Personal Experience with COVID?

[Acey]

I did go to see him and while it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, I'm glad I made it there. We came home and then they started the process, he passed at 3:25 pm. Thank you once again for the messages and kind words, if I missed any I apologize but the support here and everywhere has been overwhelming. I'll be okay.

Let's eradicate this virus and live our lives to the fullest.

[Jiri Hrdina]

I'm happy you got to see him, but tremendously sad for your loss.

"Let's eradicate this virus and live our lives to the fullest."

Yes. This.

[Lubicon]

Acey, I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for having the courage to share with us, hopefully that helps you get through it too. There is no right way or wrong way to grieve, however you feel is okay. Be strong.

[surferguy]

Acey take the guidance your father gave you as you move forward. He will always be with you in memory.

As the ink dries on the last page of his life story please understand that even though we never met your father, we as a community will never forget him.

Tonight we all remember Wayne.

[Acey]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

I found it particularly touching that he was looking after arrangements for his patients until he went in.

So I've looked at his phone. He went up to the ICU at 8 pm on March 16, and sent over 30 text messages arranging care in the final half hour, then 2 to my mom at 7:58. His last to me was earlier in the day, just "a bit sicker, back soon"

[Dion]

Going forward, take with you the good memories that you have of your Dad.. They will live on inside of you and and your family. That is one thing Covid cannot take away from you.

Give your Mom as much support as you can in the coming months. It's going to be very hard for her and there will be times where she will need to lean on you and other family members.

I also passed on your story on to friends of mine with hopes they pass it on to others. Your story and struggles should be read by anyone who has any doubts about the virus and getting a vaccine.

Your Dad's battle will be one when the world is vaccinated and this virus is gone.

[Acey]

Thanks. I already feel so much better. I know I'm not out of the woods in terms of the grief but those first 2 hours were really bad. I cannot imagine the weight of the grief if a family member suddenly passed.

Two final notes for the night, I feel like I didn't do a good enough job of thanking the nurses and doctors who, because my dad was a physician, I feel went far above and beyond the care that was required of them. In particular I want to thank the nurse Claire who has been our primary contact, so optimistic with us on the phone, helped me stealthily leave that crazy busy ICU when I was in shambles, and held his hand as he passed peacefully.

Secondly, if we can get all the logistics in order the funeral will be on Saturday, we should be able to livestream the service as our church has good equipment for that. I'll share the link just in case anyone wanted to check it out, it just feels like I should share it as you've all been along this journey with me.

Thanks again.

[MoneyGuy]

Just found out that a councillor in a smaller Albertan municipality has COVID and is in a coma. We were together six weeks ago.

[calgarybornnraised]

Originally Posted by Acey

Thanks. I already feel so much better. I know I'm not out of the woods in terms of the grief but those first 2 hours were really bad. I cannot imagine the weight of the grief if a family member suddenly passed.

Two final notes for the night, I feel like I didn't do a good enough job of thanking the nurses and doctors who, because my dad was a physician, I feel went far above and beyond the care that was required of them. In particular I want to thank the nurse Claire who has been our primary contact, so optimistic with us on the phone, helped me stealthily leave that crazy busy ICU when I was in shambles, and held his hand as he passed peacefully.

Secondly, if we can get all the logistics in order the funeral will be on Saturday, we should be able to livestream the service as our church has good equipment for that. I'll share the link just in case anyone wanted to check it out, it just feels like I should share it as you've all been along this journey with me.

Thanks again.

Please post your Father's funeral link. I would like to attend. My 3rd year Lethbridge University Son wants to pay respect as well.

[curves2000]

Acey,

My sincere condolences to you and your entire family. Be there for each other, it's not easy and it won't be easy. The entire grieving process is a long time and it's not something that can just move quickly, especially the suddenness and the tragic way your father has passed away. These poor Covid victims die such tragic deaths, it's just unfathomable.

Be there as much as you can for your mom, it's not just a husband she lost, it's her hopes, her dreams, her companionship. Everything about growing old, retirement, plans, family and ideas that her and your father have shared has just been shattered. I guess the same thing can be said for you and your brother as well if you think long and hard about it.

