Well, I have some pretty big news. My father died today. He would have been 91 years old on May 8. It’s rather morbid, but my brother, mother, and I have kind of joked about him dying for years, and now that it has finally happened, it’s a little shocking.
Saturday he slept all day, which isn’t that unusual, but he also didn’t eat anything, which IS unusual. Then today he fell down the stairs and had to be taken to the ER in an ambulance. My brother called me, and it didn’t seem like such a big deal, but with each successive call, the situation became more serious–they had to intubate him, put him on a ventilator, perform CPR on him when his blood pressure dropped to zero. When it became clear he was probably not going to survive, I headed to the hospital. He never regained consciousness, and I have to admit I am grateful for that. He had been afraid of dying, so this way he didn’t really know he was dying. He died pretty peacefully and was not in any pain (not even from the tumble down the stairs). My mother declared that he was lucky and also that this was the nicest thing he had done for us (not that he died but that he didn’t have a long, miserable illness requiring constant care). It is nice that we can laugh and joke about it, actually. My father lived a long life, and his body was ready to go. He was a nutjob, and memories of his little quirks will stay with us for many years.
I’m so sorry. My grandmother died last fall at about the same age, in a similar situation (peacfully, in no pain, as a result of a ruptured aneurism). It’s always hard to lose someone, but it’s a lot easier when you’re surrounded by family and comforting thoughts.
thinking of you and your family. sounds like it was a complicated relationship as most fathers can be rather complicated. death is always sad though, but I’m glad he had a long full life and didn’t have to suffer.
I’m so sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I am so sorry. It is never easy loosing your parents… laughing helps so much.
My thoughts are with you.
I’m sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Glad that it was not long and painful for you. So so sorry!
i was thinking about your dad today and giggling– i just told paul about the him lying on the couch asking if he had to get up and watching judge hatchet or joe brown or something… and your mom just smiling sweetly. and now of course, as sad as this is, i’m giggling again. call if you need anything. with my experience at the mailorder factory i might be trainable at the superbuzzy one too. xo
Oh, Mariko. I’m so sorry. I’ll be thinking of you and your family. Take care of yourself.
thinking about you!
Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m glad you had such a great day with him last week though and I’m glad that you seem to have positive feelings about his long life. Best wishes to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for you and your family. Though glad that he went peacefully and comfortably, and after such a long life.
I’m so sorry. My condolences to you and your family. It’s so nice that you have wonderful memories of your father.
My condolences as well…
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family right now.
I’m so sorry for your loss. But i’m glad you are so positive about it all. You are in my thoughts. 🙁 *hugs*
as i was reading this post i wondered: was he wearing pants?
nice that you got a perfect polaroid of george to remember him by.
oh mariko. you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
I am sad for you and your family. As you say, the circumstances of your father’s death could have been much worse, but it is still sad even though he lived such a long life and left it painlessly. I like the photo of your dad apparently capturing Deedle, and her looking like, “Um, this is a little awkward, but OK…” It’s always interesting to hear about people’s quirks, so if you ever want to share more of your father’s, that would be fun.
Take care, Mariko.
My condolences to you and your family. Your father sounded like a hoot, I can see where you and your brother get your sense of humor. With death, it seems even when we expect it, we are shocked when it happens. I hope you continue to find comfort in your wonderful memories.
I’m sorry to hear this news, but glad you can all keep your senses of humor about it.
Mariko, I’m so sorry for your loss. It is a great comfort that he didn’t suffer, and he did live a full long life. At least you got to hang out with him and have a good time just one more time. Good memories to keep.
my grandfather died a few years ago, almost at age 85, after falling, breaking his hip and catching pneumonia in the hospital. he was unconscious for most of the week between his fall and his death, which was a blessing. he was a fairly healthy man for his age, although his mind was long gone. it was a blessing in many ways, and yet – it was so strange to all of a sudden not have him around.
sending hugs your way,
Michal
I’m so sorry to read about your loss.
I’m glad that things ended quickly and painlessly for your father, but it must be big a shock for the rest of your family. Take care of yourself.
oh mariko
Casey and I are sending you our thoughts, my Oma just passed and a beloved family members passing is an awful time, but anything that helps is great. I remember you telling me that your dad wanted a koala of just this size. xxx cnc
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. He sure lived a long life. Looking at the photo, it’s nice to see that he was up and about just so recently and enjoying life. Thanks for sharing with us.
