Time for hospice...

[azasadny]

Stan passed very peacefully on Friday, February 24th at 6:00am Eastern time. He had been sleeping almost all of the time, very weak and non-responsive for the last day. He wasn't anxious or in any pain, his body was just so weak he couldn't continue. We had alot of time together and I was with him when he left us. Relative are here from all over and our friends and neighbors have been wonderful. Food baskets, hugs and phone calls have certainly helped. We have been taking care of my grandfather for 4 years, so this is a very abrupt changes for us. We're busy making funeral plans but after the initial whirlwind is over I know I'm really going to miss my grandfather, he was more like my father, actually. Our minister came over to the house and had a prayer/remembrance time with the family members who can't stay for the funeral and that was nice for everyone. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and kind words of encouragement!

[5axis]

My most heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
David Lockhart

[TerryH]

Sorry for your loss, Art. Mourn his passing and celebrate his life and the time you had with him. God Bless.

[bigchillcar]

art,
adding your family to my nightly prayer list. sorry, i just now discovered this thread and learned of stan and his condition. back in 2000, beth and i (my ex, but on very good terms) moved to new orleans to care for her dying father. he had cancer, we had hospice, but as the 'up close and personal stuff' was hard on her family, i took care of him physically for the most part. it was quite an experience, but like your situation, it was a much more dignified way to go and the hospice folks were awesome as always. no doubt he's in a better place and seeing friends and love he hasn't seen in ages..that's always a pleasant, comforting thought.
best,
ryan

[Mulhollanddose]

What a blessing to get the opportunity to be with your grandfather in his last days. To be that close and able to resolve and work through life and death, with a loved one, is something I know many would love the second chance to do...Many wish they could have said this or that, or were able to make amends, or simply tell their passed love one that they loved them...I would (just me, so take it or leave it) pray for your grandfather and thank God that you had him and tell him you love him...Something many of us never had the chance to do.

edit: My bad, didn't read the thread all the way through...Condolences in your time of mourning.

[azasadny]

Guys, Thanks for the kind words and prayers, our family will miss stan but we're thankful for the time we had with him and that he was with us at the end. Hospice was very helpful, especially in getting the hospital bed, oxygen, etc... Time will help us heal. This will be a big adjustment for our family as we took care of Stan for 4 years.

[azasadny]

Just got some of the cousins out to the airport. Some of my relatives came out in the hope of seeing Stan before he died, but that didn't happen, so they're heading back. The memorial service will be next Wednesday/Thursday., so our life will start to get back to "normal" then...

[bigchillcar]

it's a shame they missed seeing him. you were the lucky ones, having the privelege of caring for someone you love through their final stages. it's not something easily forgotten by those who do so..in a good way..
ryan

[Tobra]

It is a difficult situation. I wish you the strength to do the right thing, and the wisdom to know what that will be.

[asphaltgambler]

My thoughts are with you

[Z-man]

My prayers go out to you and your family Art. Be strong.

-Zoltan.

[azasadny]

Thanks everyone. Do your family a favor and be sure you've written out what you want done when you die. Provide details and explain exactly what you want so your family can rest easier knowing that your requests are being honored. We're doing the best we can right now, but it would have been easier if Stan would have given us more details. I'm glad he went peacefully and that the family is helping us. Our neighbors, family, friends and coworkers have been incredible!!!

[azasadny]

The visitation is today and the memorial service is tomorrow...

DLUZNIEWSKI, STANLEY J.; of Wyandotte; February 24, 2006; age 80. Beloved husband of the late Alma; loving father of Randy (Lynn) and Mary Jo Reid and Charlene Tuggle; dearest grandfather of nine; and great grandfather five. Memorial Visitation Wednesday 12 to 9 p.m. Memorial Service Thursday 11 a.m. Arrangements by Czopek Funeral Home 2157 Oak St. Wyandotte, 734-285-9000

[cool_chick]

Art, I offer my deepest condolences to you and your family during this extremely difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

God bless his beautiful soul.

[Oh Haha]

Art,
I just found this post. Late condolences from my family to yours.
The picture of Stan with your niece looks like the last one we took of my Dad with my son before he passed two years ago. God Bless you.

[VINMAN]

Art, My condolences to you and your family.

[azasadny]

We had visitation on Wednesday and the memorial service on Thursday. I took the urn to the cemetery today and buried it near my grandmother's grave. Family, friends, neighbors, coworkers... everyone was fantastic and very gracious. We miss my grandfather so much, but knowing so many people care really helps. Thanks and God Bless to all of you!!

[bigchillcar]

very nice tribute to a great american, art.
ryan

[azasadny]

Ryan,

Thanks. I ordered a shadowbox for the flag/medals, but it didn't come in yet. Once it arrives, I'll put the flag, medals and a few pictures in it and send it to my grandfather's son in Virginia. This has been tough, but we are thankful we had Stan with us as long as we did and he was able to stay with us to the very end. Thanks again!

[tabs]

Stan was a LUCKY man to have had a Grandson that Loved him and took such Good care of him. Everyone one of us should be so Lucky as Stan! Now the old Polack has gone home, so lets raise a toast of some Polish Vodka in rememberance of a life lived well.