I just got the call only a couple of hours ago, the one I have been dreading, the one I didn't want to answer. My dad passed away this morning from pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed last year. The last time I saw him was on April 4th, his 60th birthday. He and I have struggled with our relationship my whole life because of his alcoholism. He was always difficult, even when he sobered up. I have spent most of my life keeping him at a distance because he was always very toxic to me. Before his birthday I hadnt seen him in about 8 months. We only talked through email. He asked me to come and see him for his birthday, maybe he knew his time would be ending soon. I wondered if it would be the last time we saw each other. Sadly it was.
When I saw him he was wasting away, and didn't even look like the person knew. Even as I write this I still can't believe it is true. This past weekend I celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary and on the same day my 7 years as a cancer survivor. And I am left with many different feelings...guilt for staying away from him for so long, wondering why I survived cancer and he didn't, and that I didn't do more for him when he was sick.
But what I can say is that on his birthday, although our visit was short we said what was most important, things that were never said.....our "I love you's" and we hugged which never happened. I recall when I left him that day, as I wondered if it was the last time I would see him, that at least I could feel ok about not having regrets for what I didn't say.
And I will try to take some comfort in that.....
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