Sunday

 Good morning, everyone.

Sadly, my lovely Dad passed away early yesterday afternoon in hospital.  John was there and he said it was quiet, peaceful and gentle.  Just slower, shallower breaths and a final exhale.

I didn't get to the hospital in time but that's OK.  I had a 'feeling' about it and said goodbye to him in my heart as well as out loud on Thursday when he was settled in the ward.  He was so glad that I had stayed with him through that day and I was so glad to have been able to.

I'm feeling numb at the moment with sadness around the edges.  I've been through his mailbox, letting people know and answering queries.

John goes back to the hospital for all the paperwork on Monday.  I will probably be coming home.  The next few months will be shared between time at home and time here at Dad's, getting the place sorted out.  It will be a while before it can be put on the market now so there's time.

He was lovely, my Dad was; brave, kind, generous and a truly gentle man.  He had a fantastic life.  He had great experiences, work that he loved, time to indulge in his passions of aeroplanes (at second hand, not actually in the air) and gardening.  He found his soulmate in Mum and, when she passed, he carried on courageously but the spark had somehow gone.  He only survived her for just over two years.

And he was my best mate.