dad

Dad passed away this morning at 0445.  I was up with him until about 4 and his breathing started becoming more difficult.  I got my stepmom up and we looked at when he had medications and decided it was ok to give him a little more of the pain and sleep medicine.  After that I went up to bed & told my stepmom to come and get me if anything happened.  Shortly after I drifted off, she came up and woke us all up telling us it was time.  I felt the pulse fade and disappear after a last gasp or two for breath.  He passed on with his family around him & very peacefully.  While we are all grieving the loss, we also know that it was best and this way he didn't have to suffer very much.  He led a full life and his work took him to all corners of the globe.  He will be dearly missed.  The following are pictures that I have with my Dad from my junior year of college (a very long time ago).  This is how I want to remember him.