My daddy lost his battle March 16

[daddys1]

Its been quite awhile since I posted anything on this site.... my dads health had started to go downhill, and it was just too painful to log on and read all the stories. My dads colon cancer had spread to his liver, and the last year had been dreadful for him. He went from 230 to about 100 pounds. He passed away march 16 in the hospice center, we were by his side , holding his hand the whole way until the end. I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone on this site for sharing their stories, I honestly don't know what I would have done if it hadn't been for this site. In the beginning of my dads illness, I was on this site daily, posting questions he had, or just reading others stories trying to gather information. I decided to go into nursing shortly after my dads initial diagnosis, and will be graduating in two months... I had prayed he would be around to see me, but I am having to come to terms with the fact that he is not. -- and that is something I really am struggling with, and on top of that, fathers day is right around the corner, which is making things extra hard on me. But anyway, again I just wanted to say thanks to all the members of this site, who share their stories--- I don't think you realize just what an impact they have.

[mysweetgrace]

daddys1, I'm so sorry.

My Dad was just diagnosed last year.

I'm sure your Dad was very proud of you, and I think it's wonderful that you are helping others by becoming a nurse. I have the utmost respect for those who spend their days caring for other people, and do it well.

Best wishes to you, and again, so sorry for the loss of your Dad.

[hannahw]

So sorry you lost your Dad. Becoming a nurse will be such an honor to his memory. Even though he's not with you physically, the love you shared will be with you always, especially when you're taking care of patients as their nurse.

People get into the medical field for a variety of reasons, but I have been quite touched by the personal stories of some of my Dad's docs and nurses. I don't think it's a coincidence that some of his best doctors and nurses are those who had a personal experience (often with a parent) before choosing a medical career. You will always have a special perspective that informs the care you provide.

[Deirdre]

So sorry to read this & can only imagine your feelings. The patients you help in the future will be blessed by your compassion. Take care

[NedPlease]

Very sorry for your loss. I'd like to think your daddy still has his eye on you and knows what you have and will continue to achieve. Hooray for wonderful nurses and I celebrate your career choice. Your daddy raised a wonderful daughter. Take good care of yourself.

[sharplesm]

so so sorry for your loss. How wonderful you are going to be a nurse. I'm sure your dad is watching over you and is very proud x

[CRguy]

Sympathies to your family over your loss.
Your own actions though, speak louder than any words we can offer back to you.
Wishing you much success in your new profession.

In Harmony
CRguy

[Kathryn in MN]

I'm so sorry for your loss. You know how proud your father was of you, and that he wanted you to continue on with school, and you have. That was a special gift you gave him!

[jens22]

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers for you and your family.

[waw4]

So sorry you lost your Dad...

Hope you can remember the good times - the laughs, the hugs, and the love you shared!

That's how I'd like my girls to remember me.

[Kathleen808]

I'm so sorry about the loss of your dear father. I'm sure he was so very proud of you.

My prayers are with your family.

Aloha,
Kathleen

[esk2poo]

So sorry for your loss. You are going through that dreaded grieving process and we all must go through it at our own pace. With cancer, there are extra steps to deal with right from the beginning. My dad was my best friend and would have been my best man at my wedding had he been around. He passed of lung cancer June 17, 2003, so he didn't make it to the wedding physically. There isn't one day that goes by that I don't think of him some way. Either I smile or curse him out but I do think about him. He just gives me signs every day to lemme know he is watching over me, my wife, and his 2 granddaughters he never saw. A clock is always in front of me somewhere and his birthday happened to be 5/11. No matter what in the world I am doing, at least once a day I actually look at the clock and notice the time, 5:11. Just that little sign to let me know he is there in spirit. Next weekend will be tough, I can tell from your post the love and respect you had for him, but with time, you will continue to go through the grieving process and notice those little signs he will give you to let you know he is watching. Just keep your eyes open and you will see them, sometimes you will get that big smile on your face and like I said, sometime you will just curse him out for something and then laugh about it. I hope you can get to that point as quickly as possible.
Good luck on your pending graduation and God bless,
Allen

[michelle c]

I'm so sorry that you lost your dad. My heartfelt sympathy to you.

Your dad would have been very proud of you for deciding to become a nurse and for working so hard to become one. He will be there in spirit with you when you graduate, as always. Can you get a locket and put a picture of him in it and wear it around your neck at your graduation. I know it's not the same though but you might feel that he's with you.

Take care, love and hugs,

Michelle xox

[mlibertone]

So sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts of love your way. Carry him and all your memories in your heart and remember he will always be with you. I know that's really not of much comfort when you really wish you could see him hold him and talk to him but, I do believe he is watching over you and one day you will be together again. Until then, this is not good bye, it's see you later. (((largest hugs)))

[daddys1]

I sincerely wanted to thank everyone for the kind words. As I had said before when my dad was first diagnosed I went online in search of sites and forums that dealt with colon cancer and peoples real life stories. This site was one of the first I found, and one of the only ones I kept going back to. Not only did I find alot of useful information for my dad, reading other peoples stories, help me deal with all the emotions I was feeling. It felt good to be able to do something for my dad, in a situation that seemed out of control, and out of our hands. This fathers day I am going to the town in which my dad is buried, the kids and I are going to release a balloon that we all will write a message on. I figured that way the youngest of my children (who says her papa is now in the sky) will be able to see the balloon going up to him. I wish all those who have been on this journey, and those just starting out on it... good luck , and good health. Thank u all