I had a whole other post written for this challenge. Then something happened. At 12:49 this morning, my father-in-law, Jerry Miller, passed away. He had many health issues, but it was his heart that finally gave out. He had an arrhythmia that required him to have a pacemaker. He had congestive heart failure. New Year’s Eve, he went in to Urgent Care and they sent him to the ER because his pacemaker was repeatedly shocking him. He had to be repeatedly shocked with the defibrillator for the next several days. Probably close to 100 times. During most of those shocks he was conscious and they were very painful. He had been intubated* and extubated**. He had a central and femoral line*** to help with his blood pressure, which was, at one time, non-existent. We would think he was getting better and then, he would turn the other way. Then he would get better and turn back the other way again. The last time, it was a different heart rhythm that they could not shock. They could not get him back. Maybe it was just too much for his heart to take.
Last night, before he died, I saw something on a TV show that said that the best way to honor those we have loved who have gone before us is to live well. My husband and I made a pact at the hospital this morning, after his father passed, that we would honor his Dad by taking care of ourselves better and by living well.
That is my resolution. I will honor my father-in-law and my own Dad by taking care of myself and living well. Life is too damn short. You should feel good while you’re living it.
*Insertion of a tube through the mouth or the nose and into a patient’s lungs to help them breathe. Usually followed with mechanical ventilation which is the use of a machine to breathe for the patient. Commonly referred to as “on life support”.
**To remove a tube from a hollow organ or passageway, often from the airway.
***central venous catheteris a catheter placed into a large vein in the neck (internal jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein) or groin (femoral vein).
This is part of a writing challenge at {W}rite-Of-Passage, a community of bloggers who are looking to get back to the writing part of blogging. To join, click the link.
Shelli, I’m so so sorry for your family’s loss. I think your resolution with your husband to live well is a wonderful way to honor your fathers’ memories.
Much love and strength to you all. And peace.
xoxo
.-= Sarah ´s last blog ..Reflections and Remembrances =-.
The passing of a close friend, or parent, sibling, especially ones child and heck even one pets will have an immdeiate and profound impact on the survivors that should serve as a point of departure from what we used to do.
Life is filled with such events, and its the death of one of these special people that allows us to better see what life has to offer. For until we know loss we dont appreciate what we have. The full extent of a good emotion isnt know until we experience its opposite; life – death, happiness – sorrow, joy – pain.
Here is to a great year in your life and the pursuit of your dreams.
.-= LarryLilly´s last blog ..Goodby Bandit, see you in the next life. =-.
I’m really sorry for your loss, Shell. My thoughts are with you and yours. I think it’s a great way to honor your FIL’s memories. As you know, we lost Mark’s Dad last summer and we are both – unknowingly – also honoring him by living better. We both quit smoking and have started exercising regularly. Life IS too short!
Sending you strenght and a big hug in these difficult times. Love ya! xox
I’m really sorry, Shelli.
I do like your way of honoring him, I think I will make it my goal to honor my grandmother that died of a heart attack by taking better care of my heart.
.-= Nobody´s last blog ..New Years REVOLUTION =-.
Hugs to you and your family. I lost my father 1 year ago on the 12th of this month, after a long illness. What a great way to honor your fathers! Love to you and your family.
((hugs)) Live well, sister.
.-= Finn´s last blog ..Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes =-.
shelli I’m so sorry for your loss, but you and Jason are doing something wonderful honoring your fathers by keeping yourselves healthier – this way YOUR kids are going to have you both around for much longer and wont have to feel this keen of a pain prematurely.
hugs
.-= bluepaintred´s last blog ..Stepping Out =-.
I’m so sorry for your loss, but you have chosen a fantastic way to honor him. ((hugs))
.-= Adrienne´s last blog ..Finding Some Firm Determination =-.
I’m so sorry.
.-= Heather P.´s last blog .. =-.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your resolution sounds like an excellent way to honour your father in law.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Shelli. I think you are choosing to honor your FIL is a wonderful way! Good luck to you!
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. And I agree that you’ve chosen a wonderfully important way to honor his memory. All my best to you and your family.
.-= jenny´s last blog ..2010: Be Prepared =-.