Mortality
 

Not feeling perfectly in tune today.

Yesterday morning I talked to Dad on the phone. He had just gotten off the phone with his older brother. My uncle was not feeling well but would not call an ambulance. I had my second day of orientation scheduled so I suggested he call his younger brother and ride over to assess the situation. Younger brother was watching his grandkids and his wife isn't feeling well so they couldn't go. I told Dad I'd take him right after work since it'd be a short day.

Dad an I go over after work, the doors are locked so I searched for a key, but didn't find one. We went to the neighbors' house, they reported that he hadn't taken his walk today. We went back with the husband and we spot him on the couch from the closed off breezeway. He does not stir when I pound on the door. Neighbor finds an unlocked window, I push him through. He shakes his head at me, it's not good news for the living. He looked pretty relaxed and at peace there on the couch.

I check for pulse breathing etc.. he is cold. I call 911 talk to the county dispatch and we've got all the local volunteers in minutes. They hook him up and eventually call it. The coroner won't be coming out as everything looks on the up an up. 88 year old man with heart and brain issues got out better than most. The volunteers transport to my high school friends funeral home.

My Aunt Uncle and Cousin come in. We joke a little too much, look at the old racing photos, lower the thermostat, check the fridge, get his suit out of the closet, joke some more, admire the mess, shut off the lights, take down the flag, and head home.

I'm sorry for your loss, Griff. How is your dad handling it?

I'm sorry for your loss too.

He sounded good on the phone. I think he's reassured that his brother appeared to go out easy. He will dedfinitely miss his daily 7:45 phone call. He's lost 2 sisters and 2 brothers and has 2 sisters and 2 brothers left. I think he's getting used to it, if that's a thing.

Sorry, Griff.

I'd like to go out that way myself.

He's at the age when news of peers checking out isn't surprising anymore, not pleasant but not surprising. It causes a lot of reflection of your own role in the grand scheme of things, especially after the funeral. :(

Hi Griff

Man... I don't know what to say (probably won't stop me though). I clicked on your thread with some trepidation. I'm sorry you and your family are hurting. I'm no expert despite my experience with the loss of friends and family.


This is a good place to stop for now. Griff, you and yours are on my mind. I hope you find peace and comfort.

Sorry Griff.

The longer I live the more I see this as a win. Go peacefully. The only regret would be that it was harder on the loved ones. I guess I would call the ambulance for that reason, but then again, until it is our time, we will not know.

ach, sorry man.

<3 Peace to you all.

Well shit...

Thanks Dwellars, I appreciate it and you all.

Thinking of you and yours, Griff. X


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk