My dad

/ Tracy Abell

Last Saturday my 82-year-old father went for his daily ten-mile
bike ride.  He came home, talked a bit with my mother, and took
a shower.  While in the shower, he suffered a major heart attack.
He never regained consciousness.  He died on Monday morning.

My mother, a sister, two brothers and I were with him when he
died.  He passed very peacefully.  For that, I’m grateful.  He was an
active man and would not have wanted to live on in a diminished
capacity.

I posted this photo from many years ago because when I was in
high school I wanted to be on the basketball team.  Dad fed me
lay-up after lay-up in preparation for tryouts.  I didn’t make the
team but I have those memories of practicing together in our driveway.

Tomorrow is an informal open house at my mother’s apartment in
Florida.  Wildebeest is attending as our family’s ambassador.  He
and his grandfather had a difficult relationship but Wildebeest wanted
to be there.  He’ll be flying out with his cousin and flying home
alone which he’s never done before.

We’re all starting new chapters in our lives.

               

54 thoughts on “My dad”

  11. Oh, ow. I know how that must hurt. I am so, so sorry.
    I happen to be leaving for Clearwater, Florida this afternoon. Call me if there’s anything I can do for you.
    Hugs, Tracy, to you all and your family.

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  12. Oh, ow. I know how that must hurt. I am so, so sorry.

    I happen to be leaving for Clearwater, Florida this afternoon. Call me if there’s anything I can do for you.

    Hugs, Tracy, to you all and your family.

    Like

  15. So sorry to read this Tracy. I think you’re right though–a fabulously active 82 year old would not want to linger. I’m glad you have the memories and the photos from all those years.
    And lets hear it for Wildebeest. That’s a brave journey to make. I know you’re proud.
    Hugs
    Linda

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    • We all knew he wouldn’t want to linger so that was the gift in all this. I’d much rather remember him doing all the things he loved. He was an amazing runner until he wore down both his hips, and loved to talk running with me.
      You brought tears to my eyes with your shout-out to Wildebeest. Thank you, Linda.

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  16. So sorry to read this Tracy. I think you’re right though–a fabulously active 82 year old would not want to linger. I’m glad you have the memories and the photos from all those years.

    And lets hear it for Wildebeest. That’s a brave journey to make. I know you’re proud.

    Hugs

    Linda

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  20. Oh Tracy, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. What a beautiful memory and photo of him so active and full of life. I can see you in him. Love and hugs to you and your family.

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  26. We all knew he wouldn’t want to linger so that was the gift in all this. I’d much rather remember him doing all the things he loved. He was an amazing runner until he wore down both his hips, and loved to talk running with me.

    You brought tears to my eyes with your shout-out to Wildebeest. Thank you, Linda.

    Like

  28. Tracy, I’m so sad to hear this. Your dad sounds like one of a kind. The beautiful photo speaks volumes.
    My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  29. Tracy, I’m so sad to hear this. Your dad sounds like one of a kind. The beautiful photo speaks volumes.

    My thoughts are with you and your family.

    Like

  31. Oh…I’m so sorry I missed this entry. My heart just breaks at the idea of you losing your father. I’m so very, very sorry. How lucky you had him for so many years and that you were there at the very end.
    Many blessings to you and your family as you move forward in your lives.

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    • Thank you so much, Sheela. I know you lost your father-in-law this past year so the pain and confusion is familiar to you, too. Fortunately, they’re no longer a constant but those feelings still knock the emotional legs out from under me.
      Your kind words are very much appreciated. Thank you.

      Like

  32. Oh…I’m so sorry I missed this entry. My heart just breaks at the idea of you losing your father. I’m so very, very sorry. How lucky you had him for so many years and that you were there at the very end.

    Many blessings to you and your family as you move forward in your lives.

    Like

  33. Thank you so much, Sheela. I know you lost your father-in-law this past year so the pain and confusion is familiar to you, too. Fortunately, they’re no longer a constant but those feelings still knock the emotional legs out from under me.

    Your kind words are very much appreciated. Thank you.

    Like

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