Mariko – sorry to hear about your Dad. Sounds like he had a great innings. hugs.
I’m so sorry for your loss Mariko. It’s good to hear he went peacefully and with little pain. Take care.
So sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts are with you.
so sorry to hear this, Mariko. hugs to you all ** Tania
I’m so sorry. Even though it was peaceful, it must be a tough time for you and your family.
I’m really sorry for your loss but am glad, as you say, that he didn’t suffer.
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I’ve recently come across your blog and I’m very sorry to hear of your loss but your memories will help you through the hard times.
Oh, Mariko. So sorry to hear of your family’s loss. How fortunate for you all that it was relatively quick and that he didn’t suffer. It’s nice that you have been living close by recently…I’m sure he was happy in these last months to see you more often and now it will be a comfort to your mother.
Mariko, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope some day you will share some more of your times with your Dad. I bet some of us (me) could match you story for story.
In Morocco they say that a quicker a person dies, the more it is a testament to the good person that they were in that they didn’t suffer. I’m glad that your dad didn’t suffer, and am sorry for your loss.
Losing someone is never easy. But your mother is right, going this way is kind to all involved. I hope you and your family will be able to continue laughing and remembering his long life. Living to be almost 91 is a huge accomplishment.
Thnking of you and your family.
I found you by way of Hello Jackie.
Sonya
I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in thoughts and prayers!
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m sorry, Mariko. I’ve enjoyed lots of your hilarious remarks and stories about your father over the last few years. Like everyone else, I’ll be thinking of you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers.
I’m so sorry Mariko. I wish I was close enough to bring over some food.
I am so sorry about your father passing away. Hang in there!
Oh, Mariko. I’m so sorry. But I’m glad that you and your family are taking it so well, and that he wasn’t in pain. 91 is a pretty good run, so cheers to a life you remember fondly that ended well.
I am sorry for you loss and wish you and your family peace.
Aw Mariko…I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking about you and your family…xo
mariko is sounds like your dad was an interesting man to say the least. i hope you and your family have a good time with memories and quirks. hugs friend!
Sorry to hear of your loss, but it’s wonderful to read that you have many memories, quirky and probably not so. Be sure to take care of yourself during this time.
So sorry for your loss!
I’m sorry to hear of your loss, but happy to hear that your dad had lived a full and healthy life. I wish you, your mom, and your brother all the best.
I’m so sorry for you and my thoughts are with your family. Your dad sounds so much like my dad, down to the complaining about everything and trying to get pets (in our case, cats) to sit with him. So I’m sure that through any sorrow you’ll remember his “habits” with smiles.
Sorry to hear the news. You and your brother are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Sending my condolences and good thoughts to you and your family.
Mariko – I’m sorry for your loss. When someone has been around for 90+ years, it seems as though they might live forever, and when they die, it always seems a shock. It was the same with my grandfather, who lived to be 92.
My condolences on your loss.
Our thoughts are with you. I’m sure, wherever he is, he has good tasting juice, comfy temps, and a nice dog to sit beside him.
I am sorry for your loss
I am sorry for your loss.
:: hugs ::
It doesn’t matter how “prepared” you are for someone to die–it’s still bizarre and sad to have the person suddenly not there. Take some time off and care of yourself–and remind Sashi & your mother to, too. Thinking of you all.
So sorry for your loss. My dad died suddenly also and it’s a shock. I’m glad you have such a close family around you.
Mariko, I’m so sorry. I can totally relate to your feelings and I know he was loved and well cared for by your mother and brother (yes, I read him too!) Strangely, it’s been a great comfort reading about your parents as we (my sisters and I) struggle daily to figure out what living arrangements are best for our own aging parents.
I always enjoyed reading about your mother and father. I felt like I knew their personalities and their cute habits. I’m so glad he died peacefully.
Oh, Mariko, I’m so sorry. My dad died in the hospital and not so quickly. But for both of them, pretty long lives. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers ~
i’m sorry for your and your family’s loss!
i love that photo. deedle and mr. fuj. both so cute!
