(no subject)
It is with great sadness and an extremely heavy heart that I have to tell you we lost my dad on Monday, 7/21/2008, at about 1:35 PM as the result of complications from a stroke. This past week has just been a whirlwind of things to do and I can honestly say that I broke down several times, but I will get through this. My dad's entire family has been with us every step of the way and we are so blessed to have them. I thank all of you for your thoughts, prayers, cards and kind words. You are all so very caring and I cannot tell you how much you are appreciated. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers - that is all we need at this time. His vigil was held on Thursday evening and his funeral, burial and reception on Friday with an incredible outpouring of guests (family, friends, coworkers) and support.
At age 16, my father was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. He was on the brink of death until a pair of doctors suggested a bone marrow transplant from his identical twin and was taken to Seattle, WA for the procedure. He was subjected to lethal doses of radiation and chemotherapy before the transplant could take place. Unfortunately, that was not the end of his medical problems. Although the transplant was a success, both he and my uncle contracted hepatitis C through a contaminated transplant machine. Both since 1972, both have been battling this disease through varying doses of interferon and other medications with my uncle beating the disease in 2005. Since my father had been a transplant recipient, his immune system was compromised and continued to fight it. On July 11, 2008, my father woke in the middle of the night complaining of extreme dizziness, was rushed to the hospital by ambulance and it was determined that he had suffered a cerebellar hemorrhage. He was transported to another hospital for surgery to remove the clot but continued to bleed post surgery and never regained consciousness. He passed away 10 days later at the age of 52.
My dad was not just my father, he was my role model, teacher and above all, my friend. My father has always been my inspiration. He taught me that it was OK to not always be the best but to just give it my all, to make the best of things when you are constantly ill and to understand that others may have it worse, to take the time to smell the roses in life, that you have to be persistent if you want anything out of life, and that miracles happen. He also gave me my love for fish and other animals, artwork, and guitar. One of our longest running jokes was that my father was to blame for my love of fish and the reason why we have 5 aquariums, bowls and a pond. I miss him so much. Thanks for everything, Dad. Love you...
At age 16, my father was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. He was on the brink of death until a pair of doctors suggested a bone marrow transplant from his identical twin and was taken to Seattle, WA for the procedure. He was subjected to lethal doses of radiation and chemotherapy before the transplant could take place. Unfortunately, that was not the end of his medical problems. Although the transplant was a success, both he and my uncle contracted hepatitis C through a contaminated transplant machine. Both since 1972, both have been battling this disease through varying doses of interferon and other medications with my uncle beating the disease in 2005. Since my father had been a transplant recipient, his immune system was compromised and continued to fight it. On July 11, 2008, my father woke in the middle of the night complaining of extreme dizziness, was rushed to the hospital by ambulance and it was determined that he had suffered a cerebellar hemorrhage. He was transported to another hospital for surgery to remove the clot but continued to bleed post surgery and never regained consciousness. He passed away 10 days later at the age of 52.
My dad was not just my father, he was my role model, teacher and above all, my friend. My father has always been my inspiration. He taught me that it was OK to not always be the best but to just give it my all, to make the best of things when you are constantly ill and to understand that others may have it worse, to take the time to smell the roses in life, that you have to be persistent if you want anything out of life, and that miracles happen. He also gave me my love for fish and other animals, artwork, and guitar. One of our longest running jokes was that my father was to blame for my love of fish and the reason why we have 5 aquariums, bowls and a pond. I miss him so much. Thanks for everything, Dad. Love you...