My Uncle Passed Away Aug.19th

My Uncle Tom passed away yesterday afternoon in between visits from his family, before my mom, dad and I made it to the hospital. Of course, it was the day we thought we'd go later so he'd be able to get some rest as other family members were there during the day and he was getting tired alot quicker the day before. They thought he was sleeping at first, so that shows how peacefully he went. I met my mom and dad at the hospital to see him one last time and to be there for my parents and for closure for myself.

I have to say it was a very different experience for me, watching him die. I initially went to support my mom, but really connected with him over the 5 days he was conscious and able to communicate with us. I had planned to pretty much sit back and just be there for my mom, but before I knew it I was making sure he was comfortable, feeding him orange juice and coffee off a sponge and helping him in any way I could. I just wanted him to be as comfortable as possible and to feel as in control of things as he could, even if it was something as simple as saying whether he wanted coffee or orange juice or tv. We all made sure he had what he wanted, his truck/car books (even though he couldn't read them) and his reading glasses, cable tv (even if he just stared at it off and on) and whatever he asked to drink (as he couldn't eat). The last day I saw him, I asked him if he knew he I was as he got my sister and I confused over the years and he said "ya Miranda" as clear as a bell and he said "I remember you growing up". I told him I loved him and he said "I love everybody" and I said i'd see him tomorrow, and I did, just not the way I had thought.

I have to say, he looked very peaceful, he wasn't breathing heavily and he just looked like he was in a good place. I didn't want him to have to lie there for weeks wondering what was going on as we just couldn't tell him. He said he was there a long time and said he wasn't getting any better, so I think he knew he wasn't leaving the hospital.

Anyway, just wanted to post this. Hope it's not too depressing.