My father died on April 24th, Easter morning. He was 82.

He has been diagnosed with skin cancer disease (melanoma) in December 2009.
Originally the cancer affected only his right leg.
He had 2 chemotherapy treatments, in June and December last year. His leg was very swollen.
It wasn't easy but he was confident. He was a tough man.
He hoped to play golf this summer. But it was clear it wasn't realistic.
One year ago, he was still playing golf few times per week. He never used a golf cart. Together, my parents always walked the 18 holes.
End of Marsh, he came home to my wife's birthday. He told us that the pain intensified.
The same week, we learned that the cancer had spread to his lungs.
There was nothing to do ... time for palliative care.
Thereafter his health deteriorated rapidly... especially from the moment there were metastases to the brain.
We took care of him at home for 2 weeks, and he stayed at hospital for the last week.

It was quite an experience being with him in the last days of his life.
I consider myself lucky... during those 3 weeks, I had a lot of time to share with him and enough time to tell him everything I had to say.
My father was a very emotional person, but very uncommunicative. Very proud of his children but mostly unable to show it.
But given the circumstances he was more demonstrative... it was nice! Nice to see him that way!

I compare this experience to the birth of my 2 daughters. Some very intense moments.
Some moments filled with joy on one side, deep sadness on the other side.
I remember after the birth of my older girl, it was hard to believe I was a father. The best experience of my life.
And now, it is hard to believe I will never see my dad again.

RIP Jacques!

Big hugs Claf, to you and your family for your loss. What a great time of the year to remember your father, symbol of new beginnings, Easter, and those last weeks of his life every year from now on.

my condolences Claude

My deepest sympathy for your loss. My father passed away last year and I miss him greatly. I completely understand when you say...Its hard to believe I will never see my dad again.
But..it does get easier to accept through time.

I am sorry to read this Claude, love to you and yours bud, from me and Rach.

I do understand your loss, my friend. I lost my father several years ago. It is perhaps best to remember that the passing is as important a part of life as the birth is. It waits for us all and you can only really accept it as natural.

To grieve is also natural, it honors the ones who have moved on, but remember, we grieve for our loss, not theirs.

I'm very sorry for your loss Claude but I rejoice that you got to be there and tell your father everything. I don't even know what I would want to tell my father.

very sorry for your loss my condolences to you and your family

Claf,
So glad you were able to be with him in his last days..Family means so much.......
Patre

Sorry my friend.

Sorry to hear of your loss.

I'm sadden to hear the news, I feel your pain. I'm glad you and your family was able to surround him with love in his final days.
My pops died of a sudden heart attack which took us all by surprise, with no chance to say goodbye.
Be strong, remember his spirit lives on, In his children and grandchildren.

Toutes mes condoléances Claude ... Je suis néanmoins heureux que vous ayez pu avoir cet échange fort avant son départ. Je reconnais un peu mon père dans ce que vous décrivez-là.

my condolences Claf.