The one part in an earlier post where you wrote how you weren't satisfied in your current career path really hit home for me as well. It hit really deep actually as I also had similar feelings when a health scare hit my mother a while back. I felt and still feel a huge sense of guilt, a significant burden that for whatever reason, I can't shake.

I am not sure what career path or industry you are in or what interests you long term but I really hope you are able to find it. Find it, work hard at it and honor your father's dreams and hopes for you as much as possible. I know it's something personally I need to do as well, as my parents worry about me too.

My condolences again, like other's have said, reach out to any of us if you need anything. It's just devastating and so tragic this entire thing.

May his memory be eternal

[InglewoodFan]

My condolences Acey, your dad sounds like he was a tremendous fellow. One thing I learned when my dad passed was if people reach out, take them up on it. It's a tough road alone, and people will want to support you any way they can.

I saw this a few years back, and it does resonate with me about how grief goes some days. https://psychcentral.com/blog/coping...ball-the-box#6

[CroFlames]

Acey my deepest condolences.

Thank you for sharing your story and his, and for posting his picture. Nothing can ease the passing of a loved one, but I hope you can find solace and pride in the fact that your dad chose a profession where he helped people. It is one of the noblest callings.

Remember to take care of yourself in these tough times. You may feel the need to support the rest of your family and be strong, and the best way to do so is by not ignoring your own needs and feelings.

[Duruss]

I want to thank Acey for what has been the most humanizing story of the tragedy of the pandemic for me. Sure we see the news and the statistics, but this was a true singular human experience and I thank you for sharing.

[RichieRich]

jeeez it's been hard reading the last few pages and catching up on your situation Acey, as well as you pouring out your heart. Same with all the support from everyone. I'm getting tears just typing this...
My last grandparent passed just a couple months back (not Covid) so I can relate...

[Acey]

There is an obituary here for my dad, I'm told it's also the same page that will have the funeral livestream (10 am MT Saturday) but I'll post the link to the church page as well which I know for sure will work. Seems like they'll just be embedding the church's Facebook stream.

Originally Posted by RichieRich

jeeez it's been hard reading the last few pages and catching up on your situation Acey, as well as you pouring out your heart. Same with all the support from everyone. I'm getting tears just typing this...
My last grandparent passed just a couple months back (not Covid) so I can relate...

Today was really up and down for me. I have to be constantly doing something else or I start to get overwhelmed.

[Julio]

Originally Posted by Acey

There is an obituary here for my dad, I'm told it's also the same page that will have the funeral livestream (10 am MT Saturday) but I'll post the link to the church page as well which I know for sure will work. Seems like they'll just be embedding the church's Facebook stream.



Today was really up and down for me. I have to be constantly doing something else or I start to get overwhelmed.

Lean into the pacing and the rituals of this situation. I was exactly the same way as you after my mom died. Doing the work to honour her is a lot of what kept my (and my dad and sister) going after she passed.

[GordonBlue]

Originally Posted by Duruss

I want to thank Acey for what has been the most humanizing story of the tragedy of the pandemic for me. Sure we see the news and the statistics, but this was a true singular human experience and I thank you for sharing.

agreed.

Who'd have thought a series of posts from a CP member anonymous to me, would make me tear up and feel awful.

appreciate how in his hardship he took the time to share the ongoing story with us.

[GordonBlue]

Originally Posted by Acey

There is an obituary here for my dad, I'm told it's also the same page that will have the funeral livestream (10 am MT Saturday) but I'll post the link to the church page as well which I know for sure will work. Seems like they'll just be embedding the church's Facebook stream.



Today was really up and down for me. I have to be constantly doing something else or I start to get overwhelmed.

Acey, are there any charities your family supports that we could donate to, so we feel like we can make a small difference?

[GirlySports]

My condolences Acey. And there really is no way to grieve. Just cry went you feel overwhelmed and keep busy when not. Take care of yourself and be there for mom.

[Acey]

Originally Posted by GordonBlue

Acey, are there any charities your family supports that we could donate to, so we feel like we can make a small difference?

My mom said she is personally not a fan donations being made in his name but the Alberta Mental Health Foundation would perhaps be a good place to donate if anyone wished to do so.