I am back after about a month’s hiatus. Things in my life were clucking along just fine, then May 2 I lost my father. No matter how prepared you are for a time like this, it still turns your world upside down.

He had some health issues. Most folks at 83 years-of-age do have problems. His issues were related to metastatic prostate cancer. All in all he had a great life to the end. And best of all it was on his terms. He was  out and about the day he died. He lived by himself and was very self-sufficient. The day before my sister and I had visited because his health care provider set up a meeting at his home to offer some extended services. My dad was optimistic all the time and I think he stunned the visiting doctor and nurse. There we all were in his living room enjoying conversation with these health care representatives. The doctor , who happened to be female, was asking a myriad of questions  many of which were very caring and sensitive in nature. He had recently been experiencing regular back pain and had a lot of sleepless nights. Trying to seek information that might be beneficial to dad’s care the doctor inquired,” Sy do you have any long term plans that we may be able to help you achieve ?” Dad, sitting comfortably in his reading chair, paused, then smiled and said, “No, not really. I just bought my 2009 fishing license so I think I am going to be around for awhile.”

At the meeting’s conclusion, I got up and excused myself from the doctor and nurse. I went over to my dad, shook his hand and patted him on the leg and said, “I’ll see you Saturday afternoon when I finish my assignment.” He replied,” that’ll be great.”

Not much more than twenty four hours and he was gone. I am so blessed that I left him on good terms and he left on his terms.

As years past we became more than father and son. We were friends. Up to the end we shared a lot of great times together. He was a good dad. A great outdoorsman and as I told a lot of friends at his memorial,  he was a true Norwegian who could squeeze a dime out of a wooden nickle.

He will be missed by many folks.

#