Hi Claf, let me tell you my short story. This was about 15 years ago. My father was working in another country for 12 years during that time. He comes home for Christmas every year. Then one day a phone call telling us that my father was seriously ill in a hospital and be prepared for what will might happen. After about 2 hours, the call again saying that he was gone. Prepare for 2 hours? We didn't even had the chance to talk to him on the phone. I wonder what he was wishing for during his last moments, he was so far away alone. There was so many questions unanswered.

If I may say, you were somehow really lucky as you've said. You were given the chance to show your father how loved he was. You were given the chance to make his exit as peaceful as it can be. But still, losing someone is painful no matter how prepared you are. Condolence my friend.

You have my deepest sympathies, Claude.

--Ted

Thanks to everyone!

Thanks abraham! Thank you for sharing your story. It was surely not easy.

Merci Michel!

I just wonder... about the unpleasant things... is that something happened to you lately? Or were you referring to the disaster in Japan?

But anyway... yeah, the last months were not easy.
In February, my wife has lost a friend who was murdered by her boyfriend.
The Japanese disaster was stressful but everything is fine for family-in-law.
My father's death was harder for my younger sister. She has breast cancer and her husband has prostate cancer. We just hope that everything will be all right for them. They stay positive... they say it will be all right.
And finally, my mother will meet her doctor soon. We think she's at early stage of Alzheimer disease.
So, I hope this is enough for now...

I wish there were something I could do for you and yours Claude. The only thing I can offer from here is my sympathy and prayers for your family.

I know how it feels to have a family member with Alzheimers Claude. My father had it when he passed away. It's hard on the whole family. A feeling of helplessness. Kind of like when you have a sick baby and you don't know what's wrong with them or how to help them
Just be strong for your mother and may God Bless you and your family!
Sincerely,Vince.

My family had a lot of events happen at the same time lately, it just seems to come in cycles. As for your side, yes, I was refering to what happened in Japan, and I didn't even know about all the other events that you just explained. It's seems to be quite a year for you, in a "OK, that's enough already!" kind of way.

I'm sending thoughts of peace your way.

My sympathies also to you, Claude....as this hits very close to home, for me.

*!*

my condolences, Claude...

Sorry to hear this news, Claude.
My sympathies to you and your family.

I offer my sincere condolences Claude. Life is so short let's remember the good times.

My sincere condolences

Sorry to hear, not the easiest of times
Hoping that better times are coming!!

T

Sad to read your story, all the best Claf!

Thanks everyone. It's all appreciated!

It is going well. These experiences lead us to become better people.
Since my motorcycle accident 20 years ago, I consider myself lucky to be alive... every single day.
There's something good to enjoy everyday... and my little family helps a lot.