what would you do if you knew your father is dying?
By mmygrace
@mmygrace (78)
Philippines
April 3, 2007 3:39pm CST
What would you do if you knew your father is dying?
December 2006, my father who I rememebered didn't even have any stain of illness since I came to life suddenly felt some heaviness on his chest. We thought that he might just have gotten tired because of the then ongoing house renovation. He had complete tests and some couple of xrays then eventually was admitted to the hospital. After a week of being admitted, doctors were not able to figure out what his sickness was all about. Doctors decided then to perform a very delicate bronchial bronchoscopy procedure. And yes, it had determined the cause - MY FATHER HAS STAGE 4 LUNG CANCER AND HE CAN DIE ANYTIME. No amount of surgery can alter his condition, not even chemotherapy can assure chances of surviving. It was so painful because he had quitted smoking since November 2001 (5 years after he was diagnosed with his ailment). He said that he has to quit smoking so he can still live longer and enjoy his life with my newly-born son (1st grandchild) during that time. Well, that didn't happen so long. I felt so bad because my father was a very good and responsible family man. We and even our relatives admired him for dedication to the family. Even if we knew that he was dying very soon, we still had him be subjected for chemo. We prayed, prayed and prayed. He endured all the pain and believed that he will survive. For all those who saw and knew him during the whole chemo process (the priests, the doctors, the nurses and the hospital staff), they said he doesn't look sick. He always displayed that happy face and funny disposition. After barely 3 months of chemotherapy, he suddenly died while watching his favorite show "Funny animal videos"... just a few minutes after his last giggle. It was a very painful moment for the whole family. We knew then that the Lord did not lengthen his pain. After all those, we knew my father died in peace. He knew that he did not left without creating impact in our lives. We really loved and cared for him, although we know that his love for us was incomparable. It was exactly a year last Mar 30, 2007 when he passed away but his memories are well cherished. He is so dearly missed.
2 people like this
2 responses
@jbrooks0127 (2324)
• United States
4 Apr 07
I am so sorry to hear of your father. He does sound like a great man and that makes your pain even more. But remember this. You had him for a lot of years and he influenced your lives far more than you may even know today. WE all will go that way. It is only a matter of how and when. But what we do while we are here is the true measure of you.
Both my mother and father passed away many years ago. My mother had cancer of the lung also from smoking. When discovered they gave only one year. Even with radiation and chemo therapy there prediction came true.
The passing of a parent brings home your own mortality more than anything else ever could. What you always assumed would be there is no more.
May the Lord be with you and your family.
@Lauraleigh99 (4718)
• United States
3 Apr 07
I have had this happen with an uncle but not a parent I can'teven imagine and you father was so young only 56! That is so sad. But at least he passed away in peace and no pain because I am assuming he was on medication like my uncle was that made him feel no pain from the cancer. It goes to show us to not take life and family for granted! They won't always be there
