Dad's Passing
Dad passed today at 2:12 PM.
I slept at home last night and planned visit the hospital in the afternoon and stay with Dad through the evening. It seemed like a good idea, because of the COVID restrictions there was a limit on the number of people allowed in the room. David and Gechokia were visiting in the morning, while Mom and Jason where there.
My phone rang about 20 minutes before reaching the hospital. Jason asked if I was driving, but I could tell in his voice it had happened. He said Dad’s gone and asked about my arrival time. Traveling down I-40 going into Winston, I was rocked. They were going to wait before doing anything until I got to the room.
Arriving at the hospital, I begged the COVID screeners to just let me through. They expedited my screening and I made my way up to the floor. I passed David on the way but couldn’t say anything. Going into the room, Dad was lying still. I took his had and gave it a squeeze. His big palm was still warm and I couldn’t help but think about how it was never going to be as warm again. I kissed his forehead and tried to wrap my head and heart around what had just happened.
Mom was in the room with David and Gechokia when he took his last breath. Jason had been in the hallway but close by. That morning, they had managed to convince Mom to take a quick trip home to take care of herself. She had been in the hospital by his side for days thinking little of her comfort. Shortly after she left, Jason noticed some changes in Dad’s condition. He and Kristen were able to reach Mom after a few attempts, so she was able to make it back to the room in time to be with him. She had just given him a sucker dipped in coffee and was talking to David when they noticed he stopped breathing.
Later, as we left the hospital a security guard stopped us in the lobby. He didn’t recognize us before, but he wanted to talk. We didn’t know him, but he new Dad as someone that helped show him the ropes when we was just starting off in law enforcement. He was the first of several people to reach out about Dad’s impact on their lives. That strangely made it a little easier to walk away, thinking happy thoughts of Dad’s loving heart.