My papa had been fighting pancreatitis for the last month, but after a unsuccessful procedure last week, he decided to go home and go out on his own terms.
Eight years ago he had a severe stroke. Before that he had more energy than most 30 year olds, which made losing most of the control on his right side incredibly difficult. On the bright side, he became a much gentler, more loving person. Our fishing trips stand out as some of his happiest times (the emails would start 8 months before the trip). While he didn't lose his competitive edge, wanting to best us all and catch the biggest fish, he cared most about having fun with us.
We had a chance to see him over the holidays, when he was in the hospital. Each day when we left we would say "Love you papa, see you soon." The last day we saw him, one of his better days, after my sister said her usual goodbye, he became intensely alert, looked us right in the eye and said, "I love you too and don't you forget it."
Don't worry papa, we won't.
