Blessing---no more suffering

Well, yesterday morning I got home from the YMCA and was met by Tom in our entry way. He was emotional and told me that my three sisters had called and that my dad was at the hospital and not going to make it. I was in shock! I know we have all been trying to prepare ourselves for this because he has been so sick and has almost died a couple of times. But, I guess you can't be completely prepared for the moment it actually happens.
So, I called my sister and she said that she had just arrived at the hospital and would call me back. She called about 20 minutes later and my dad had passed away. (Thursday, April 17, 9:12 am) All of my siblings were able to get to the hospital before he actually passed away.
I guess my mom had taken my dad to the hospital the night before because the pain he had been having for the last week had gotten so extreme. Last night he was in pain all over his body. When he got to the hospital his heart rate was high and his white blood count was high and rose the whole night. They gave him an oxygen mask to help with his breathing and morphine for his pain. However, he was very uncomfortable all night. About 7 am his breathing was labored and his heart rate elevated higher and his blood pressure dropped. He took his last breath at 9:12 am. We are not sure exactly what it was that was causing his pain, but think it might have been another bowel breakage. We are very sad, and at times get very broken up----but we are also feeling that this is a blessing that our dad could pass on. He has had to go through so much in the past year, and especially in the last 3 1/2 months. Now he won't have to suffer any more.
Within a couple hours I was able to be on a plane to Utah to be with my family. Tom helped me get a flight and pack and has been holding down the fort. He is so amazing!!! He has been such a great help and comfort to me. I am sure this is because he knows how it feels! He lost his dad about 7 years ago. Tom has had to purchase a girl birthday present, take Matt the doctor because he is sick, contact the school to get work for the kids next week and to let them know they will not be in school, do laundry, pack the kids, and fly here tomorrow with all three kids, etc.,etc.---all while trying to work!! :) Pretty awesome that he is capable and willing to do all of this -- and I am comfortable and know that he is compitent! I bet all you women are jealous that I have such an awesome, amazing husband!! :) lol. I truly love you Tom!!! You are the best husband ever!!
Well, things are a little crazy trying to get everything arranged and such, but we are all having a fun time visiting and reminising. We are so grateful for the testimonies we have and know that we will see him again. We know he is so happy and in such a better place than suffering here on earth. We have all thought how much fun he is having with his family and friends that have passed on before him. And, how amazing it has been for him to finally meet all the many ancestors that he has searched out and done the work for. Geneology was his thing!
My dad's viewing will be Sunday, 6-8, Larkin Mortuary in Sandy. His funeral will be Monday at 12:30, at the Sandy Utah East Stake Center, 9636 So. 1700 East, Sandy.
What a great and amazing Dad I was so fortunate to be blessed with!