Dad passed away April 1, 2013. He developed a rare brain disorder that nobody had diagnosed nor was there anything that could have been done for him. Mom called me on March 4 (Monday) while on the way to work saying she needed help to take him to the doctor. When I got there, I didn’t know who I was looking at. Tremors, memory impairment, vertigo, speech issues. I had just seen him the previous Thursday and he was just fine. Every day, symptoms worsened. Had to take him to the hospital March 21. On March 25, had to sit down with the doctors for them to explain the diagnosis and that he likely would not live another 2 weeks. That evening was the last time I talked to my dad.

I can replay that entire month in my head, and often do. But I also have to remember the love our family showed my dad and the time we had with him in that last month. I know he knew we were with him the whole time and would have moments of clarity fighting through this disease that was destroying his brain, but when I get down, I remember how much we all loved him and those special moments we had during his illness.

It isn’t going to be easy, because it’s still not easy for me even now. Focus on the good stuff and love him.

OK, so something funny. The nurse was changing his bedding and adjusting him on the bed. She grabbed the sheet and pulled him about a foot up the bed to get him situated. Once he stopped, he looked around, smiled and sang out "Weeeeeeeeee!!!". Everyone, including the nurse, had a good laugh.

Thanks for giving me a chance to share that, March has really sucked the past few years for me.