said...

I'm so sorry to hear your Dad passed away, my thoughts are with you. Take care

Jane Clark
Cardmaking, Stamping & Papercraft

Dawnie said...

In my thoughts you are never far away K.God bless your dad xxx

Ev said...

Oh Kelsey, my thoughts are with you. It is hard when we lose a parent, especially such a good father. Give him good send off (wake) He had a wonderful life to celebrate.

Anonymous said...

Kelsey I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He seemed to be doing so well - but I am sure he is at peace now and watching over you.
Celebrate his life as you have never celebrated before.
Take care and my best wishes to all your family.
Cheers
Maursie xoxo

artymarty said...

Oh Kelsey
So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. When things go bad it happens so quick. Take your time to experience the grief before you look to get back to normal. You and your family are in my thoughts.
MArtina

Eva said...

Sorry to read of your loss Kelsey ... but what an honour you must of felt your entire life to have a father you greatly admired, held with great respect and dearly loved. You have been fortunate.
Eva

*~tabby~* crooked heart art said...

my heart hurts for you and your family kelsey
celebrate a beautiful man
tabby

Jane P said...

IMy thoughts are with you kelsey- Your Dad will live in your heart forever

Kim said...

My Deepest Condolences to you Kelsey & your family with the parting of your dear Dad. My thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with you and your family Kelsey, take care!
Hugs!

Debbi Baker said...

I am really late reading this post but I just want to say that my thoughts are with you and your family. Your recent posts have been giving me a big lump in my throat remembering my dad and I know you too have wonderful memories. Big hugs,

ANNETTE HUSBAND said...

Hi Kelsey
finally got this to open.Like Deb I'm late too in catching up here and have just sat here crying and reading about your Dad....I'm so sorry your Dad did not make it Kelsey.He sounds like he was a wonderful funny man.Take care gal
hugs
Annette

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelsey -

So sorry to hear that your Father passed away. Your posts and photos have been such a touching tribute to the love and closeness that your family is blessed to share.

Deepest condolences to you all. May your memories bring you peace and comfort in these difficult moments.

Regards,
Shelly
USA

Anonymous said...

Hugs and prayers of condolence from me and mine here in Sweden! Celebrate Dad home in style! Hugs, Gina

Bevlea said...

Big hugs Kelsey... its been 8 years since I lost my father but when I read of others going through its still raw... I feel for you...

Trish said...

I am so sorry for you and your family's loss-I will keep you in my prayers!

Anonymous said...

this photo is a beautiful memorie of your dad, i send you all i can
thinking of you

Genevieve said...

God bless you and your family, my thoughts are with you. Know that your father loved you and that he knew he was loved. May you always feel that he is near. I take great comfort knowing that my Dad is never far away and that his spirit is also part of mine.

Genevieve

Mary S said...

Kelsey Im so sorry to hear the news of your fathers passing, my heart goes out to you and yours. Take care now.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear of your loss Kelsey. My thoughts are with you and yours. ((hugs)) JillGG

linkedtopaper said...

Dear Kelsey, I'm so sorry to hear of your father passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, cherish the memories and all the times you laughed together. Inky hugs from Char xx

michelle ward said...

oh honey, i'm so sorry. i'm with you. xo

I need orange said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

smarcoux said...

Kelsey our thoughts are with you ... he will always be with you in your heart and mind.
Love to you and your family.
Sandy

Susan Sager Brown said...

Kelsey,
Such sad news. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Susan

Anonymous said...

I follow your wonderful blog and wanted to stop in to give you a quick (hug). I'm sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my prayers. Take care of yourself.

scrapthesurface said...

I'm sorry to hear of your loss Kelsey.
Your father was a good man and he fought to the end.
All I want to do is give you a hug and a shoulder to cry on...You aren't alone in this...
We are all here for you Kelsey...

Celebrate him as he deserves...

Regards, Helen.

Sarah said...

So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad Kelsey. I am thinking of you and your family
(((HUGS)))

Lost Aussie said...

Dear Kelsey,
I was saddened to read of your loss. My sympathy goes out to you and your Family.
xoxo
Marie

Anonymous said...

Kelsey

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cathy Johnson

Lynne said...

So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad.

Jacky said...

Hi Kelsey, so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
Take care,

Jacky xox

Dot said...

Hi Kelsey

I have been catching up on some favorite blogs and yours was one of the first on my list.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad sounded like such a positive, humorous and brave person. Who was very much part of your life.

I hope your dad's funeral was a lovely celebration of his life. I am sure he touched many people with his heart.

When I lost my dad 10 years ago I felt I had lost a big part of me. But in time the pain lessened and memories of him bring me joy. I hope; in time ; that happens for you.

Much love Kelsey.

Dot xx

Seth said...

My thoughts are with you and your family Kelsey. Best, Seth