So very sad!!

[decaff38]

My husband's father fell 2 weeks ago and broke his hip. He is 92 and sharp as a tack.The most wonderful father in law!!! Things were going well but turned for the worse . Yesterday he told his oldest daughter and son that he was too tired to fight anymore. He is keeping the feeding tube and IV in until all the 6 kids can get there to see him then he wants them removed and would like to pass. My hubby left on a 1000 mile trip today and I will take the children and go after he calls. He is okay with it and seems to be actually dealing very well. I have seen him much worse. Flying is out of our budget ( almost 800.00 a ticket and we need 5) All will be fine. Just needed to share with big people. THanks for the ear.

 

[laurie31]

I'm so sorry.

It's not much comfort now, but at least he was mentally capable of making this decision for himself and it didn't fall to your DH and his siblings.

 

[nancys]

Did he get an infection or something that made him worse?
Last year, my aunt made the same request, and had signed a Living Will earlier. We honored her request, but it was so very hard to witness. Blessings on your family as you face this difficult time.

 

[minniecarousel]

It's tough. Once someone makes that decision, you have to honor it. I know my Mom fears taking a fall more than anything. (She's also 92.)

Hang in there.

 

[RNMOM]

To be 92 and still have the faculties to make his own decisions is pretty amazing. I know it is difficult to see someone we love so very much plan to die but he is fortunate to be able to do so. I hope everyone is able to get there safely to say goodbye.

 

[Ning Ning]

I'm so sorry to read of what your family is going through. I can imagine some of what your husband is feeling on that long drive. Apparently your sweet father-in-law has made his peace and is ready to move on. I can only offer and ask God to hold your family in the palm of His hand. Good luck in the days ahead.

Ingrid

 

[4nana]

I'm so sorry and send prayers for your FIL and all your family at this difficult time. What a tough decision, he probably didn't want anyone else forced to make. He has obviously lived a wonderful life and feels it's time to go home. Godspeed

 

[raysnkaysmom]

ok..its not letting me do the hug emoticon...but hugs to you and your family..

 

[moon]

Yes, this is so very sad I'm so sorry!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Very sorry to hear that, decaff. God speed.

 

[bumbershoot]

 

[minniebeth]

I'm so sorry, I truely know how difficult it all is. God bless him, you and all of your loved ones.

 

[agnes!]

So sorry for you & yours.

agnes!

 

[mamamary]

Very sorry to hear this.

Mary

 

[kafitty]

from me, and i really can't say it any better:

I'm so sorry and send prayers for your FIL and all your family at this difficult time. What a tough decision, he probably didn't want anyone else forced to make. He has obviously lived a wonderful life and feels it's time to go home. Godspeed

 

[Disney Doll]

You know, I have tried to put myself in that position...being elderly, not being able to do what I want when I want, being tethered to tubes and such, feeling like I am a burden even though my family will tell me I am not, knwoing I am going to spend the rest of my days either in a nursing home or trapped in my own home...

To make the decision to let nature take it's course isn't a bad thing. I know there are DIS people who probably think I am the Angel of Death every time this discussion pops up, but it's a quality vs. quantity of life issue. Just because we can keep someone alive doesn't necessarily mean we should.

Your DFIL sounds like he's had both quality and quantity up until this point, God love him, and now it's time for the next step in his life. Sometimes the last loving thing we can do is to let them go in peace, loving them all the way....

 

[decaff38]

All the family has arrived and said their goodbyes. Through the wonder of technology, I also got to send my love and caring thoughts to him. It is just a matter of a few days now. He is at peace and comfortable. Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. It is so very hard to be so far away and feeling a bit alone though all of this. He is such a wonderful man and will be missed by all who knew him. I can't imagine how large his memorial service will be. Probably a thousand people. He touched everyone.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Prayers for Gods peace and comfort during this most difficult time. Sounds like you FIL is such a very special man and has the love and support of a wonderful family.

 

[KSchwagg86]

Very sorry, but he sounds like he is at peace with his decision

 

[C.Ann]

I'm sorry.. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers..

It's hard when someone makes that type of request.. My late DH also said that he was "too tired" and just couldn't go on any longer.. He just wanted to be "let go".. What do you do when someone makes that kind of request? If their quality of life is gone, you have no choice but to grant them that final wish..

I hope you are all able to get there in time..