Saying Goodbye

Many years ago I was living in Korea and my father was dying of cancer. I was really in a quandary about what to do. I had a very good job in Korea and my wife was pregnant with our third child in Korea and my two kids were going to school in Korea, but, my father was dying in California. I kept in contact with him and my mother and siblings to find out what I should do. I asked my father to let me know when I "needed" to come. He asked me what I meant by that and I told him I wasn't quite sure, he needed to let me know what I meant. This was way before the internet and Skype and emails so we talked on the phone as often as possible, it was a little expensive.

I can remember when we talked on the phone and he told me it was time for me to come. That is how he said it. I immediately flew to California. I can remember going to my parents' house and my father being in a hospital bed in the living room. He as very tired, but awake and talkative. I think I stayed a week and spent a lot of time with him. I can remember when I left, I was crying and I knew it was the last time I would see my father. Can you imagine what that is like, knowing that the next time I come to California will be for his funeral? I literally said goodbye, for the last time. I think that was good for me to be able to see him one last time. I wish he hadn't died, and often wish my kids could have known their grandfather. I can't imagine what it was like for my mother and sisters to watch him as he got more and more sick. The day I left just happened to be the day he went into Hospice. I LOVE YOU DAD!