I’ve been fairly silent the last week or so. Most of you know my dad has been seriously ill, and I’ve been spending a lot of time at the hospital. My dad passed away on Thanksgiving day. It happened when no one was in the room. The nurse had told my brother-in-law that many times a patient will not pass while someone is in the room. We’ve been constantly making sure someone was with him at all times. The nurse told my brother-in-law (he was the only family at the hospital at the time) to go get something to eat. My dad died while he was gone. So all of us constantly talking to him and being there might have been what caused him to hang on. Maybe we were keeping his soul trapped instead of letting it be released. I’m just not sure. Our family has been exhausted this whole time, so his passing was a mixture of grief and relief. We’ll all miss him.
Anyway, I just haven’t had the energy to blog or comment much lately. I’ve visited a few and maybe said a word or two, but I just can’t get up the energy to say much. Hopefully, my life will return to a semblance of order on Monday. I’ll still be sad, of course, but I have to get back to life.
lauralynnelliott.com 
So sorry. I am going through this now with my dad, in his final days. It is hard, but I’ve been blessed with having some nice conversations with him, and, unlike a quick passing, I’ve had time to make my peace and be with him as he struggles with the end of his days. It is bitter-sweet. Hugs to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Take comfort knowing that he knew he is well loved.
Sending you big warm (((hugs))). I’ll be there this evening so I will give you a real big warm hug when I get there. Let me know if you need anything.
It’s true. My grandmother and my wife’s passed the same way with no one around. I think our loved ones know how hard it is to see them like that. They hold on just long enough to know we’ll be alright once they’re gone. So I don’t think you and your family trapped him, I think he went when he was ready. Very sorry for your loss, LL.
I’m sorry for your loss. Your father knew his family was with him before he passed. I’ll say a prayer for him and your family, Emma.
I’m so sorry honey. Praying for you and yours.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Take all the time you need, we’ll all be here when you come back.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Lauralynn, and will keep your family in my prayers. As several have said, your father knew he was loved. Take care of yourself.
I’m sorry. I don’t think you trapped him by being there. I think he wanted to spend his last moments with you all, so he held on to spend that extra time with you (if that makes sense). I’d hold on while my loved ones were around just to have that extra time before I had to leave. Take all the time you need offline. Sometimes you need to take a break from it all. We understand.
Again, I’m answering everyone at once. I hope I get my energy back soon, but right now I’m exhausted. Today was the visitation at the funeral home, and it was so draining. My brother really broke down, and I felt so bad for him. But there was one really cool thing, although I got tears every time I looked. My dad was a fireman, so at each end of the casket there was a fireman (color guard I think) in dress uniform. They each had a fireman’s ax, and they were holding the head of it with the handle on the floor. They were completely still. Then they would have a “changing of the guard”, so there was a little ceremony they did each time. It was so awesome and respectful. And when it was all over, this one fireman came to dismiss the color guard and saluted my dad. Daddy trained most of these guys.
Thank you all so much for thinking of me and praying. And Sharon, I’m sorry you’re having to go through something like this, too.
Yes, that was very nice, Lauralynn. Anytime I’ve seen an honor guard at funerals it is so touching and intense. Firemen, police, military…..I love it.
I’m so very sorry, Lauralynn.
The guard sounds amazing. That must be a really powerful memory to make in the midst of the sadness.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Lauralynn. The fact that your father trained most of the fireman watching over him…that says a LOT about his character. Take care, my thoughts are with you.
Juli, that is a beautiful comment and very true.
You have my sincere condolences, Lauralynn. It sounds like the ceremony was very beautiful and honored your dad.
I am so sorry, Lauralynn. Many thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Lauralynn, my dad did that too. He actually asked my mother to leave to spare her.
You’re in my prayers and thoughts at this time. I know how painful it is. Take really good care of yourself.
I am very sorry about your loss….I have been through this with both parents. I know that many say time will heal, etc., but meanwhile, nurture yourself and those around you. Thanks for stopping by my blog.