Papa Eagle

It has continued to be an emotional week. Dad Churchill passed away on Tuesday October 7th 2008. Six years and almost 1 month to the day that Dee passed away. The three of us took turns for 6 days sitting at his bedside. After about three days he no longer could really communicate with us but Aaron (he used to own Canyon Cove Asst Living, he and Ann stayed on as Hospice care) had informed us that hearing was the last thing to go so we could still communicate with him. We would let Dad know when we were coming and going and tell him things occasionally. After the Priesthood conference session ended on Saturday Bishop Wright came over and gave Dad a blessing. It was another one in offering him a peaceful experience.

Someone was with him during all the conference sessions and he at least got to hear about the Panama temple. I know he would have loved to have seen it in person.

The day that Dad passed Eve had gone over extra early. I stayed and took a nap and was there about 11:15 am. His breathing had become very shallow but was still very rhythmic. Hospice had given us all these signs to look for. We kept looking and looking. About 2 pm I noticed his color was a little different and was contemplating getting something to eat. Which meant leaving Canyon Cove. Instead I opted to put on some makeup. It was while I was putting on mascara that Dad took deep breathe. It made us look up as it was different from what his breathing had been. Then I noticed that he wasn't breathing and I called Eve's name and said I didn't think he was breathing, so I got up and put my hand on his chest and it was still. Then he took another half breathe and that was it. It was finally over. Eve was so happy for him that she grabbed his feet and said "way to go Dad!".

We had been telling for days that when he saw Dee to follow her. That in his present condition there was no need for him to stay. We all had been praying for a peaceful passing and that is what Dad received. We often asked him if he was in pain and he said no. We were told often of how a lot of elderly lie in intense pain for days and days before they die.

Dad lived an incredibly full life. He had the ability to tell the corniest jokes and make them funny. He was wonderful at sharing stories about his childhood in Panama and even when they moved to the states. Stories of what some might consider harrowing at times. Dad had a sureness of who he was and it showed in him and in his work as a machinist. He and Dee were truly very generous people. Not just with money but time, talent, and knowledge. One of the things that I enjoyed about Dad was that when he smiled it reached his eyes and his whole face would light up. I am going to miss that smile more than words can say. I managed to get one of those smiles with every visit up until about a week before he died.

I will try to put some pictures of Dad on our next blog.