RIP Uncle Sonny

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Sunday, Oct 18 2009

Last night at about 6:30 p.m., my uncle finally took his last breath. He’d been diagnosed with end stage cancer of the lungs, liver, and lymph about two months ago. There was nothing the doctors could do that would give him more than a week or two longer while taking his quality of life away. Sonny remained able to get around with help until about two weeks ago. After that, it went down hill pretty fast.

I only wish that we could have spared him these last few days. I won’t go into detail, but I don’t ever want to see anyone suffer like that again. He never showed the suffering, but knowing what his body was doing to itself lets me know that it was not the most peaceful way to go.

I am eternally thankful that he had his lady friend, Elvyra, to care for him as well as her daughter, Amy. I believe Elvyra must be an angel on earth if not a saint. This kind woman also nursed her husband once the man was found to be terminally ill. I know that whatever awaits us after this life is done, Elvyra will have the greatest of whatever is there.

His son, PeeWee, was there as much as finances and his heart would allow. PeeWee sat with his father the last five days of Sonny’s life. I don’t know how PeeWee stood to watch his father in the state Sonny was in, but I hope and pray that Sonny knew PeeWee was there.

The worst part of all of this for me is that it brings back the pain of having lost my Granny. Granny had COPD and the last 5 years of her life were spent on oxygen 24/7. She was able to get around with portable units the majority of the time, but not as much as she had done before her disease got so bad. Her last couple of weeks on this earth were spent a lot like Sonny’s. Our family cared for her at home with the help of Hospice.

I am just happy that Sonny didn’t have to suffer being unable to care for himself for very long. I am thankful he no longer suffers. A friend has told me several times through the last few months that those who grieve are blessed. I am beginning to have an idea of what he means by that. I am blessed to have had Sonny in my life. I am blessed that he is worth my grief and so much more.

I love you, Sonny. I look forward to seeing you again one day, once I too cross the veil.

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