Introduction

Saying So Long…. For Now

For me the journey officially began July 13^th, 2009 at 8:43 am. Dad called my cell phone while I was coordinating the two volunteer crews who were working on our new church building. When I said hello I could tell he was tired and upset as he spoke his first words to me that morning. “Rich?” “Hey dad, how’s it going today?” “Not very good Rich” he said, “I don’t think I can take any more.” As I continued to probe I realize he was making the decision he had been contemplating for almost two years.

In 1995 dad had his heart attack while breaking up a fight between two employees where he was working. From ’95 until July 15, 2009 he has had 31 admissions to St Joseph’s hospital in Kansas City, and a few more at Menorah Medical Center. Averaging two and a quarter visits a year can be no fun for anybody. This most recent stay though was the final stay as he has chosen to allow God, and God alone to be the sole decider of his future health and quality of life.

While speaking to dad Monday morning I figured out what he was trying to convey. Dad was ready to give up fighting what has been a useless battle for two years now. No cancer. No major heart condition. No exact diagnosis to help find a cure or at least allow quality of life to return. Just a body that was worn out from too much sickness like diabetes, congestive heart failure, liver and kidney failure and ultimately having to deal with a weakening heart. Monday was the day he decided to say “no more.”

“Dad” I said, “Why don’t you go be with Jesus”? Those were the words he had been waiting for. Final affirmation that he had our blessing to stop being aggressive and allow God to be His major “health care” provider. I remember the tears beginning to well in my eyes as I said “I love you buddy”, “hang in there and let God’s peace be your source of strength.

The following updates will journal dad’s final weeks, months or years since his choice to say so long with grace and dignity.