Final Update on my Grandfather

[Nihil Obstat]

My mom and I left this morning. His fever was getting worse and overall he seemed less alert, but his breathing was better. My grandmother wheeled him to the door while we left, and we said our goodbyes. As I said, I knew I would not see him again. My mom planned a trip back within a few days, after she sorted out some affairs at home, but she was also well aware that if things came to a head she would probably not be able to make it back in time. It was a quick goodbye, and with finality. Emotional. I do not know if he understood; I suspect he did not. But he understands now.

This evening, maybe only twelve hours or so after we said goodbye, I got a call from my mom that he had passed. His breathing had suddenly gotten worse. He was given some sedation to keep him from panicking, and I do not think he woke up after that.

I am avoiding being fatalistic, but this is probably the best outcome in a difficult situation. The fact that it was so quick implies - though could never prove - that the direct cause of death was not lack of nutrition or lack of hydration. More likely it was simply another stroke which weakened his ability to breathe, or perhaps an infection which caused organ failure of some kind.

Thank you all so much for your prayers while I have been making these threads. I am confident that they did far more good than we can see with our limited perspectives.