My strong sweet man....

My heart aches for you tonight. It was very right of you to come here today. We are your family, hell closer than family and together we see each other through the good and the difficult.

I am so happy that you are at peace with the step you and your mom made together, to allow your Dad peace and to pass on when his body is ready. It sounds as though you are at complete peace with your relationship with him as well....and that is so important. Like the song you posted in honor of your father, many don't get the opportunity to validate those we care about while they are still alive. Tomorrow is not a guarentee and when someone is taken from us suddenly, it is so devestating and can affect us for the rest of our lives if we don't get the chance to tell him/her how we feel and what they have meant to us.

As your father begins his journey to the otherside keep the following in mind. He will be (as you pointed out and are certain) at peace and he will always be around you. The bond we have with each other, our loved ones, does not end once a person passes. Their spirit is always around us and they will find ways, touching ways of communicating with us, if we remain open and mindful of their presence. I can't tell you the amount of stories I have about similar situations. Funny, more than ironic ways that my deceased family and friends have reached out and proven that they are still very much with me. It is a comforting and peaceful thing to consider. He will always be in and outside of you.

As you wait and ache for what you know is to come.....be kind to yourself. Get rest, eat well, take a long hot shower, do things that bring your soul pleasure. You and your mom, and family, be there for each other. Support and respect one another as best you can. If it is possible, go to your dad's room and sit with him. Talk to him, read to him, joke with him, recount stories of your lives together, hold his hand, play some light music, rub his feet. Even if he is not awake, he is there and HE IS AWARE of what you are doing....helping him to leave this earth. I have been priviledged to sit with several people when they have passed and it is has been the most intense and loving experience of my life. While doing so I have found the sweetest peace and love......and above all HOPE.

Your heart will break when you get word. As much as we are prepared, we are still deeply shocked and saddened. You will do what is necessary and will get through the best you can. In the routine of it all honor your father in as many ways as you can. By living and remembering, you honor his life and the many ways he has touched you and made you part of the person you are today. He will be with you through the entire process, stronger than you have ever felt him before. He will comfort you and the love of your friends and family will get you through. Let others help you....support you. It is their way of honoring your dad.

I and others here are with you 24/7. There is always someone here if you want to talk or just throw out words....feelings....songs. We are your family and right now we are holding you so close and have taken your hand as you go through this tough time.

My thoughts and prayers will be with you, your dad and family tonight as you all move forward.

Pam