My dad, my home, my life
Posted on June 16, 2008 in Personal thoughts, Senior living journey, Uncategorized by DM
Hi all - it has been so long since I posted anything I am not sure if you are even still here. That’s okay, I haven’t really held up my end of the bargain for the past few months.
I did want to give a (probably) final update on this blog. On June 8, our “senior living journey” ended as my dad passed away surrounded by friends and family at Kavanagh House. Al Barcheski was a great guy with a big heart, unique personal style, and a great sense of humor. I was proud to call him my dad. He was also somewhat well-known around Des Moines. I have heard from so many people who’ve said, “I didn’t know Al was your Dad, but I knew him and will miss him.” If you are interested and able to attend, there will be a memorial visitation on Tuesday, June 17 from 4-7 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Here’s the obituary in case you missed it last week.
Also… or, as they say, “in other news,” on Saturday June 14 my home was destroyed in the flooding that occurred in Des Moines’ Birdland neighborhood. Based on what I can see of the now-receding water level, it appears that we had about 8 feet of water in the master bedroom and about 4-5 feet in the kitchen and living room which sit a little higher than the rest of the house. This will be our second re-build of this house, as it was flooded in 1993.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We’re strong, but right now it’s a little over-whelming.
Thanks!
“So bring on the rain
‘Cause I’m thirsty anyway
And tomorrow’s another day.”
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8 comments to “My dad, my home, my life”
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I was worried that your absence was related to your father’s health. My sympathies go out to you. This is, indeed, a double-loss with the destruction of your home as well. My thoughts are with you as you journey through this difficult time.
Brenda Friedrichs last blog post..Called to care
Much empathy and much strength to you. May your dad stay in your memories and your children’s memories for a long long long time to come.
Best wishes, Barbara
Barbara Lings last blog post..Instant Nobility - Make Your Own Dynasty in 3 Easy Steps!
Brenda and Barbara, thank you so much for continuing to read! My dad’s health really declined over the past two months - we skipped the assisted living apartment altogether and he moved into a care center, and he was very angry about that. He never really adjusted and was never physically well enough to really get around the place and appreciate all they had to offer him. BUT, I will say that our hospice experience was as lovely as it could have been given their “end of life” mission. I felt that Dad was relaxed, pain-free, and at peace. I am hoping to find a little of that peace for myself one day soon. But first… I have a flood to clean up! LOL
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
Janet
I am sorry to hear about your father’s death. From what I’ve read, he seemed to be truly a great man. I hope that you can find peace and that better times will come after the loss of your father and the loss of your home. I hope for the best for you and your family.
Thanks so much, Joel - glad you stopped by here to read and comment! ~ Janet
Janets last blog post..My dad, my home, my life
I’m sorry to hear about you Dad. I’ll be praying for God to bring you comfort in the midst of this loss.
On another note… Kavanaugh House on 56th St. (was that the hospice he was at?) - is a wonderful place. My grandmother passed away there over six years ago. I was thankful for the care she received during her last days. It was wonderful to know that a caring staff was on hand to manage her pain and to allow her the dignity that she deserved at the end of her life on earth.
Shane Vander Harts last blog post..Obama’s New Running Mate
Shane, yes it was Kavanagh on 56th - we were there less than 24 hours, but it was as lovely an experience as it could be given what the outcome was going to be. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, they are much appreciated. ~ Janet
Janets last blog post..My dad, my home, my life
Hi Janet,
I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately and just haven’t taken time to contact you or do any blog reading. So it’s with great sadness that I visited tonight and read about your father’s passing and the flooding. I spent a lot of time with a friend at Kavanagh on 56th. You were in good hands with the people there. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if I can do anything.
Sandy
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