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Many people lose their fathers in death suddenly, some through heart attacks, accidents, and other ways, but very suddenly, and there is little time to reflect on those last moments, and possibly they don't have those last moments with their fathers, in my case it was a little different.

My father, whom I called Daddy, had a massive stroke at age of 78, his entire left side was paralyzed, including that side of his face, and throat. He could not swallow even water, his speech was a bit garbled, however that did not keep Daddy from talking, laughing singing, praying, and even telling a joke or two. What I reflect most of Daddy's last three weeks on this earth, was his joy, his faith in His Good Lord, His attitude toward all, his manners toward the health care providers, and his determination to do all in his power to help himself.

Though unable to move the left side in any way, I'd watch as he take his right leg put it under the left and just lift the left leg to what ever position he chose to put it, same with his arm. He was amazing, I said to Daddy one day while visiting in the rehab center, "Daddy the two traits you will always have as long as you live, and that is your sense of humor and your Faith in God. That really meant a lot to Daddy, and on another visit to the rehab, as a nurse was caring for Daddy, he said to her, "Now this is my daughter, the one who told me I'd never loose my sense of humor or my Faith in God." As I reflect, how glad I am that I said those words to my Daddy, as those to traits were evident my entire life, he was always a fun fellow, and one of the best preachers I'd ever listened to, and even as a youth I thought so, I never tired of hearing him.

As I continue to reflect, one of the visits with Daddy he was being fed in the feeding tube, with the nutrition, Asked Daddy, "what are you having for supper?" Smacking his lips together as a child would, and swallowing as though he was eating the best meal ever, he responded with, "well Sissie, I don't know," "what do you think I am having?" My answer to Daddy was, "you're having roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy with green beans." He gave me the biggest smile, once again smacking his lips, responding with, "you're exactly right, and boy is it ever good," followed by much laughter. This was his attitude and frame of mind each day, making the best of a very bad situation. We were encouraged by the staff of the rehab, and they kept assuring us Daddy would recover, that he would one day

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