This blog is as much for me (it helps to write down everything we've been through) as it is for anyone else. If you're going through the same thing and any of this helps, then something good will have come out of our own experience.
Dad passed away peacefully at home on 6th Oct at about 1.30pm with all of his family around him. Although it happened suddenly, we were waiting all weekend as he was deteriorating so quickly. He had to be sedated heavily because he was so unsettled and restless.
His funeral was last Wednesday and as evidence of my dad's popularity and that he was loved greatly, it was a large turnout. Friends and family came from all over the UK to pray for him.
Since his passing, it's been tough to say the least and we've all been dealing with the grief in our own way but maybe not effectively. We're all 'snappy' with each other, I've been restless for the last couple of days and we still have to get on with our own lives (bills to pay etc).
If we had lost dad suddenly rather than to the cancer, I don't know if this would have made things better. Probably not. At least this way, he was prepared mentally and spiritually. And maybe we were also prepared to a degree. The reason why a lot of the events went smoothly on Tuesday and Wednesday is down to the family being prepared.
All we can do now is pray for him. If you're not the praying type, there's still plenty you can do for your loved ones and for those that are going to come after them - charitable donations, voluntary work etc.
I miss him so much. See you on the other side Dad...