Oh Mariko. Take care and know that you are in the thoughts of many friends, near and far. (That makes me laugh, thinking of Grover being near and far… wonder what your dad thought of Sesame Street?)
Well wishes go your way…
It would be nice if we all could go peacefully with our children smiling at the memories of our life…
It seems that you’ve already gone through the mourning process and now it’s the whole waiting-to-die part. I’m glad you have so many fond memories and that he died easy. *smiles* That’s the best way to let someone go.
I’m so very sorry to read about your father passing, my thoughts are with your family and yourself.
My condolences. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I feel the very same way about dying…it looks like his last few days were pure fun, glad he didn’t have to suffer. I am happy for you that you are in good spirits and I trust you know where to go for a cheer-up if you need one =)
Condolences on your loss, but happy for your father and family that his suffering wasn’t great. We should all hope to go on in a dignified way. Prayers and hugs for you and yours.
I’m so sorry, Mariko. I’m glad your father was able to go peacefully, and that he enjoyed a long life. I’m sending good thoughts to you and your family.
Mariko, I’m sorry to hear this news. I’m glad for his mercifully quick passage, and that your family can be so positive about it. that is such a blessing for you all. It sounds like your dad had a long and interesting life. That’s about all any of us can hope for. I hope that is a comfort to you – it sounds like it from your post.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry but am so happy he left in a way that was not drawn out, awful, and/or scary for him. I have been thinking about you and your family so much. hope you are prepared to get a lot of goodies-
see you very soon-
so sorry for your loss, mariko.
You are going to miss that nutjob, I know. The Polaroid with Deedle is haunting and beautiful, more so for being offhand and a Polaroid.
Take care of yourself,
Love, Kay
PS Is it wrong that I feel a commemorative Superbuzzy order coming on? “Say it with Superbuzzy.”
My condolences to you and your family. I’m so sorry for loss.
Mariko, I’m so sorry. I have many fond memories of your dad, with quirks and without. He will always be credited with teaching me and Akiko about the wonders of a Green River! Please pass along our condolences to your mom as well.
Oh Mariko, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you’ll find comfort being near your brother and mom – it’s good that you’re up in PDX now and you’re all together. Take care of yourself – G
My condolences to you. I lost my father suddenly last year, and it is a journey. Filled with surprises, wisdom, pain and peace. I am glad your family is a strong support system for you, and may peace be with all of you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad your dad got to go peacefully. I’m going to miss your and your brother’s stories about him. Pleasant thoughts go out to your mom, brother and you.
Dear Mariko,
You and yours are in my prayers today.
Your news scared me. My parents are in their 80s and not in the best of health. They are in Singapore and I’m here in Houston. The distance is hard.
Let’s stay upbeat!
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I’m glad he died peacefully because really that is the only way to go. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Mariko,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I’m glad you moved back to Portland and spent time with your family before your dad passed away. Your memories of your father are invaluable, and I’m glad that you’re surrounded by your friends and family now. My condolences….
My condolonces to you and your famiy. *sigh* Thats how life goes. But I when things happen sudden its the hardest thing. We all are going to see someone dear go from our lives, and it is so hurtful. Thats life……… and we all are not spared from it.
Here’s an extra big hug for you, and your family. Hang in there.
I’m so sorry to hear that your father died yesterday. My sympathies to you and your family. Take care and don’t hesitate to ask if you need something.
My condolences to you and your family. It’s good to be able to laugh about things and to see the positive, even in death. *hugs*
So sorry to hear of your loss, Mariko. I hope your family will be comforted by the wonderful memories of your dad.
I’m so sorry. I am glad that you were able to spend a little time with him on Friday. It’s those unexpected times that you remember most. Please know I am thinking of you.
I’m sorry about your father. How lucky that you were able to spend some quality grumble-time with him so recently, though. Families are funny, and it’s great when the family themselves can see and appreciate that.
So sorry to hear about your father. What your mother said about his death stuck me because it’s so Asian. I am sure your mother was putting on a sensible facade even as she mourns her beloved husband. Best wishes for you and your family.
i’m very sorry for the loss of your papa, but glad that it was (relatively) peaceful for him.
