His final sunset over the Salish Sea
Every day felt like a bonus, a sweet taste of daily magic.
Over the time he spent in the hospital, Dad charmed the staff by chatting with them in broken English; it was a way for him to express some measure of control. As expected with decreasing hemoglobin levels, his body continued the downward slide. His mind and spirit departed at the beginning of the third week; he had become unresponsive. Over the next five days, his body remained, the breathing steady, though shallow and sometimes laboured. He was calm, at peace, and thanks to the meds, without pain.
From the top of St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada, I photographed this post-sunset scene on 8 August 2014, with fading light peeking up and over the cirrus, high over the Salish Sea (English Bay) and the downtown peninsula. I’m sure he sensed the daily change in light, even though he could no longer see by the end.
Hours later the following morning, Dad breathed his last and slipped away for good. He marked his 82nd birthday six weeks earlier.
The long road for him has ended; another chapter and another journey begins.
Warmest thanks to the staff at St. Paul’s Hospital, and particularly, the men and women who work enthusiastically and gracefully in the hospital’s Palliative Care Unit. This post appears on Fotoeins Fotopress at fotoeins.com as http://wp.me/p1BIdT-5vy.
22 Responses to “His final sunset over the Salish Sea”
Warmest thoughts and a big hug for you and your family. Take comfort in the many years of happy memories you all shared. He’s still with you, just now above you instead of beside you.
Thanks, Jen.
He has indeed made a colorful and meaningful journey called life. Seeing this beautiful sunset was what he deserved for the last time.
Thanks, Enrique.
Henry, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s very difficult to lose a parent, I know. But I hope you’ll find comfort in your memories of your father. This is a lovely tribute to him.
Thank you, Cathy.
I am so sorry dear Henry. There is some comfort in the fact that your goings around the world brought you back home in time to enjoy his last few years. May he rest in peace.
Danke & gracias, Eva.
Wow Henry, this is so beautiful (text and photo) – bittersweet, as life can be, and poignant.
Thank you, Maria.
Thinking of you, Henry, over here in Gran Canaria.
Thanks, Matthew.
Hey Henry
I nominated you for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award. Rules on my blog, but you can also google it for more information 🙂
Thanks for the nomination, Rachael.
So sorry to hear of your news but such moving, beautifully written words and equally peaceful beautiful perfect photograph in his memory. Condolences to you.
Thank you, Shikha.
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