My father contracted polio when he was 6 years old and was in and out of the hospital until he was 14. In the early 90's he was diagnosed with post polio syndrome and had to be put on oxygen. Earlier this year at one of his doctor visits his doctor recommended that he have a tracheotomy some time in the fall and that he would start feeling better if he had the surgery. At the end of June he was feeling worse and not doing well, my mother took him to the hospital and it was decided to go ahead with the surgery.
Here he is, up and trying hard to recover so he can go home. Did I mention that my dad was a fighter! He was always so positive and willing to do what the doctors and nurses asked of him. They were all amazed at how he progressed and they enjoyed working with him. He progressed and recovered because of his positive attitude and willingness to do whatever was asked even when it was hard.
We stopped to see him on our way home from the Warner family reunion
Getting ready to be released from the hospital, July 20th
I spoke with him on the saturday the 21st and was amazed at how good his voice sounded and how happy he seemed to be. He was getting around and I was grateful that he was finally feeling better hopeful that life would be better for him.
Sunday morning he had a set back and was life flighted to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. He was in a coma and the doctors were not sure if he would wake up and told my mother we needed to discuss as a family what our wishes were. I headed to Utah on Tuesday morning with Luke, Anna, and Elizabeth and I was informed that dad had opened his eyes and cried as mom and Melanie spoke to him. We had some precious moments with him and he tried to communicate with us. His final words were, "Keep the faith... my beautiful daughters...my handsome sons...keep the faith" All the grandchildren were brought to the hospital and each family had time to say their goodbye's. For us this was an answer to our prayers and a wonderful blessing to have one last chance to express our love and say goodbye.
Hearing Aubry and Seth on the phone
My dad passed away quietly on July 25th
surrounded by his family.
At the viewing
Family pictures before the funeral
mom and all the grandkids
"Grandpa took all my love"
My brothers
Me and my sisters
My father was buried in Glenns Ferry, Idaho
I take great comfort in the fact that families are forever and because of our Savior and his atoning sacrifice I will see him again. I look forward to that day, but until then I will continue following his council and I will "keep the faith!"
I Love You Dad!
No comments:
Post a Comment