My wonderful dad, Stan Porter, passed away July 28th. From the blog before this, I mentioned he had a growth on his head that was
removed. It got infected and he had a high fever for several days. I believe it took a toll on his body and he quickly went down hill from there.We kept telling him not to hang on anymore and for him to just let go. We reassured him we would be alright. My mom was so strong. She did not shed one tear during this time. She told him it was okay to let go.
I was at home getting dinner prepared for my kids when my mom called and told me he took his last breath. My two older boys and I quickly ran out of the house and raced to his bedside. When we got there and walked in his room, I could see the relief in his face. He was gone, he was free from Alzheimer's. With that thought in mind, I leaned over and said "Goodbye dad. I love you. You are free". I cried like a little baby. My boys stood behind me and sobbed. We were so happy for him. He is finally free! He is home!
The funeral was amazing. I have never had such a powerful spiritual experience in my life as I did at my dads funeral. At the graveside, we released white balloons. My little 3 yr old said "Bye bye Gwandpa" as he let go of his balloon.
The first week or so, I felt my dad really strong all around me. It was a wonderful, peaceful feeling.
Thank you to all who have supported this blog. I will continue to blog on Alzheimer's Disease as I find new information that I have learned.
Love,
Krista
5 comments:
Krista,
Thank you for sharing about your dad and your family's experience with Alzheimer's. May he rest in peace, and may you find strength and support as you and your family grieve his passing.
When you're ready to continue blogging about Alzheimer's to help others going through similar experiences: please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything from Caring.com. For example, for World Alzheimer's Day (yesterday), we shared an infographic that illustrates the size and scope of this disease in the U.S. (it's free to republish with attribution): http://www.caring.com/infographics/alzheimers-disease-by-the-numbers I also saw on your blog's homepage that you lit a Caring Candle in honor of your dad. Should you need anything else (or want to chat about new resources we'll soon have available for people caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's), you can reach me via any of these means: http://www.caring.com/feedback/new (include "Attn: Denise Graab" in the message)
http://www.twitter.com/caring
http://www.facebook.com/dgraab
Until then, please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Your blog has been an encouragement to me ever since my dad was diagnosed with the disease. Thank you for your courage in sharing. Even this "last" post of yours was encouraging because it affirmed what I have held on to as my only comfort throughout the period of illness--and that is that Alz is temporary, and that one day our loved ones will be whole and even stronger and healthier than they were here on earth--one day, in heaven.
The Lord is greater than Alz. Thank you for this post of yours. Your dad is healed already :) and one day, so will mine. God is good!
Krista,
I'm very sorry to read of your dad's passing. At least your dad is free from Alzheimers now, as you wrote. I know it was very hard to let my mom go but her freedom from Alzheimers also comforts me. God bless you and your family ~ thank you for sharing your journey.
I am so sorry for your lose. But I know he was gone along time ago with this disease. Mom is in and out. She is here for maybe 1 or 2 mins. and than gone again. I do love it when she says my name.
The balloon's at the funeral were wonderful. Thank you for all the info. on Alz's. It always helps me alot.
Krista,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just came across your blog. I too Lost my mom to Alz in July at age 64. It was been a very difficult journey these past 9 years. It is comforting to know that they are no longer sick, but the pain of losing a loved one is still there! I was pretty numb the first two months, but now I really feel the grieve that has overcome me. I have been grieving her loss for many years now, that I didn't think that once she was done that it would hurts this much! I pray that you find strength and support through this! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
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