A coworker lost his father over the weekend, and last night was visiting hours at the funeral home. His father had been sick for years, so while there was no jubilation at his death, there was some relief.
The coworker and I had often discussed whose situation was better–his or mine. His father was ill, with a long, slow decline. Mine visited me in the morning and in the afternoon he was dead. I didn’t watch my father suffer, but I also didn’t get to say goodbye.
What a trade-off.
It’s hard to convince myself that I’m lucky, but I think I really was. Still miss my daddy, though. Religious belief would be comforting, but I tried for over 25 years to believe and it never really worked.
Another trade-off.
I have Girl Scout cookies, Samoas, on my desk. I don’t think there’s really a downside to that.
OMG, I heart samoas!!!
I had a combo of yours and your co-worker’s experiences. My dad was ill for a long time and he suffered mightily(emphysema from smoking) but his death came suddenly and he lived across country so I wasn’t there when he died.
My mom is now, I’m sure, in her last year of life, and she also lives across country. Everytime I see her, everytime I talk to her, I end with “I love you”. If she dies suddenly without my getting to see her again or hug her, I want those to be my last words to her.
OTOH, I also make sure those are the last words I say to my Girl or to my children each and everytime we depart each other’s company for any length of time (or hang up the telephone).
::sigh:: I hate that we have to lose people we love.
Of course you like Samoas! You are a woman of taste! 🙂
I like your plan with your mom, and I hope she surprises you and lives to be a frillion in great health.
Hugs to you, babe.