The call in the middle of the night

I am convinced bad news never reaches you when you are wide awake.

My father passed during the night. He was 84. The fact that we knew it was coming has helped to take away some of the shock. Grieving has been ongoing since the Alzheimer’s took over, so when my brother’s phone call awakened me after 4:00, I was far more accepting and far less devastated than when my mother made a similar call eleven years ago with the startling news of my brother Stan’s death.

I’ll pack and make the trip home today, as will my other brothers. I had planned to go home tomorrow anyway in hopes of seeing him one last time. Now we’ll make preparations to send him off.

24 comments ↓

#1 troy on 12.08.05 at 9:38 am

I am very sorry for your loss. My father passed on in August and I could relate to every word of what you wrote. Feel free to email me if you need anything or someone to talk to.

#2 ClayStarr on 12.08.05 at 10:25 am

My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

#3 barrett Brown on 12.08.05 at 10:34 am

I extend my sympathy to all that mourn your loss. May God be a source of comfort in the coming days and weeks.

#4 DMFinNY on 12.08.05 at 10:40 am

My prayers are with you and your family. So sorry to hear of your loss.

#5 Carla on 12.08.05 at 11:47 am

I’m sorry for your lost. My prayers are with you and your family as well.

#6 lashundra on 12.08.05 at 11:52 am

sorry to hear about the death of your father. may he r.i.p. you will be in my prayers.

have a safe trip back home.

#7 thaddaeus on 12.08.05 at 1:43 pm

my condolences. have a safe trip.

#8 James on 12.08.05 at 2:35 pm

Bernie…my thoughts and prayers are with you. I lost my dad to Alzheimer’s and other complications in 2000 so I know this is a difficult road. Peace be with you.

#9 christopher david on 12.08.05 at 3:53 pm

My sincere condolences to you and your family. Hopefully all of the preparations and the send off will go well.

#10 intellifreak on 12.08.05 at 5:47 pm

My prayers are with you and your family during these times.

#11 Fratman1906 on 12.08.05 at 8:15 pm

Bernie, Very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I lost a family member last year after suffering with Alzheimers for 20+ years with the last 15 in a virtual comatose state. Peace & blessings in this time.

#12 jstheater on 12.08.05 at 8:48 pm

Bernie,

Bernie, am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Please accept my and C’s sincerest condolences and love. Our prayers, love and sympathies are with you and your extended family.

#13 karsh on 12.08.05 at 9:20 pm

I’m so sorry to hear about your father; if you need someone to talk to, you know how to reach me.

#14 That Dude Right There on 12.08.05 at 9:23 pm

My condolences to you and you family. Everyone knows that accepting death is difficult, but you already know that your father is at peace now.

#15 Dwayne Wayne on 12.09.05 at 10:57 am

My condolences, heart, and prayers are with you and your family.

#16 The LoveHater on 12.09.05 at 11:43 am

Bernie, I’m sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family have my deepest sympathies.

#17 ronn on 12.09.05 at 1:18 pm

Sincere condolences Bernie. Although I’m not a religious person, I know he’s in a much better place.

I hope you and yours can find comfort during this difficult time. All of you are in my thoughts.

#18 zen on 12.09.05 at 4:26 pm

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Allow the fond memories of your Father to ease the sadness of your loss.

#19 Kim Pearson on 12.09.05 at 10:06 pm

I am sorry to read this news. Please accept my condolences.

#20 Ms. World on 12.10.05 at 4:09 am

I am sad to hear about your father’s passing. You and your family have my condolences and sympathy.

#21 Reg on 12.10.05 at 9:50 am

I lend you my heart. Keep your eye open for the love around. I invoke that God lends a hand of comfort for you and yours.

#22 Rashid on 12.10.05 at 12:36 pm

I am so sorry for your loss Bernie. You are loved. Keep your head up.

#23 Efren on 12.12.05 at 3:17 am

Much love to you and your family as you go through this time. Losing my mom 2 years ago was devastating for me, even more so because it was so quick. It still hurts just as much when it happens, regardless of how it happens.

#24 Terrance on 12.12.05 at 2:56 pm

I’m sorry to hear of your loss, Bernie. You and your family are in my thoughts.