My Daddy Died Monday

I probably won’t be on Pet Talk for a few days, guys. My Daddy passed away on Monday the 29th. He went pretty peacefully and lived to the age of 80, so he had a wonderful long life here on earth. His name was Olan Reese and he was without a doubt my best friend in the whole world. He would do anything in the world for my sister and me and his pet name for me was Pal. I’m not sure how to get through all this without him. He was my rock. :(

He was in a semi-comatose state since Thursday and had numerous health problems ranging from emphysema, lymphoma, lots of problems with his blood pressure and of course, the hole in his esophagus. He’s spent the last few months in a struggle to breathe. His emphysema was horrible. He got no rest from all the gasping and coughing and choking on the stuff that comes out of your lungs when you have emphysema. He awoke Sunday morning and was suddenly himself again. He was just like he was before, the old Daddy that wasn’t sick. He didn’t have any problems breathing and almost looked like he could leave and go home. God is wonderful to have given us that glorious day with Daddy.

My sister went up first by herself to visit with him and he was up and around and sitting up on the edge of the bed chatting with her. They talked for an hour or so and my cousin then went to the hospital to see him and stayed a bit. After they left Michael and I made it over there (they’re about 30 mins away from us) to see him and Glory to God, it was wonderful! We talked and chatted and joked a bit, and then he told us that my cousin had gone to the house to get Bob, Dad’s Fox Terrier to bring him to the hospital. We met her in the stairwell and the look on my Daddy’s when he saw his old best friend face was priceless!! I’ll cherish that memory till the day I die. He smiled the biggest smile I’ve seen in years and so did Bob! Daddy was so happy to see his “Bubba”! :)

He was a simple, loving, caring, family man who was very soft spoken and shy. He was a veteran of the army and fought valiantly for our freedoms in World War Two. I get my love of animals from my Daddy and he was so truly special to me that I feel like there’s a huge hole in my heart and I hurt so badly that sometimes I can’t breathe. I’m sorry for rambling, but I’m just lost without him.

He’s with my Mom now and I know they’re so happy to be together again. They’ve been apart since 1985 and several months a go he told the nurse that on duty with him the night he died that it was time to go be with his wife again.

Anyway, I hope to be back on PT again soon. His funeral is tomorrow, and then we have so many things to take care of with the house and all. Thanks Pet Talk family. I love you all.

:(

Micki, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

:( I'm so sorry Micki. I'll be thinking and praying for you and your family.

Oh Micki, I'm so sorry to hear this. :( We're all here for you. Your father sounded like a great man. I'm glad he enjoyed some time with the ones he loved before he passed. I bet he's smiling down at you thinking of what a wonderful daughter he has raised.

Micki, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. :( My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please take care.

OH Micki, I can barely type thru my tears. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I am thinking of you. :(

Micki, God works in strange ways......and I am so glad that your last days with your Dad were so wonderful and are filled with good memories of him.

It sounds as though you definitely were his "Pal".

I understand your loss and it is very difficult.

Take good care of yourself. I will say a prayer for you and yours.

Oh, Micki what a loving, wonderful, heartfelt tribute to your father who is now, without a doubt smiling down upon you and the rest of your family. What a blessing for that last "clear" day and what a blessing for him to see his family - including his "Bubba"- one last time.

You have my heartfelt condolences, friend. I'm here if you need me.

{{hugs}}

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your tribute to him is wonderful and, like so many others, I'm very glad that you had such a marvelous visit. {{{hang in there}}}

We are here for you.

Ohhhhh Micki.......:(:(:( {{{hugs}}}

I'm so very sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know that this is probably one of the most difficult of losses to bear. My sympathies and condolences to you and your family. :(:(

Micki, my prayers are with you and your family. Please, if you need anything, please please let me know. I'm not too far away. Even if you just need some puppy breath for 5 minutes, I'd drive there with my babies to kiss you.

Stay strong. Your father had a wonderful life and is at peace now :(

I'm so sorry about your father. He sounded like a wonderful man and the best of fathers. Look after yourself {{{hugs}}}

My condolences and simpaties are with you and your familly.

:( I'm so sorry Micki :(