Errol Hemingson - A Note for Friends and family
Dear Family and Friends,
Dad is not doing nearly as well we would all like, nor as well as his first progress under initial treatment indicated.
Sometimes, no matter how big your heart is, nor how matter how hard you fight, the fight does not turn in your favor.
Sometimes, you lose the close decision.
Dad's congestive heart disease has not responded as well as everyone had hoped to the kidney dialysis, nor to medical intervention.
His current well-being and health have been compromised by his diabetes, heart disease and other existing medical conditions.
In accordance with Dad's Living Will, which he authorized over a year ago, we are following the medical protocols he set out for the end of his life.
As of today, Dad will no longer be receiving kidney dialysis. No heroic measures will be taken to sustain his life.
Dad wanted to die as he lived, with freedom of choice, dignity and his self-esteem and self-respect intact.
All of these decisions have been made while Dad is fully lucid, and aware of the decisions he is making. He is, as always, in control of his life.
Dad will be receiving aide from Palliative Care, to ensure that his remaining days are as comfortable and as pain free as possible.
There is no way to determine how much time Dad has left, but he is in the last stages of his life. He considers his life to have been
a blessed one, a lucky one and a full one. He treasures all of his adventures, his life experiences and the friends he has made along the way.
Dad feels and has said explicitly that he was married to two "wonderful women", had "three beautiful sons" and a daughter who was a "miracle".
Dad's family and friends are uppermost in his thoughts, and he has asked me to convey to all of you his profound love and gratitude for being part of his life.
If time permits, Dad will be transferred from St. Paul's Hospital to a Hospice.
Dad does NOT want a "funeral". He would like, in the end, to be remembered in one last "party" and a Wake.
At such a time, you will of course all be notified of the Time, Location and Whereabouts..
If you have things to say to Dad, now is the time to say them. Life is too short for regrets.
On a personal note, I feel that my primary responsibility is to see to Dad, his comfort and to his last wishes.
I have taken time off work to spend as much time with dad as possible.
I hope you will understand if I do not respond as quickly as I might otherwise to your inquiries.
On a technical note, Dad's Cell phone seems not to be working.
Dad can still be reached at St. Paul's Hospital, the Coronary Care Unit, Wing 5A, Room 5003, Tel: (604) 684-6532 - Ext: 67503.
On a further personal note, if I fail to appear for social obligations, or return calls and messages in a timely matter, I trust you will understand.
Please do hesitate to forward this e-mail to anyone you think might be interested in being appraised of Dad's condition.
With much love and affection, Vince Hemingson
101 - 3131 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
Canada, V6K 1R6
Tel: (604) 331-0333
Cell: (778) 987-0729
Dad is not doing nearly as well we would all like, nor as well as his first progress under initial treatment indicated.
Sometimes, no matter how big your heart is, nor how matter how hard you fight, the fight does not turn in your favor.
Sometimes, you lose the close decision.
Dad's congestive heart disease has not responded as well as everyone had hoped to the kidney dialysis, nor to medical intervention.
His current well-being and health have been compromised by his diabetes, heart disease and other existing medical conditions.
In accordance with Dad's Living Will, which he authorized over a year ago, we are following the medical protocols he set out for the end of his life.
As of today, Dad will no longer be receiving kidney dialysis. No heroic measures will be taken to sustain his life.
Dad wanted to die as he lived, with freedom of choice, dignity and his self-esteem and self-respect intact.
All of these decisions have been made while Dad is fully lucid, and aware of the decisions he is making. He is, as always, in control of his life.
Dad will be receiving aide from Palliative Care, to ensure that his remaining days are as comfortable and as pain free as possible.
There is no way to determine how much time Dad has left, but he is in the last stages of his life. He considers his life to have been
a blessed one, a lucky one and a full one. He treasures all of his adventures, his life experiences and the friends he has made along the way.
Dad feels and has said explicitly that he was married to two "wonderful women", had "three beautiful sons" and a daughter who was a "miracle".
Dad's family and friends are uppermost in his thoughts, and he has asked me to convey to all of you his profound love and gratitude for being part of his life.
If time permits, Dad will be transferred from St. Paul's Hospital to a Hospice.
Dad does NOT want a "funeral". He would like, in the end, to be remembered in one last "party" and a Wake.
At such a time, you will of course all be notified of the Time, Location and Whereabouts..
If you have things to say to Dad, now is the time to say them. Life is too short for regrets.
On a personal note, I feel that my primary responsibility is to see to Dad, his comfort and to his last wishes.
I have taken time off work to spend as much time with dad as possible.
I hope you will understand if I do not respond as quickly as I might otherwise to your inquiries.
On a technical note, Dad's Cell phone seems not to be working.
Dad can still be reached at St. Paul's Hospital, the Coronary Care Unit, Wing 5A, Room 5003, Tel: (604) 684-6532 - Ext: 67503.
On a further personal note, if I fail to appear for social obligations, or return calls and messages in a timely matter, I trust you will understand.
Please do hesitate to forward this e-mail to anyone you think might be interested in being appraised of Dad's condition.
With much love and affection, Vince Hemingson
101 - 3131 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
Canada, V6K 1R6
Tel: (604) 331-0333
Cell: (778) 987-0729
posted by Vince Hemingson at 5:38 PM
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