~a huge fan of super eggplant, super buzzy & deedle 🙂
So sorry to hear about your father. What your mother said about his death stuck me because it’s so Asian. I am sure your mother was putting on a sensible facade even as she mourns her beloved husband. Best wishes for you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
mariko, i am so sorry for your loss… sending thoughts and hugs your way. it sounds like your memories are so good and such a comfort… and a blessing that there was no pain or protracted illness… thinking of you.
May he rest as he left: in peace.
Praying for you and your family.
Mariko, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. I do think it is wonderful that you can laugh about him and share the good memories and the quirky memories! That is such a blessing.
I’m so sorry, Mariko. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sending Happy thoughts to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you are grateful you got to spend some time with him recently. That is a very sweet picture of him with Deedle.
Sad news. My condolences to you and your family. It’s good that you have so many nice memories to cherish.
I am so sorry to hear such sad news. My thoughts are with you.
I’m sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you.
My condolences to you and your family. He did live a long life, and I’m glad he didn’t have a prolonged decline.
I’m so glad that you maintained a close relationship with your immediate family (especially after moving back to the area). Makes me think about my own parents and brother, who live have a country away.
My thoughts are with you.
Blessings to you and your family. I like how the dog looks like he is sitting so patiently in the picture and not having all that much fun, haha! What a nice, friendly doggie. =)
Thinking of you and your family x
I am so sorry to hear about your father. And I love your mother’s attitude towards it.
My thoughts are with you. Death is never easy, but the comforts you are finding in this time sound as if you are taking a very healthy approach indeed to your father’s passing.
I’m sorry for your loss.
Your attitude toward this event is beautiful and inspiring. I’m so sorry for your loss but glad for your outlook!
i’m very sorry for your loss and will be thinking about you and your family. From your posts, it’s apparent that you have a strong and loving family, and you’ll be an amazing comfort to each other over the next months, in ways that would make your father proud.
Your father seemed quite a character. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Mariko, my heartfelt condolences on your loss. I smiled as I read your post because I can totally understand what you were trying to convey.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve followed your blog for some time and always thought your parents were so cute! I feel so sad for your mom (and of course for you and your brother). *hugs*
Peace to you and your family. May you always be able to share your humor and good memories.
Oh Mariko! I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father lived a long life, and I’m glad that you’ll have a lot of (quirky) memories to remember him by!
So sorry for the loss of your father. Take care of yourself and your mother.
I’m so sorry, yet so relieved for you. My grandfather died the same way – suddenly and without any lingering illness. That would have been the worst thing with his personality. My thoughts are with you and your family.
My thoughts are with you and your family. I’m glad that your father didn’t suffer and that you got to spend time with him recently.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father.
I’m sorry to hear about your dad. I hope that you are all doing ok.
Hey! Look how many people have your back, girlie! I love George. We held hands the last time I saw him…well, I went to hug him and he flinched like he thought I was gonna hit him, but after that we held hands. He’s cute and I really dug him! Fujinaka’s Rule!!
Oh, Mariko, I’m sorry about your dad, but 91, you’re right, that’s a good long life and he didn’t suffer. He lived right up until the end. Blessings on you, your mother and your brother.
I’m a frequent reader, infrequent commenter. I’m sorry for your loss, but like you, glad his end was peaceful. Also glad you were able to have a nice visit with him shortly before he died.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
My condolences to you and your family.
Thinking of you and sending hugs from not so far away, in Hillsboro. Love the photo. It reminds me of something I once heard Bill Cosby say: “Dads are great! Why do you think dogs always want to hang out with ’em?” I have just the same photo of my own dad with my brother’s Chihuahua. anyway, there is nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said. Your blog is wonderfully entertaining and you are a terrific lady. Take care of yourself–
xoxo
Sharon
My condolences to you and your family. 🙁 My mom passed away last year. I miss her. Just like I’m sure you’ll miss your dad.
My condolences.
I’m sorry about your loss…
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s good that you had a visit with him near the end.
Mariko,
I am so sorry. My condolences… hahna
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. It is hard to lose a parent, no matter the circumstances. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I think that dog’s body language says it all! 🙂 He was lucky to have a dignified peaceful death and that you are all dealing well with it.
