Our Dad had a Great Smile!

Tried to post these weeks ago, just finally got it figured out how to get them posted all at once. Gary and I would like to scan all the family photos but I think that's a project for down the road. This is a whole bunch collected here recently from dad's computer and mine.

Dad

We all got together and wrote some words to capture just a little bit of what dad meant to us...

Our Dad
Our dad was the best dad on earth. Granted, we're somewhat partial, but seriously, we KNOW our dad was the best dad. We know this because he could not have been a better dad, could not have been more supportive, more active and involved. He set the example of outstanding parenting, and also set the bar very high on how to be a great human being. We weren't born into a family of monetary riches, but we were raised with a Bill Gates-size foundation of love.

There are lots of things my dad was good at...carpentry, cooking, camping, helping build a model airplane, volunteering, getting involved and helping whereever needed...

But the things he was best at were: husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend...

As a parent, how many of us have been asked by our child, "can you play with me?" and our response might be "not right now honey, I'm paying the billes"...this is something our dad never said. He would have immediately set aside his project and come to play, or help, or advise. Playing ping pong, working in the yard, or helping with the school science project, he was always there and always supportive. He and mom attended countless band concerts, flute recitals and softball games, acted as leaders in support organizations such as the band boosters and the committee to save our high school which was threatened with shutdown. Dad continued volunterring and working tirelessly for what he believed in, his entire life.

Our family took tremendous annual camping trips - precious quality time with family - no TVs, no distractions; fishing, swimming, boating, horse-back riding, roasted marshmallows around the campfire and hikes in the Grand Canyon. Our childhood friends were envious, they know how lucky we were, and sometimes we even brought extra kids along. These infamous family trips were great adventures which build great life-long memories for all, and also taught us an appreciation of and desire to see the natural beauty of this country. We remain avid hikers, campers and lovers of the outdoors.

Dad was somewhat of a perfectionist (if ever anyone question this - take a look at his house and car!), yet he never expected that of others, as he was non-judgmental, accepting and patient. But through his example of hard work and thoroughness, he taught us to take pride in a job well done, in always giving your best no matter what the task or project, from washing the car, doing the dishes, or rebuilding a car. Apply yourself, be persistent and work hard. this work ethic and attitude, more than a college education, is what truly builds a successful life.

Some kids are kept in line out of fear of punishment. Our biggest fear was disappointing dad! What made us work hard, was not a fear of punishment, but rather, not wanting to see a look of disappointment on Dad's face. As parents now, we all hope we can have such influence.

Dad's attitude since his diagnosis more than a year ago has, as always, been somewhere between great and awe-inspiring, drawing comments from friends, neighbors, clinic staff and just about anyone he has encountered. Everyone liked him, he was always kind and pleasant to be around, even in the face of painful surgeries, miserable treatments, and lots of needles. Though hi might be suffering, he never failed to be kind and considerate to all.

It has been said that the best way to earn respect is to show respect. Dad really personified that thought, never failing to show respect when it was due, and frequently even when it wasn't.

Dad was a tremendous person and an inspiration to many. His impact is certainly widespread, and will last for generations. We can draw on memories of him whenever we need guidance on how best to handle any situation. We are very lucky and blessed to have known him. We like to think that some of that has rubbed off on the rest of us. Sure hope so, because the world would be a fantastic place if we all could BE LIKE DAD!

Dad has finally lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Dad passed away Thursday afternoon, at home surrounded by loved ones. We are having a celebration of life at the house, this coming Wednesday from 4 to 8 pm. I've included the obituary information below.

After his release from the hospital late last Thursday night, we noticed a quick decline in mobility, and the nurse told me friday afternoon that she didn't think he'd have long due to the edema (fluid buildup in his body). Thank goodness many family members were able to fly out quickly, to be by his side.

Our goal was to keep him comfortable and pain free, and I think he was that, through the last several days. He still joked with everyone at times, and even towards his last hours, he maintained awareness and was able to say goodbyes with wife, all of his children, plus nephew Ron, his sister Angie and her husband Ray. It has been a very difficult time, particularly for my mom. We will need to give her a lot of support to get through this terrible loss. (on top of all this, her mom and dad's little yorkie Tutti who has been her doggie on the lap for the past several years, had to be put down today, unbelievably, but it was the right thing to do and mom had accepted that, she did not want to see the doggie suffer through the weekend)

I am still in shock and disbelief, every little while I break down because it seems like we all should be able to wake up from this terrible nightmare and find my dad smiling and asking "what's wrong with you?" We can take some comfort knowing he is at peace and his spirit is among many loved ones, and will always be with us. This was all just many many years too soon. Damn cancer.

