So, not sure how else to put this so I'll just give the facts. Most know, some don't.
My father was not well, last Thursday he went into the hospital for what we thought was going to be something routine, perhaps he just had a bug. I was not aware that his doctors and girlfriend had been giving him a new medicine for his arthritis. This new medicine dropped his white cell count to 0. Literally. He was so sick that he had gotten bacterial pneumonia from his saliva, which in turn caused sepsis. He had been having a hard time eating for the last few months, the doctors are unsure why. They had put him on a medicine to make him feel hungry but that only lasted a short while.
While in the hospital, fluid was around his lungs and made it difficult to breath. They were trying to figure out the root cause as to why he was unable to eat and where the fluid was coming from. They did several tests which took a huge toll on his body. When the echo of his heart came back it was determined that his heart was starting to fail. Afterwards his kidney's started to follow. We're not sure but the family and some doctors suspect he may have had another stroke during this time as well from previous issues. They also suspect that he may have had cancer but were unable to find it because the tests were putting his body through too much stress to continue.
He passed away this Thursday and we're currently in the process of getting things together for his funeral and dealing with the estate and businesses.
I will tell you, this is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with in my entire life. Not only the week of sleeping in the hospital, the fear of leaving because something may change while I was gone, but even in the aftermath. Going through all his things, my things and the family's to find pictures and memories... there is a lot of things that you forget that bring up regrets and sadness.. but also happiness.
He was the most wonderful, hard working, caring man I've ever known in my life. It really amazed me how much he was involved in the community and how much he cared, not only for us but for everyone and their family that he came into contact with. I knew to some degree growing up but I never realized how much. I've heard so many stories and seen so many people come from all over that he touched in some form or another and it amazes me how far his heart reached. He worked so hard so that they could make sure that they had a working vehicle so that they didn't have to worry. I've known of times that he did it for free because someone couldn't afford it. My dad always went above and beyond. That was the kind of man he was.
I know how much pain he was in and I'm glad he's not going through that anymore, but at the same time I want to be selfish have my dad back. I know it's normal but it doesn't stop me from wanting it.
Anyway, I wanted to let you all know and to apologize for not being around or posting much as of late. I also wanted to give a heads up that once the funeral and everything has been sorted out I'm going to be taking on one of his businesses. I'm going to be a bit of a busy bee, but I will do my very best to get posts out. I really appreciate your patience.