Nov 19, 2014
Adios Papa
I am crying as I write this. I have no idea if this is the last time I will see you alive. Yes sadly the time has come for me to say au revoir! I am leaving at 7 PM tonight and heading back to Kelowna and my family. I know that you have told me over and over to just go to Mexico and have a good time and relax but I still feel so sad leaving you. I love you so much and hope that I have done everything to make the months ahead smoother for you. All of the staff on Unit 29 love you and would do anything for you. Even Dr. O told me to just go as there was nothing more that I could do. But you know me, I just want to be there for you 24/7. Don’t worry I have a diary of when things are supposed to happen and I will be checking and make sure that they are being done.
It was so special to be able to have that walk down the hallway with you yesterday ( Tuesday ), your first in over four weeks. You are getting stronger and I pray and hope that I will see you once again in May. So sorry that they had to chose the same day to drain your lung. Sorry I wasn’t there. I had gone to check out the nursing home that you will be moving to eventually. I think you will like it, lots of light, roomy and it seems that the people there are really nice. I know it won’t be easy for you to adjust but you did manage when you moved from the cardiac unit to 29 M. Hopefully you can do it one more time. Just turn on that charm and huge smile you have and don’t forget the jokes.
I am my fathers daughter and will endeavor to do all you have instilled in me. It is just so darn hard to leave you. I hope the rest of your kids come through for you and give you the love and respect that you deserve. I promise to call often. Don’t worry, you are not alone, I will continue to do all that I can for you while away.
Hasta Mayo.
Our final walk together
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That’s tough. The last time I saw my Dad, I had a premonition it would be the last time. You never know, he might be still hanging in there in the spring.
What a nice message to your Dad, Contessa. You said it perfectly and, all things considered, he looks like he is doing much better. You have done a great job and you have left him in good, caring hands. Go and take care of yourselves for a while…..<3
hi Contessa,
I had to leave my mother behind when I was 23 years old. She was diagnosed with leukaemia and had three months to live. She was in Holland and I had just immigrated to Canada five years earlier. It was my first time back to the “old country”, to see her after her diagnosis. She made me promise not to return ’till her funeral. She fought for a whole year. While apart I wished I could have been with her, but her wish was to spare me from seeing her wither away. It was very difficult for me, but ultimately it was better for her.
While you are in Maz you will wonder if you are doing the right thing being there and not with your father, as I wondered being away from my mother during her final months. Hopefully your father will be as happy having spared you as much as my mom has sparing me.
You will know when to return during the winter if you have to. It’ as easy as hopping on a plane.
Best to you, Peter.
Nicely said. You’re a great daughter.
You are your father’s daughter! (I feel so proud when I say that about myself) He knows that he is loved. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Nice that your Dad is so understanding. So head south enjoy the nice weather and all the good memories of your father until the spring.
Bless you both! I can only imagine how difficult it must be to leave.. But remember you are only a phone call away.
So beautifully written, Contessa! You certainly did good (as we say here) in helping your father get the best care and his things in order. Love the dad/daughter photo – precious!!!
I really believe that God puts us exactly where we need to be each hour of our lives whether we feel that way or not. He knows us better than we know ourselves.
Your dad will be glad that you have gone on as usual, he knows you are tired no matter how much you try to hide it.
You and your dad look so much alike it’s almost unbelievable! You, your hubby and the pups travel safely on your winter trek southward!
Hi Contessa:
I too was my father’s daughter even though I had three sisters. My father died at 69 from throat cancer and my Mom had already passed away at 58 from emphysema (smoking got them both.) I lived north in Terrace, B.C. and they were both in Vancouver so I know how you feel about the separation. You are so lucky to have had the opportunity to make a big difference at this time in your father’s life and to have had him with you for so long. In the end we all have our own lives to live and he knows and understands that. Take care and safe travels.
You’re so lucky to still have your father. I lost mine at twelve. The love you share shows…
What a beautiful message to your dad, and such a great photo of the two of you! I know this is hard, but you truly have done all you can, and now it’s time for you to return to your lifestyle. Mexico will be wonderful!
This is such a good picture – have you noticed the tilt of both your and your Dad’s head? Yours toward Dad and his toward you – such caring.
Big hugs Contessa. Be optimistic, he may just surprise you! Nothing is forever and you have had the opportunity to spend lots of time with him this year. Not to mention the fact that you have done so much to see that he is comfortable and happy.
Time for you to take a break, relax and know in your heart that you have done all you can. Not many people would do what you have done. Colin’s waiting and so are the girls. Time for some winter fun and sun. Nos vemos pronto!
Hugs….choices are so difficult. I know your Dad has been very glad you have been able to spend so much time with him.