After almost 5 years of battling cancer, my Dad's fight came to an end last week. We all knew the day would come, but it sure did go fast. When he was diagnosed, he was at Stage 4. We all knew what that meant. Still through it all, he remained so positive, so upbeat and so brave.
The last week of his life, things had deteriorated pretty quickly, and he remained positive and brave. Even in the moments where he was loopy, he stayed true to character, cracking jokes and just being the same old Dad that I know and love. I am in awe at his bravery through it all. Through chemo and radiation and then when things weren't working, to still know that everything would be ok. Such great faith.
He passed away peacefully surrounded by family. As his breathing became more labored, my mom held his hand and told him if he saw Emily (my sister who passed away when I was 5), to take her hand and go...that it was ok...and that we would be ok. He passed away a few moments later. We sat around him and sang songs and shared some favorite memories of him after he passed. Having the family together was such a blessing. We could rely on each other for comfort and strength.
The services were beautiful, and just as he would have wanted them. It still seems so surreal. I miss him so much. How grateful I am to have the gospel in my life, and to know the plan of salvation. To know that I will get to see him again one day. How sweet that reunion will be.
God be with you till we meet again.
This Saturday’s Recipes by The Pioneer Woman
3 years ago
16 comments:
Huge hugs hun! I am so sorry for the loss of your father! I am so thankful you have your family.
What a beautiful post. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Erin.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers and positive thought for you and you family.
What a sweet dedication to your dear father. I am so sorry for your loss, but my heart is warmed to know it was peaceful and that your family was able to pull together and strenghten as a result. Big hugs and lots of love from our family to yours.
(((Hugs))) I'm so sorry Erin! Prayers coming you guys' way for continued peace and comfort.
Your post was very moving...my heart goes out to you, so sorry friend.
Oh Erin. I'm so sorry. Your post was absolutely beautiful and a wonderful tribute to him.
Hugs Erin. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Sending lots of P&PTs to your family.
Vanessa
That post was beautiful. I'm sorry for the loss of your father :(
I'm so sorry for your loss Erin! I hope you share all your memories with your kids so they will remember him as you did.
Such a beautiful post! I love you! (((HUGS)))
So sorry to hear about your dad. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, LeAndrea
Erin, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful perspective.
Wow, I love your family. Sounds like a wonderful way to say good bye, together singing. My heart goes out to you even though we have comfort in the gospel it's still hard. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
I'm so glad I found your blog and got to read this beautiful post about your father. He was such an amazing man and loved by so many. It was a privilege to be at the funeral services, and I'm grateful for the example of strength and togetherness that you and your family provided for all of us who were there to witness. What an amazing family, the Mealey's!
So sorry to hear about your Dad Erin.
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