Friday, October 14, 2016

Sadness and Relief

I've been gone a good while from this blog, but other matters where much more important. This is not going to be a happy post nor a long one. Yesterday, October 13, 2016 at 7:30 in the morning my dad died of stomach cancer.  I spent the last few weeks, putting his estate in order under his directive, watching football, talking politics and doing for him whatever earthly assignment I could to make his last days meaningful and letting him know how much he was cherished and loved. The nurses of both the Rogue Valley Health Center and from hospice made his last days comfortable. It was sadness and relief I went through yesterday. Grieving for my loss and at the same time so relieved he is not in pain any more.

Richard Conover Chamberlain III 8/5/1937 - 10/13/2016

Today I'm going to take stock of my sewing room, pick through some fabric, think about life, cry some, sleep without worry of the phone ringing, watch the rain. Tomorrow I'll again pick up the reins and start stewardship of my mother. She'll be moving into a smaller place right in the main manor building, there are finances to see to, belongings to pare down. It's all pretty clean and tidy, bless you Dad, for that final gift, I'll get her through it. Promise.


19 comments:

Kim said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. It is so hard to deal with those mixed emotions. But forward we must go. Your Father was blessed to have you during this time and I am sure he knew it. I am sure he felt the love you had to share and knew it came from your heart. God Bless you as you continue this journey of life with his memory to guide you.

LA said...

I'm wrapping you in cyber-hugs...so sorry for your loss. I remember when you blogged about his weaving so many years ago. I know you have many lovely memories to cherish.

Cindie said...

Even though I cried for you yesterday, my eyes are teary again reading your post, knowing what you're going through. Big hugs to you dear friend.

Diane in Oregon said...

Deepest sympathy, Theresa. I think burying a parent is one of the toughest things we have to do in life. So glad you got to spend time with your Dad, and that you're there for your Mom. Thinking of you....

Michelle said...

Choking up for you here; wishing we could go on a wander through the woods and a good cry together. A tidy end is a HUGE gift, I would think; don't know if that is one I will receive....

Janine said...

Sorry for your loss but glad you could spend the time with him and your mother in his last weeks. That is a precious gift . Take care - I am sure you will be getting lots of loving licks from your 4 legged family.

Coco said...

Theresa, you and your mom - and your Dad, clearly a loved man - are all in my thoughts. I somehow missed your earlier post, so this is such a surprise and so sad. How wonderful you were able to spend so much time with him as his health devolved. Precious time. With hugs, Coco

Sharon said...

This is such a hard time to get through for you and for your mother. Bless his heart for being so thorough and I can't help think how special it is that they're out here with you so you were able to have those finally weeks and moments with him. You are still in my prayers.

Shuttle, Hook and Needle said...

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your Dad. Very glad you got to spend time with him during those final moments. You will cherish that time once a little of the pain subsides. I don't think we ever get over losing our parents. I still miss mine each and ever day. Prayers to you and your Mom.

Valerie said...

My deepest condolences to you and your mother in your loss. May all of the wonderful memories of your life together bring you comfort.

Many hugs.

Mary said...

oh darlin', so sorry. I am sending you hugs and strength.

ElleC said...

there aren't the right words to say how sorry I am. many hugs. ♥

Peg Cherre said...

My deep sympathy. Wishing you strength and softness in equal measure. Sending hugs from me and licks from Jack.

Leigh said...

Oh Theresa, what heartbreaking news. Losing a parent is a very hard thing to do.

lilibet21 said...

Theresa, Im so sad for your loss but how wonderful he could have you & his family by his side.My thoughts & prayers are with you.xx

Unknown said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

SusanF said...

Even though I lost my own dad in 1981, reading of your dad's passing reminded me how it hurts. I am praying for comfort for you and your mother and peace and sweet memories.

ladyoftheloom said...

Wish I had visited blogland sooner to add my sympathies. So sorry for the loss of your father. I was way too young to lose my father 25 years ago this month. I still think of him so much and I cherish the daily visits from his spirit.
Peace xo
Alice

Judy said...

I'm so sorry. Losing a loved family one is so difficult and life seems so short for all of us. I'm sure that your presence lent a huge comfort to your Dad in his final days and his knowing that he was loved was a priceless gift to him.
Take care,
Judy