My beautiful father

Dad is still in Hospice and holding on. The doctors and nurses all say he has a strong heart, and we know he has a strong will and spirit as well.

Carrie, mom and I have continued to stay with him as his days become fewer. Although there is no response on his end, we continue to talk to him, touch him, and treat him as if he is our number one. We have tried to give him some more "privacy" because the staff at the hospital have all said that he might not let go if we are around because he does not want us to have that as our final memory of him, or because he still wants to be part of the gang. I like to believe it is the latter, because dad always felt most comfortable and happiest with his family, spending time with his three girls.

It is hard to give him his space. I don't want him to be alone when he chooses to go, but I have been told that we don't decide that; it is already decided between my dad and his higher power.

We will be with him at that final moment, whether or not we are present in his room. We will always be with him and he with us, and I know he knows that.

My dad is awesome. My dad loves me more than anything or anyone. Ok, ok, so he loves my mom and Carrie equally as well, but he has this way of making us feel that we each hold a special place in his heart. He is the best father. He is the best friend. He is the best person I know because of his simplicity and honesty. He loved life and cherished all the moments. I believe that he will also cherish these last moments because my family has become closer throughout this experience. My father has brought us closer together because that is where he felt most at peace; with us.

I love you dad more than you will ever understand.
Love Tracy