Losing a Father

The last time I had time to write, I wrote about parental care and the UK NHS system. In the short-time since my father moved into a care home, but 5-weeks later unfortunately fell over and knocked his head.  Three days later, on his 88th birthday, he suffered a severe stroke, losing his swallow reflex and use of his left-hand-side. Some 17 days later – 3 to 5 days were projected – having refused to be fed using an NG tube Dad passed peacefully away in hospital.  By that stage, he was very weak and frail from not eating, having elected not to receive any on-going treatment – a brave choice to be admired.  Dad latterly developed aspirated pneumonia, a condition exacerbated by his inability to be able to swallow and prevent liquid or solids entering and infecting his lungs. By that stage, he was shadow of his former-self and he was gradually losing his dignity.  Life can be cruel, but it is fact for all families that we all arrive and leave at a time not generally of our choosing. The celebration of life thereafter is equally important ensuring that we share the memories and commence the healing process together. God bless.