I called the Metcalf nursing station and spoke to Laura yesterday around 6:30 EST and she said that my dad was having a hard day. She said she would call me if anything changed. I was sitting down stairs and heard the phone in my office ringing. I ran upstairs (leaving my cell phone downstairs) and saw private name private number. It didn't say Terwilliger like it usually does so I thought it could have a telemarketer. I waited to see if the message light would light up and it didn't. I come downstairs and see a blocked number had called the cell. I started to worry and didn't know what to do. I heard the upstairs line ringing again and caller id shows my cousins number. Luckily, I had my cell phone with me this time and was able to answer. My dear sweet cousin, Amy informed me of my dad's passing. It took me by surprise since I had spoken to Laura just hours earlier. It is with such sadness that I write that he passed away Saturday, May 9th 2015. I was able to talk to my sister Rebecca and we were both numb.
I have so much gratitude for Amy for being there with him at the very end waiting for the mortuary to come get him and for saying good-bye for each of his children and his brother. I don't think I can ever say thank you enough for doing that.
I have so much gratitude for my sister Rebecca for changing her vacation plans and going to Portland (from Mexico) to take care of the business at hand. And then for returning in June to honor his wishes of having his ashes spread on the Columbia River Gorge. At the end of her trip she is picking up her new puppy whose name wasa chosen by our father. He chose Angel. Dad, I miss you so much today and I will write some reflections from our many times together. I cherish them all. I love you, Dad