Been busy taking care of all the “stuff” one has to do after losing a loved one and didn’t want to post on Easter.

Dad was 89yo, came to live with us in October of 2018. While getting frail physically, he was mentally sharp to the end.

Born in 1930 in Cotesfield Nebraska, his first years were spent in a sod house on a farm. His family moved to Toledo WA when he was around 8 and after finishing high school in 1948 he joined the Navy. A 21 year Navy veteran with service during both Korea and Vietnam, he retired from the Navy in 1969 as a CPO, selected for Master Chief, re-enlisting would have meant a move and he had promised my mom they wouldn’t have to move again.

Dad smoked since he was 16, quitting November last year after being put on oxygen full time. COPD/CHF issues, had been in the hospital in November, December, and January for 3-5 days at a time with pneumonia and flu complications. He recovered briefly after the Nov and Dec visits. Didn’t really bounce back after January.

He just started wearing down, getting tired, spending more time in bed and having trouble keeping his O2 saturation up. After phone consultation with his doc, she wanted blood work done suspecting anemia. Took him in last Thursday and his O2 was in the 66-75 range and pulse racing. They said he needed to go to the hospital. He was adamant he didn’t want to go back to the hospital, but I convinced him to go. They admitted him, turned up the oxygen and started running tests.

Within a few hours they say he tested positive for COVID, he had a DNR and was steadfast in not wanting any “heroic” measures taken. They kept him comfortable and surprisingly on Friday afternoon, they advised he might be able to come home after the weekend. Due to CDC measures, we weren’t allowed to seem him after he was admitted. Ten hours later, 11 pm Friday night, the doc called and said we needed to come to the hospital as his time was drawing to an end.

Got there and he was still alert, aware of what was going on, and just wanted to “play it out”. Adamant that he wanted to stick with his DNR. After giving him some Adavant and Morphine he was able to breath easier and fell asleep about 3 am. His breathing started to slow about 8:30 am and then stopped at 8:45 am. It was the most peaceful sleep he had had in months.


He knew for awhile he didn’t have much time left. He was surprised to make it to his 89th in November and seemed pretty sure it would be his last. He had said he just wanted to go in his sleep like his Dad. Except for being in the hospital instead of at home, he got his wish. Peacefully in his sleep, pain free and comfortable.



His biggest fear was becoming a burden, he wasn’t. We weren’t sure what it would be like when he came to live with us, but it was better than any of us expected. It was my honor and pleasure to see him daily for these last 18 months, in a way I think it has made the grief process easier. House has never felt so empty as it has these past few days.


To Chief Petty Officer Clinton “Willie” Wilson, Fair winds and following seas and long may your big jib draw!

You are missed.

Godspeed CPO Wilson.

I am sorry for you loss, sounds like he was a good man, I am sorry for your family's loss.

I am saddened to read of the passing of your father.

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute.

I'm sorry you've lost your dad. I'm glad you had the dad you did though, he seems to have been squared away to the end.

Sorry Boss. May he Rip. He served well. Thank you for doing so sir!

I enjoyed reading of your Father sir. A good life lived. Thank you for sharing your Pop with us. Be strong now.

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers at his passing.

RIP Chief! Fair winds and following seas...

JP

Thank you for posting this. Your Dad sounds like a great man! I'm very sorry for your loss.

My condolences, thoughts, and prayers, go to you and your family.

CPO Wilson obviously "used all the runway" and his service, as well as your family's, is very much appreciated. Much respect!

A sad but somehow nice post to read. What a great man, and you for taking care of him in his last 18 months.
I pray none of you who were near him contract Covid.

Beautiful tribute to your father. Very sorry for your loss. RIP Chief Wilson, thank you for your service.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

I’m very sorry for your loss. My hat is off to your Dad for a life well lived and going out on his own terms.

Sorry for your loss 911. May your father Rest In Peace.

I am glad that your dad's passing was peaceful. I offer condolences for your loss--it is never easy to lose a close family member. I pray God will give His peace and comfort to you all.

flashguy

So sorry about your dad I've been there too. Prayers for you and your family

Condolences and prayers from here.

Terribly sorry for your loss.

Prayers for your loss.