I’m sorry to hear about your family’s loss. Interesting that your father was fond of Deedle. I guess you could read a lot into that. Some day you should write about him.
My thoughts are with you and your family! What a wonderful LONG life he had!!
Your story reminds me of my grandmother who turned 95 in November. She has been “ready to go” for years. She is still independent and fairly healthy but she definitely thinks she’s been here long enough. It’s nice that we can joke about it, too. We laugh that she doesn’t even like to buy green bananas because she isn’t sure if she’ll be around when they ripen. 😛
your family has been blessed to know he didn’t linger or suffer at the end.
Remembering your dad and all his quirks and the way he made you laugh is the best. When my mom passed away last summer, we kids all got together aand went out to a nice Mexican dinner and ordered the hottest stuff on the menu, cause Mom liked it that way! We shared lots of stories and laughter–it was very heart-lightening.
All your super-buzzy and -eggplant pals send you lots of good thoughts and hugs.
sue g
My thoughts are with you and your family. It is a wonderful thing when families can celebrate the lives of their loved ones, and I hope my family will celebrate my life as you have celebrated your Father’s. He seemed to be a very interesting man. Internet hugs to you from Florida!
ps: my best bud is now addicted to superbuzzy!!!
-Ash-
Mariko… sorry to hear about your loss, it sounds like he had a very nice, long life. Our thoughts will be with you and your family.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss, losing a loved one is never easy. Very glad though that you, your mother and brother have good memories to laugh about. Take care.
Hi M –
Just wanted to say that I, too, am sorry for your loss… It sounds like your family is close and you will all get through it together.
Gina
oh, i am so very sorry.
warmly, jen
My condolences to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I am really sorry for your loss.
Cherish the wonderful memories of your father and talk to his spirit.
With deepest sympathy..
I’m sorry for your loss.
It sounds like you have a good peace with his passing.
Oh Mariko,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Take good care of yourself. I thought you were in your 30’s. I must be wrong.
Mariko,
I’m so sorry to hear about your father–but glad that you just saw him, that you’re with your family, and that he was so at peace at the end. That picture is darling. Thinking of you and your mom and brother with love…
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
I’m very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. It appears that you have many fond & funny memories of him. Keep smiling.
My thoughts are with you. Your blog & shop never fail to make me smile, and this entry about your father’s passing is no exception. That is, I see clarity and love in your words, and that made me smile.
Even thou I don’t know you or knew your father, I’m really sorry for your loss.
I just read your blog. I’m sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry, Mariko. 🙁
oh god, i’m so sorry. so terribly sorry.
When I lost my dad, I also felt like it was in some ways a good thing. But I cried anyway. Hope you and your family have time to be together and celebrate your father.
i am sorry to hear of your loss, mariko– hope your family continues to do fine, and i really appreciate the sweetness of both of your last 2 posts…
i am so sorry for your loss, mariko. (((hugs))) to you and yours!!
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss… No matter the age, loss like this is something to process. It is good that there was no pain – all the best to you.
Sorry about your loss. Please take care!
I’m very sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry about your Dad. I’m glad that he wasn’t in any pain and he died peacefully. (I’m behind in my blog reading — so this is late.)
Although I don’t know you, and although I’m just a little baby wannabe-knitting blogger obsessed with thou crafty glamour, the loss of your father almost feels like it’s my loss, too. Please don’t feel creeped out. That’s what truly amazing bloggers do to people.
I’m so sorry.
i, too, am sorry for your loss and glad that he did not suffer. i also have to say that i love that picture of him with the dog. there’s something really beautiful about it…
Awwwwhhh, Mariko! I am so sorry! 🙁
I know how you feel though. My grandmother wnet in a similar way. We were all happy that she died peacefully and happily and in the best way for her.
Oh, my goodness, I’m so sorry. I didn’t read blogs for a few days and then when I read yours I heard of your news. That’s so awful, I’m really sorry. It is good that your father went in a quick and painless way, that’s all we can hope for. As your mother said, it wasn’t a long illness and he lived a good, long time. My thoughts go out to your and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I do love how you are able to write about him, it is refreshing and you can see that he did live a great life. I hope you have peace during this time.