Once again, many thanks for all your kind words about my Uncle Frank. They were a source of strength. We headed home to Cincinnati shortly after you saw me here last. I was able to visit him and say some things I wanted him to know. He wasn’t able to speak, but he was present and I know he heard me. We went home and had a good dinner, put the kids to bed and spent some contemplative time in front of the fireplace. I was drifting off around 12:30, my arm curled around Elliot, when the phone rang. It was going to be one of two things. It turned out to be the latter and the hospice nurse said, “He’s changing. You might want to come.” Damon and I threw on some clothes and took off, Elliot in tow. We didn’t want to have to leave prematurely and I hadn’t had a chance to stash milk. Near dawn Uncle Frank died, Damon, Elliot and I on one side of his bed, his son Christian with his sweet fiance on the other. I would love to say I gained special wisdom by witnessing that passing. I didn’t. But I can testify that it seemed painless and I’m grateful for that knowledge.
The rest of the visit was family and funeral and it seemed I blinked and we were headed home, south through a snowstorm.
jaysaint 
Posted by heathrow on February 15, 2010 at 5:01 am
Oh, darling.
I’m sorry for your loss.
Posted by heathrow on February 15, 2010 at 5:01 am
Oh, darling.
I’m sorry for your loss.
Posted by travellight on February 15, 2010 at 1:16 pm
I’m glad you were there, at the end.
Posted by travellight on February 15, 2010 at 1:16 pm
I’m glad you were there, at the end.
Posted by steakums on February 15, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Much love.
Posted by steakums on February 15, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Much love.
Posted by satogaeru on February 16, 2010 at 1:39 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure your uncle would agree that it was good you were there with him.
Posted by satogaeru on February 16, 2010 at 1:39 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure your uncle would agree that it was good you were there with him.
Posted by trope on February 16, 2010 at 4:12 am
Hugs to you and your family.
Posted by trope on February 16, 2010 at 4:12 am
Hugs to you and your family.
Posted by bramey on February 16, 2010 at 8:22 pm
The surreality of events like these always leave me in a daze.
I’m glad you were there for him.
Posted by bramey on February 16, 2010 at 8:22 pm
The surreality of events like these always leave me in a daze.
I’m glad you were there for him.