June 6th 2020

My Dad died today.

My morning started with

An 8:30am phone call

That needed time sensitive

Decisions made.

I was up,

Dressed and in my car

With a donut pick up

Then headed to mom's.

So many decisions

We made quickly and decisively.

Valleyview was going to make

Dad comfortable and get some

Heavy pain killers started

During this new palliative state.

We would be able to see him

One at a time today.

The funeral home needed

To be called and arrangements made.

By 10am 

We were done.

Now a post on facebook

Would be a faster method of advising

People that he was palliative.

So I made a post

And we headed over to see him.

I was there first by 11.

After passing covid screening,

I headed to his room.

At first sight I backed out in horror.

He was so still

And the pneumonia rattle so loud.

I calmed down and managed a visit.

I held his hand

Told him I would miss him

And that I loved him and left...

After making sure he was clean shaven.

I went out of the building

And John went in.

Then Mom who spent over an hour

Visiting promising to be back at 4.

I headed to the grocery store

For a few items

And got the phone call

That he has passed away minutes

After we left!

This all happened in 6 hours.

In shock, I was the one to call Mom.

We all headed back to Valleyview.

Mom wanted to say a last good bye.

We agreed she shouldn't be alone

And so brought her home for dinner

And some cherry brandy.

I kept busy cooking.

I still am kind of numb.

Phone calls began, emails sent,

Arrangements finalized

And friend visits began 

as we finished eating.

My world is now changed.

Caregiver for now takes a back burner.

I am going to take time 

To replenish myself and my life.

Not sure where this branch of the road

Will take me in the next week's and months

But I know I now have someone else

Up there watching over me.

And sure as shit he's up there

Fishing with Ray and Earl.

Good night from John Street