Below is the obituary and service information. We will also be preparing some things for his service which I will share on this blog.

DAVID ARTHUR PAGE
David Arthur Page, age 71, lost a long battle with pancreatic cancer at 2:30 pm on Oct 27, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Seneca, MO. Beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend, he was loved and admired by all who knew him. He never had an unkind word for anyone but the occasional politician, and his sense of humor never left him. Passionately dedicated to his love of family and country, Dave was loving, patient, generous and hardworking; we can all aspire to live as well as he did.

Born Dec 28, 1939 in Los Angeles, CA, he attended Downey High School (1957), retired (manager ) from Western Electric / AT&T in 1988, worked at Disneyland until 1998, then moved to Seneca . He volunteered at the Recycling center and as a poll and census worker in Seneca. He and his wife have been active members of the Central Committee for Newton County Democrats for many years.

David is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Cathy, son Steven (Diane) of Lantzville, BC, Canada, daughters Mary Wassgren (Gary Swindler) of Fullerton, CA, and Lori (Jeff Armantrout) of Banning, CA, 5 grandchildren: Tyler Wassgren, Ella, Anna and Lily Page, and Samantha Armantrout; sister Angela Coulon (Ray), brother Gary (Wendy).

Many thanks to Freeman Hospital, Dr Hassan and the compassionate cancer clinic and Hospice Compassus staffs in Joplin, MO; also Dr. David Linehan and staff at Barnes Jewish Hospital and Hope Lodge St Louis.

A celebration of his life will be held at his home, 108 Oak Ridge Dr, Seneca, on Wed., Nov 2 from 4 to 8 pm; all friends welcome.

long tiring day

Got some equipment for the house, including oxygen machine...should make dad more comfortable. We think we'll need a better wheelchair than grandpa's old small wheel variety to help dad to and from the bedroom. Also most likely need a hospital bed, perhaps tomorrow, which will also be safer and easier for dad. We'll see how it goes tonight.

We'll install the new shower head tomorrow.

Dad ate okay today including a whole protein shake. Having steak, chicken, potatoes and green beans for dinner...if he eats a little of each, that will be good.

dad is weak, took a fall but okay now

Last night, after the game I came in to help dad to the bedroom but he had already made it there and mom said he was fine. Not 5 minutes later, mom screams a horrific bloodcurdling scream. Dad had fallen (somewhat of a slow slumping fall he said) on the carpet in the bedroom, when he was trying to pull back the blankets on the bed. He was okay, thank goodness again for Gary being able to lift him up.

He slept very well (probably the best sleep he's had in 12 days!) But this morning at 8, gary and I were just getting up when mom screams once again. Dad fell while trying to step down the one step into the great room though mom was right behind him supposedly helping him but she clearly wasn't holding onto him. He said he wasn't hurt, didn't think he hurt anything, but we called 911 for help lifting him up. Then while waiting for them, discovered he was bleeding a bit from the back of his head. A couple small scrapes, and you know anything on your head bleeds worse than other spots, plus he may still be low on platelets (but doesn't want anymore!). Paramedics checked him out, helped clean up the scrapes on his head, get him up and in a chair. Of course, they would have taken himto the hospital if he wanted, but he was pretty sure he's okay and the hospital is not where he wants to be.

Waiting for the nurse at 9am to do her assessment and order equipment to help around the house.

Rough morning.

just got home

It took all day to get the discharge done by the hospital, needless to say we are not happy with Freeman for that. Dad is exhausted, can't get up on his own- understandable after such a long day on top of being weak to begin with. Thank God for Gary to help him up, I could not lift him up out of the back seat of the car.

Nurse will be here in the morning; she came by tonight and dropped off some supplies butt will do the meeting and full assessment in the morning.

Dad is very tired but still wants to watch the world series game tonight, go Cardinals When in Rome). I am afraid he's overdoing it today. big day.

going home from the hospital this evening....

They finally are discharging dad from the hospital this afternoon. He will be glad to rest at home, and the dogs will be overjoyed to see him. I gave the dogs a bath yesterday so they're fluffly and smelling good for a few days, good because they'll want to be on his lap!

We'll be heading home soon and hospice folks will come over later this evening to do an assessment at home.

Oh there goes the lullaby again, another baby...