Re: To Della...

Re: To Della... ----- From: josie - Date: 09 Dec 1997

Dear Della; I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear that your dear father is dying of cancer. I had to go through that 12 years ago with my father who was only 47 at the time and died of lung cancer. The one thing I can say is that he didn't suffer very much, and for that I am SO grateful. Usually the last few weeks of someone with cancer are largely pain-free due to todays advanced methods of pain relief and often they are quite drowsy as well which I feel is a blessing for those who love them so much. The one thing that kept me going after the dreadful pain of him 'going' was to think what a wonderful and truly loving person he was and how much other people loved him too. In a way his body might have 'gone' but myself and my brothers and sisters all had the same experience that night when he passed away...That his spirit filled the beautiful gardens in the Seville hospital where he died. His presence was SO strong that we just knew he was there and I felt that he was sad we were so upset ourselves and was telling us "it is ok, I am in a beautiful place and I am watching and taking care of you"...You are going to have to be really strong now, dear Della...it WILL feel really painful and like your world has come to and end...nothing will matter much for a while...but although time doesn't make you forget, it does heal and eventually you will be able to think of your dear dad without tears filling your eyes and you will be able to smile at all the lovely things you remember about him. Take care. You are in my heart...Lots of love and hugs for you. Josi