Right on the stroke of midnight, Mike took his last breath of air and left his body behind as he flew up into the heavens to begin life anew. It is now 2:00 a.m. and although I had previously sent his kids an email telling them that he was actively dying and according to hospice had about three days of life left- I did not have the heart to call them back and tell them that he decided not to wait the three days and go now. I will do that in the morning at a more suitable time.
I had been giving him morphine every hour to keep him comfortable and although the first part of the evening, he was sleeping peacefully although being unresponsive, toward midnight, he started thrashing about and removing his oxygen tubing. I finally decided to take it off and put it aside for awhile- and I as I turned to go back to the kitchen, I heard one last gasp of air and he was gone. He wasn’t thrashing without a purpose, he was trying to tell me that the oxygen was keeping him here and he was ready to go to better things. He is DNR but Hospice maintains that the oxygen and the morphine are more a comfort than an aid to continue life.
I am waiting for Crown Memorial to come and take his body away. He will be cremated and his ashes sent to my eldest stepson in Alaska. David and his brothers and sisters will then follow Mike’s dying wish, that he be scattered at Hidden Lake- the site of our first date over 36 years ago. They will lay the marker in Alaska as well, so they all can get together as families do and go visit their dad without having to buy additional plane fare to come to Oregon to visit his grave.
Like I mentioned before in a previous post, I don’t need an urn of ashes or a grave marker to remember him. I will never forget him.I will miss him so much, all his stories, his jokes he used to pull on me, his gentle humor and warm smile. I am glad his pain, torment, anxiety and sleepless nights are behind him now. Not only does he now have two good legs and a lean body, but he has a pair of angel wings to transport him all over Heaven’s glorious Kingdom. I feel him still with me even though he has departed this world. The funeral people should be here in about an hour as they are coming from Salem. Goodbye My Love- we will see each other again- I shall miss you so much.
Some of my favorite pictures of him:
Sending you an enormous hug, though I suspect Kota and the kitters are all over you, giving you love. I so very sorry for your loss.
I will write to you. But I do love that last picture, with the cat on his shoulder. Is that Taylor? That photo shows his good nature and his eagerness to be happy and make others happy. God bless you, my friend.
No that is Massey. I had to laugh when you said you liked him the best because guess where his adopters came down from to adopt him from us after seeing his story online??? Canada! I met them halfway-
What beautiful pictures you posted. I’m so sorry for your loss. What a loving man even the fur babies loved. God bless you my friend. I’m sure you are surrounded by Kota and your fur babies offering their comfort.
I am so very sorry, and am sending you hugs.
I am so sorry for you loss, Mike will be missed by many. Kota and the kitties need you now and are with you for comfort. RIP Mike, take care of those furbabies that are waiting on you at the rainbow bridge. There are no words that can comfort you, just know that he is at peace and that you were a wonderful wife and caregiver, no one could ask for more. Be at peace and be blessed Mary Anne, God Speed Mike!!!
I am so sorry for your loss. It must be a relief to know that he is out of pain and no longer has to endure the physical trials that racked his body. God Bless, you are in my prayers.
Marian in Houston
So sorry to hear about your husband, and I hope that there is some solace in that his suffering is now over. You have done a great job of caring for him and loving him. These three photos are very sweet.
Julie q
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry. Yes, he is no longer in pain. In my prayers.
So sorry for you loss. He had to be such a good man since the cats just adored him. Sending logs of big hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mike seemed to be such a kind and gentle soul. I know you will all miss him. {{{HUGS}}}
So very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in this trying time.
Mike is walking with our Savior now. His journey on this earth is done. No more suffering or pain for him. My prayers are with you, so that He makes you strong to walk through the valley of loss.
So very sorry, Mary Anne. Your love for Mike was evident in every word you wrote about him, even when he was at his most exasperating in his illness. Your pictures of him show a kind, loving man. He’s at peace now, and my thoughts turn to you, hoping you will find comfort in your memories of your many joyous years together. Hugs to you.
hi Mary Ann i am so sorry to hear and read about Mike so so sorry.
I am so sorry that I am behind and missed this until now. My heart breaks for you…