Last Monday, I got a call at work from my Mom. She had to inform me that my Dad was dying and didn't have much time. I was paralyzed at first and didn't know what to think, say, or do. She did remind me that when he went, there would be no viewing, no funeral, nothing. That I already knew. So hubby and I made the trip from southwestern PA, to northwestern SC. If you only stop for gas and to pick up a burger to eat in the truck, you can make the trip in about 11 hours. We got in late, about 11pm, and Mom and my brother took us to the hospital, where Dad was awake and waiting for us (Mom told him we were on the way). My sister and BIL got in later so we all treked to the hospital to visit on Tuesday. That made Dad so happy, to see all his kids and in-law kids there to visit. He passed away on Wednesday. Cause of death; COPD from years of cigarette smoking. I'm not mad at Dad for the smoking, but I wish he had quit much sooner, and I wish he had seen a doctor sooner for his obvious breathing difficulties. But what is done is done and I'm glad that I got to see him before he left us and I'm very glad that he was aware of us being there with him.
This is now my second go-around. My FIL passed away in March. I'm not sure I can take much more.

DianaD,

You have certainly been through a lot! I am sorry to hear your about your father. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

So sorry to hear about your loss. I am glad that you were able to see your father before he went.

My condolences, Diana! I'm glad you got to say goodbye to him.

So sorry, Diana.

It's so nice that he knew everyone was there and it made him happy. My condolences too.

Thanks for the condolences. Much appreciated.

On the way home, Hubby and I were talking, some about Dad, sometimes other things. Out of the blue, I said "7 months, 1 week." and Hubby knew exactly what I meant. His dad on March 7th, mine on October 14th. I never in a million years imagined that I would lose either of them this soon, let alone in the same year. If I had a magic eraser, I would just scrub away the year 2009! But unfortunately, this is part of life and I'll get through it.

I am so sorry, What a shock to lose both dads in one year.

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel because in just over 2 years time we lost our 17 yr old daughter, my MIL, my Mom plus 2 treasured uncles. It got so I hated to answer the phone or open the door because none of them was expected and with only one were we able to get there before they passed.
Life is rough and sometimes the pitfalls are hard to climb out of, but with a loving family and friends for support, a rope drops down to help you climb out. My thoughts are with you.

Oh, my! If you're still standing after that, there's hope for all of us, Ladywildcat

Lady,
You certainly have my sympathies as well. Especially to lose your daughter, that must have been the hardest to bear. I'm just grateful to have the love and support of family and friends, both out in the "real world" and here.

That actually reminds me of something. I read somewhere about a person who passed away and was a regular contributor to a forum and a family member had to post the news to them. That brought up the issue of sometimes wondering what happens to people who just seem to disappear from websites. So this person must have anticipated that and asked the family member to do this for them. Basically, along with notifiying people out in the real world, you should set up a way for family members to access you favorite forums and stuff and let them know as well. Interesting idea.

DianneD, that is a great idea. I am going to set up a book with the username and password to all of the groups and the websites I belong to so it will be handy if and when something happens to me. Ya never know these days.
BTW, thank you all for the kind thoughts. Yes, it was a horrible experience and was even worse because the night our daughter was killed she was in a car with 2 of our foster kids and one was the driver. He went to jail, the other girl was sent back home so we lost 3 kids that night. Thought we would die, but our son and friends pulled us through.

Sorry for your loss.

It's tough to lose both fathers in one year. I lost my brother-in-law, father, and father-in-law all in one year. So I know what you're going through.

Many prayers to you and your family.

Shari

Oh Diana, a big, warm, knitted hug for you. And a better 2010!

Thanks for all the warm wishes. It's been a tough year. I know I'm not the only person who has lost more than one loved one in a year, but neither of these was forseen, so there was no time to try to prepare myself (as much as it is possible to "prepare").
My father had COPD, but I thought he would still be around for longer, not go so soon. My FIL had had chronic infections in his bladder for years, but never did we expect this one to take over so suddenly and then to find out he had cancer on top of that, I think it was more than he could deal with and he just gave up.
But we have decided to still decorate for the holidays, to just enjoy each other, and take each day as it comes. It's really all anyone can do.