My dad

This is one of my favorite pictures of him.

He died in the early morning on Thursday, October 23rd, just 13 days after his diagnosis. I had just gotten home to San Diego the night before, so I wasn't there with him when he passed.

But I got to spend twelve days with him, to tell him I love him and that everything was ok between us. I even made him laugh a few times (and he did me). I got to help take care of him, give him meds and fluids, dress him and hygeine stuff...all the while just in shock, just thinking we are all too young for this. But I think he felt the tenderness there, a last way to share love even when he could not speak.

But we knew it would happen, Dad especially. He had many close calls and warnings that he just didn't heed. I can't have regrets or remorse because it was his life, and my only hope is that he lived it the way he wanted to.

I'm glad everyone got to see him, even my mom and his ex wife from Montana. My brother took him out to play poker one last time. Amy had someone come to the house and give him a pedicure. I'd like to think he enjoyed all of that attention.

We tried our best to keep him out of pain, and I'm grateful that his suffering was short. He was such a character and I will miss him. I hope that he has finally found peace, the peace he could never get to here.

I love you, Dad.