(no spam)" > wrote
in message ...
> Carol's message in the blog:
>
> Gone
> Bob died in his sleep this afternoon. It was as peaceful as anyone could have
> wished: I was sitting beside him, and he breathed in, and out, and didn't
> breathe in again. He had been unconscious since yesterday evening and showed
> no signs of distress at any point.
>
> This morning, I read him his latest messages and talked to him, and stroked
> his hand. I doubt he heard or felt any of it, but if part of his brain was
> still on duty, all he heard during his last hours were the voices of his
> family and all he felt were the touches of warm blankets and loving hands.
>
> It was everything I could have asked for, except to have him back. Gone
> Bob died in his sleep this afternoon. It was as peaceful as anyone could have
> wished: I was sitting beside him, and he breathed in, and out, and didn't
> breathe in again. He had been unconscious since yesterday evening and showed
> no signs of distress at any point.

How wonderful for those around him, and Bob himself.

> This morning, I read him his latest messages and talked to him, and stroked
> his hand. I doubt he heard or felt any of it, but if part of his brain was
> still on duty, all he heard during his last hours were the voices of his
> family and all he felt were the touches of warm blankets and loving hands.

The conventional and hospice care wisdom is to assume he/anyone in that
condition can hear everything even though they may not be able to respond..

I was with my FIL at his last moments. The family had been around all day and
had left for the cafeteria. I had not said a word all day till that time. I
leaned over Charlie who's breathing had been labored and whispered " Charlie you
don't have to do anything you don't want to anymore". He then took 1 last
breath and passed on.

I hope the family can garner strength from those who share their loss.

Dimitri