Four for Dad

One at the head, one at the foot and one on either side

- KAREN MALENA

I DROVE TO THE hospital, knowing that today might be the last day I’d spend with my father on this earth. He was my rock, my strength, even while he grew weaker. How could I tell him goodbye?

We knew that dad’s gall bladder surgery was risky at the age of 85, especially after a previous heart surgery. He survived the operation, but complications followed, and his organs started to fail. He’d spent the last three weeks on and offa ventilator. Dad would breathe on his own for a while, then he’d need to be intubated again. It was horrible for him and for us. But no more. My brother, Rick, and I decided that today we would honor Dad’s wishes and remove life support so he could finally be at peace.