RIP Lee :-(

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Terry's dad lost his battle with Alzheimer's yesterday. :-(

Just about exactly two years ago he wandered away from home, slipped, fell and hit his head and was laying unconscious in the snow for who knows how long before Terry's step mom realized he was gone and called out the search party. Ever since then he has been in a nursing home, slowly deteriorating. We usually visit every Thanksgiving and a year ago (Thanksgiving 2003) he was still aware enough that I believe he recognized Terry. He was awake and watching TV and "trying" to carry on a conversation. Since then he has gone downhill fast. This last year we didn't make the trip at Thanksgiving because Tubby got sick. I knew we should go because I knew Terry's dad was getting bad, but Terry insisted we stay home and tend to Tubby.

He had gotten to the point where basically all he did was sleep. Terry's stepmom and the rest of the family out there visited on a regular basis, and they had been there yesterday afternoon and everything was normal....until they got the call about 5:00 pm that he had passed away in his sleep.

I am so sad, but I know he wouldn't have wanted to live the way he was - if he knew - and I know he is in a much better place now.

I only knew him a few years before the Alzheimer's really started kicking in, but I knew him as a funny, joyful man. He loved his wife and family so much, and he knew he had grandchildren before it got too bad. The last few years have really been a strain on the family, but he will be missed terribly.

RIP Lee.

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Sending my condolences to you, Terry and the family

(((HUGS)))

Julie

[catnapper]

I feel for Terry's family. Its a sad time, where you know he's no longer hurting and you feel guilty for the slightest bit of relief over that. {{{HUGS}}} and prayers for you and Terry.

[Barbara]

I send my heartfelt condolences to Terry, you and his family.

I hope it is a little comforting to know that he passed away calmly in his sleep.

[gini]

Debbie, I am so sorry for you and Terry in your loss.

I just can't help but feel that to pass away in your sleep is such a gift and I am happy that Terry's Dad was given that gift.

[Cataholic]

Debbie,
How sad for you and Terry. I am sorry to hear this. I remember last Thanksgiving you talking about Lee. May you both find comfort in knowing Lee is in a better place, with fully restored faculty, and who knows, maybe looking up Tubby.

Hugs at this very sad time.
Johanna

[Cinder & Smoke]

Dear Terry and Debbie ~

Take some comfort knowing that there was a lil, black, furry,
GranCat named Tubby waiting for GranPaw Lee at the Bridge.

Loosing a Parent is difficult, but he IS in a Better Place now.
Enjoy his Memories.

{{{Hugs}}}

/s/ Phred
..

[Logan]

I'm so sorry, Debbie. Please express my sympathy to Terry. I do believe that Gini is right, though, passing in your sleep has to be the best way to leave this earth, and imagine the wonderful greeting he received in heaven!

I hope that you can smile through your tears, knowing that Tubby and so many others, "skin" and furry, are there to greet Lee in heaven.

Logan

[Edwina's Secretary]

My condolences Debbie and Terry and Godspeed to Lee....

[Killearn Kitties]

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Terry's Dad. It's a horrible illness, and any illness that is long and drawn out puts a terrible strain on everyone.

Best wishes to you both, and all the family.

[slick]

Debbie, I was just about to leave for work when something told me to check Pet Talk one more time. Now I know why.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Terry and Terry's family. I have had experience with this dreadful disease. I was with someone for for 13 yrs and I watched his Grandmother go from a vibrant, funny loving family member to a vegetable. It's so heartbreaking for the family to see a loved one deteriorate like that. It is comforting to know that he passed in his sleep.

RIP Lee and may you enjoy your newly-found eternal life.

Big {{{hugs}}} to you and Terry
slick xoxoxoxo

[Jadapit]

I'm so sorry for you loss. That's a terrible disease for everyone involved. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[tatsxxx11]

I'm so very sorry for you great loss, Debbie and Terry It sounds like he was a very special man. Alzheimer's is such a dreadful disease and for sure Lee is now in a far, far better place, free of the physical suffering and mental torment. I hope you can find a small bit of comfort in the knowledge that he passsed peacefully in his sleep. I'll be received a most glorious reception in Heaven My heartfelt sympathies to the entire family. Love, Sandra

[caseysmom]

Send my condolences to Terry, alzheimers is a very sad disease, I lost my father 8 years ago to alzheimers...he didn't know who I was for 6 years, it was very sad.

[RICHARD]

Sending prayers and good thoughts out your way.

Yes, AZ is a terrible disease.

Godspeed, Lee.