Return To Home Away From Home

Christmas night I pulled to a stop in my garage in my home here in Arizona. Thus ended a two-month journey to escort my father to and through the end of his life, as well as provision of support for my family.

On October 12th, Dad called to tell me he had been diagnosed with high grade prostate cancer. Two month's later, on December 13th at straight up 7 pm, Dad passed away with Mom, his two cats, and me at his bedside. I've come to realize that death is a sad but beautiful thing. There is, oddly enough, a lot of humor in the dying process. In fact, most of our family's enduring memories of Dad's last days are full of laughter and good times.

I'll add more to this account as I get settled back into my home and unpacked. I took many notes while I was living with Mom and Dad and helping them with Dad's passing, mostly notes of what Dad said and stories he told.

I can tell you that I am not at all afraid of death anymore; it is not as horrible as it is made out to be. I can also tell you that Dad's last ten days were pain free due to finally getting him good home health care and medication. The health care system is broken and I'm not sure exactly why; perhaps it is ego, fear, or a simple unwillingness to take responsibility for the management of end-of-life care.

Soon I will post photos from my trip to Montana and share more of them on www.shutterfly.com.