Milestone Birthday

[grog]

Amazing attitude Chris  I dont do religion, my theory is, so many great friends/family lost in my years, well all meet up somewhere. So many secrets to tell 

[Hooli]

Buddist, the only religion that makes any sense. Because as far as I'm aware it's not really a religion as there's no gods, just the teachings of how to live life you try & follow?

[Andre]

Thankyou for your kind words gents.
I'm a Buddhist so we celebrate the life, weather it's 9 minutes or 90 years, no thoughts about death really as nirvana awaits us all and another higher life form in respect of
re-incarnation.
No doubt I'll be saddened by his passing but I won't grieve so much as celebrate his lifetime of achievement. 🙏🙏😎

Thank you Chris for sharing.

In my younger years I had a strong confiction that god does exist. That was supported by a pretty large number of very personal experiences.


Despite that, about 13 years ago, I decided to take the following view.
 

confess themselves to be hopelessly ignorant concerning a variety of matters [including the matter of God's existence], about which metaphysicians and theologians, both orthodox and heterodox, dogmatise with the utmost confidence.

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/atheism-agnosticism/?ref=whcolony.com#DefiAgno

To me the purpose of life is life itself. No need to know if there is an existence after death.

However, I recently had an experience that points to a continuance after death.

My best mate's mom died. About 4-5 days prior to her death I told my mate that she would die on the 21st this months. He replied "your mom is calling her". The two were friends, having worked straight nights as nurses together for a number of years. She was suffering. I wished her that she did not have to suffer any longer. But she held on. I felt that she was doing a favor for my mom. Giving me a message. Pretty weird thinking some might say. All by chance if she dies that particular day. Well she held on till the 21st. The likelihood of chance decreased as she died at 00:21. "right on the minute" my mate said. No proof there,; that's right. But... my moms death date was the 21st of December. To me, due to some of my previous beliefs, a very significant date. It's been in my mind very frequently since her death. So make what you want of that. Maybe it will comfort some. That's why I decided to share.

My dad is 88. I venture to say that he is the fittest of his age group in the county. Still plays competitive table tennis. Rides bis bicycle on average a thousand km a month. Keeps his household and garden as well as himself in order and clean. But the end is coming closer. This x-mas he had an event. Similar to recent ones but so intense that he thought "that's it". The symptoms, in my somewhat professional judgement, could be signs of an impending stroke. Last thing (among others) I want for this active man. He should die on his bike or while standing at the plate during a game. The later he almost did in 2005. Major heart attack. Collected 2 pulmonary embolisms and several pneumonias in the time since. Hard to believe that there will be anything that could end his life. He just keeps on ticking until his biological clock has run out of juice. Never moaned or complained about anything; even though he experienced much hardship. He is an inspiration to me and others.

A quick death without much suffering is what I wish for everyone.

Chris, that's what I wish for your dad as well.

[grog]

My Fathers birthday same date as a Grandson. While celebrating Grandsons birthday, cutting his cake, phone rang, my Wifes father died at that moment.🤷 Many yrs ago that was

[GSXKING]

Andre firstly thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts.

Dad is convalescing at home which is where he is most comfortable and Mum is more settled.

It's funny now he's on regular pain killers his pain level has plateaued. He still thinks he's going to get better.
Anyway as long as he remains positive he's happy.

Radiation therapy will commence in the new year hopefully.

What will be will be 😒

[GSXKING]

Update on Dads health 😪
Unfortunately he's now been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer ☠️☠️☠️ MRI and Pet scan shows a trail of cancer through his entire spine and a metastasised cancer on his right rib cage that since they biopsyed has exploded 💥
Now on permanent pain relief losing weight rapidly (no appetite) and starting to lose the ability to swallow.
Hospital oncology ward currently with an ACAT assessment on terminal illness so progressing to a hospice situation until palliative care is required. Mum not dealing with that particularly well, however now knows she couldn't give him the care he will require.

He's been very stoic and reiterated his thoughts of "at 90 you have to die from something".
As I've mentioned before Buddhism celebrates the life lived not the death because reincarnation is the next step to a higher being. Be kind in this life.

I quote The Rock "it's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice"

I'm not morbid or melancholy yet, he's led a wonderful life. Married to my mum 66 years on 13/3/25 been a great Dad. Taught me a myriad of things over my lifetime. I have specific memories of our time together.

[Pommeroy]

Sad news Chris, but good to hear that the appropriate specialist services are swinging into action.

Although your Dad's being stoic, it will be a tough time for your Mum who will grieve multiple times before your Dad dies and thereafter. Support from her family and friends will be a great help to her.

Although you do have your Buddhist beliefs, don't forget to look after yourself during this challenging time.

[VladTepes]

So sorry to hear that Chris.

He sounds like a bit of legend.  66 years wow! That's quite something!

[GSXKING]

Just a quick update on Dads progress.
We found him a palliative care facility close to home so Mum can visit easily and regularly.
He's still losing weight rapidly but that's to be expected. Although the food there is much better than the private hospital he was previously in.
My Mums 85th birthday today 🥳🥳
I took her to MtGravatt hotel for a schnitty, chips & salad.
First decent meal she's had for a while I think because she shoveled it down lol 😝
Fortunately her health is very good 👍
I'm glad I have a longevity gene 🤞🤞

[Rynglieder]

May I extend my sympathy Chris, these times are never easy but there may still be some good moments - grab them and hold on to them.

Pete.

[GSXKING]

Well unfortunately it didn't take long Dad was placed in palliative care last Saturday and had a fall Thursday morning fracturing his right hip quite severely. His COPD is also severe and he has pneumonia so no opportunity to anaesthetise him. The only alternative is to sedate him and slowly increase morphine until the inevitable.
We wait now for a peaceful death ☠️
The deterioration of his health is my most concern but the palliative care people assure me it's quite normal 🙏
Anyway I'm so thankful for the lifetime he's given me and my mum.
Death awaits us all so always look on the bright side of life as Monty Python sings in the background lol 😂

[Pommeroy]

It's tough to watch Chris, but you and your Mum will find some peace in being with your Dad on this last stage of his life. Your Dad will also appreciate what you're doing for him.
The sedation will do its stuff, and you should have time to say what you want to. Precious moments.

[KiwiCol]

I feel your pain Chris.  I hate death, seen too much of it, yet it the one thing that comes to us all. Watched both grandparents die, my father, my mate & my son. Death sucks, gotta live life while we have it.

[Kiwifruit]

Sorry to hear of your dad's situation Chris. Have been through the same with our families. It's not an easy time for anyone. Morphine has it's place in keeping loved ones comfortable at this time. From personal experience i believe  their hearing still functions long after we believe it has ceased, so your loving words are never wasted.
Kia kaha Chris.

[grog]

Hard situation Mate, just gotta get through it.Exact same as my Dad.Never easy for any of us.