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Thanks all for the kind words. Dad had been in poor health for quite some time, so while I can't say that it was a surprise, it was still a shock when it actually happened. Mom said he told her the past few nights that he prayed it would be his last one; he was ready. He hadn't been able to leave the house except for doctor appointments for several months, and recently not even that. His heart was just too weak for him to be on his feet for more than a minute or two.
The one thing he absolutely did not want was to die in a hospital bed. He wanted to be at home, in the house he built himself almost 75 years ago. He was crossing the living room with his walker, and Mom said he started slumping over. She got to him and helped him to the floor and he was most likely gone at that point. My sister - a nurse - got there within 5 minutes, and Mom had also called the nurse who lives next door to them.
I had only spoken to Dad by phone over the past few weeks, as we were out of town for a week and then didn't want to risk exposing them to anything when we got back 2 weeks ago. I think the last time I saw Dad in person was for his birthday in February. I'll remember him having a great afternoon playing euchre with his family. His mind and sense of humor were as sharp as ever, right to the end.
I'll miss him, but his kindness and strength built the man and husband I am today. I can only hope to have people think as well of me as everyone I know thought of him.
Cheers, all. Hug your loved ones today.