Dad’s 81st Birthday and his passing

Sadly Dad passed away suddenly yesterday morning (Sunday 2nd August 2009). He died from a massive coronary but the nurses assure us he was not in pain. Fortunately Frank and I had been to visit the day before and had taken him out for a little drive and a cup of coffee.

I don't want my memories of Dad to be of recent years. I am going to remember the totally impractical red velvet and white lace dress he bought me for Easter one year when I was a little girl. The farmhouse window he bunked me up through so I could unbolt the door from the inside. He and Mum tripping the light fantastic before Mum got ill and they still enjoyed to dance. Dad proving the specialist wrong when he said he'd never walk again without the aid of leg irons. Dad posing for funny photos on the tractor at the farm. Dad sitting on the front veranda hand feeding the rosellas, and him laughing while Matthew tried to kick away leaves and then started aiming for his Grandad's legs. These are the times I will remember.

Rest in peace Dad, it was a long and sometimes tough journey.

Dad turned 81 on 10th July so we took a cake into St Georges for morning tea. Some of the residents, including Dad, aren’t supposed to have cake but they made an exception. One of the older (more alert) ladies asked how old Dad was turning and when she was told 81 she said “Oh he’s a mere baby”. Turns out she is a very sprightly 90. When one of the carers asked Dad how old he was Dad replied promptly “Too old!”. He does still have lucid moments but most of the time now you wonder what is going through his mind. It is a long time since he recognised any of us but we can still usually get a smile or two and he still seems to enjoy the weekly visits. Here are a few photos.

Me making sure Dad doesn’t end up with the cake in his lap. Frank trying not to flip cake while serving up with a very skinny knife. Helping to blow out candles and a rare smile.