My dad fell down the stairs today. I wasn’t as worried about the fall or the bloody scalp laceration as I was about the disorientation he’s had since yesterday. After the fall he just kept saying, “I just want to sleep,” and curled up on the living room floor.
I called the advice nurse and she just told me to call 911. The EMTs in the ambulance suggested we go to the trauma center, just in case, and after we got there, they raised him to a Level 1 Trauma. I went outside to call my mom and my sister and by the time I got back I was told my dad had been intubated and had been given CPR.
Apparently my dad had an aortic dissection. They called in the heart surgeon from home but he wasn’t too optimistic about operating on an almost 91-year-old man. We all decided that surgery would just be torturing an old man. My dad passed away around 5:07PM, but the voodoo ritual performed by the doctor didn’t end until 5:19PM, so that’s his official time of death. 5:19PM, April 15, tax day.
My mom and sister and I were always afraid that he’d have a hard death, and I’m glad it was fairly quick and painless. If you’ve seen a picture of the nest he has for a desk, you’ll understand another fear of mine that they’d have to shovel out all his crap to get him out of his bed. Fortunately, it was much easier than all that. The biggest surprise is that they didn’t even ask for a signature after his death; they just wanted a phone number and the funeral home we wanted to use.
I’m off to be a pallbearer for my friend’s mom tomorrow and I just heard from another friend that his girlfriend just dumped him. This is not an auspicious start to the week.
Todd,
I’m so sorry for your’s and Mariko’s loss. Your dad was such a character.
My thoughts will be with you.
Mary Wood
It’s a lucky thing you were home–and sleeping is definitely the calmest way to go, for all involved. Remember to take care of yourself, too, along with everyone/thing else. Thinking of you and Mariko and your mother–and remembering odd bits about your father.
I already left a few words at Mariko’s site, but wanted to stop by here too and say how sorry I am about your loss. You took great care of him even though he might have had a few idiosyncrasies. 🙂
i am really going to miss him on my next trip to portland, he was a highlight of every visit!
My deepest condolences.. ! you take care..!
Hisashi,
I’m so sorry for your loss. In our family, there’s a story about your dad, matsutake picking and an incident with poison oak. It still sends me into a fit of giggles. My best to your mother.
Hisashi,
I’m so sorry for your loss. In our family, there’s a story about your dad, matsutake picking and an incident with poison oak. It still sends me into a fit of giggles. Please pass along my condolences to your mother.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I come to your site everyday because your words are very uplifting to me (I really do enjoy your wit). I feel a great loss since a few times there were a few tales of your father in take care and my condolences to you, your sister, and mother.
I am so sorry to hear about your father.
Oh Hisashi, I’m so sorry about your dad. I know I’m an “internet stranger” but truly, my best to you and your mom and sister.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I’m the daughter of an aging Nisei and I enjoy reading your blog because so many of your experiences sound like my life. Even his nest of a desk sounds familiar! It sounds like your dad wasn’t aware of what was happening, so he didn’t have to be afraid. My dad is very afraid of dying. I hope his end is as peaceful. Take care of yourself.
I LOVE GEORGE!! My condolences on having to clean that room of his!! Pick me out something cute to remember him by. I’m gonna be so sad the next time I visit Pettygrove 🙁
i wonder if michiko would share george’s poison oak incident with us.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I’m another internet stranger and have been reading your blog for a few months now. I hope your week improves.
Keep writing…