On Wednesday February 5th, 2014 at 2:22 p.m. Thomas A. Young, surrounded by his women, breathed his last.
As as abruptly as we got on, we found ourselves dumped off the tilt-o-whirl of death, standing a bit disoriented by the exit. This journey has been laced with irony. On Monday, Dad didn’t qualify for one of hospice centers we were considering because he didn’t meet the qualification of “imminent death” (two to three days). Yet less than 48 hours after moving from the facility, my beloved father passed from imminent death to immanent life.
Our last family vacation at Canon Beach (2012)
A tilt-o-whirl seems an apt metaphor for the ride we’ve been on. Just as we’d get our bearings, whoosh, we were swooped off in another direction. Dehydration to acute renal failure to this and that and thinking the problem had been figured out only to find it wasn’t. Moving from looking for a rehab facility to long-term acute care t0 hospice.
And yet as I lay in bed last night reflecting on the ride, I was reminded
- Not all have the blessing of riding the tilt-o-whirl of death with others
- Many ride much longer than we did
- Some get separated on the ride
- Others ride it in the dark
- At times people are known to ride with their eyes closed and in denial of what’s happening
Mercy after mercy went before, beside, behind and above.
It was clear his spirit was leaving, his breathing slowing, his temperature lowering, and the time drawing near. At 2:15 p.m. we gathered around him for one final verbal shower of words of love and near the end he closed his mouth and simultaneously ended and started life. Your prayers for a quick death were heard. And God smiled when Dad died on a palindrome time of 2:22 p.m.
His memorial service will be Monday, February 10th (10:00 a.m.) at Bear Valley Church (10001 W. Jewell Ave, Lakewood, CO, 80232). All are welcome. An online obituary is in the works and as soon as it is ready can be read at Horan and McConaty — but you’ll need to search for Tom Young.
Thank you for your prayers and our pouring of love at this time. This picture was taken in September and the only items missing are the two pens that always resided in Dad’s front pocket (he even lamented not having his pens in the hospital).
Tom Young
Dad, to say you will be missed is a colossal understatement. I love you. Amy
My dear friend, I am so sorry for your loss! I know all too well the pain of losing a loved one but also the great joy in knowing that they have been released into the loving arms of Jesus. How sweet it is to know that we will be reunited with them one day! My prayer is that God surround you and your family with love, comfort and peace as you learn to live without the physical presence of your dad – although, he will ALWAYS be with you – he is a part of you!
So sorry for your loss. Prayers.
Hugs. Prayers.
Beautiful photo of your beautiful family. Love the photo of your dad from September. Thank you for taking the time to share these sacred moments. Prayers for your mom, you and your sisters, the little girls, and everyone who is missing your dad.
Love the picture. Love your words. Love you. I continue to pray for each of you.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Amy. Thinking and praying for you.
Dearest Amy, our family is holding you and your family in our prayers. We love you!
Amy, me and Dalila were saddened to hear about your dad. As I read the grim news of your post from earlier in the week, I kept returning to the picture of you and him at the AFC title game. What stood out most were the matching smiles and the weather. Playoff football in Denver … and it’s sunny? It’s only fitting that one of your final memories with your dad came on such a picturesque day. God was shining his light on the two of you that day! May the incomparable grace of Jesus be with your family during this difficult time. And may be Jesus be glorified at every turn.
I too was especially touched by that photo.
You have an amazing way with words to describe a hard time in life/death. Thanks for sharing your heart in such a difficult time. I loved seeing your family photo! I pray for peace and many blessings of love over these next few weeks.
Oh, my. What a ride. So sorry for your loss, Amy. Praying for you and your family as you learn how to do life without him.
Amy–thinking if you as you grieve the loss of your Dad. So glad as you said he was surrounded by those he loves as he went through it. A big HUG.
I’m sorry Amy. I will be praying for a season of healthy grieving for you family. Jesus is with you.
Amy, I am so sorry your Daddy died. Praying for you and your family.
Praying, praying, praying! What a beautiful testimony to your father’s life and our heavenly Father’s love. Grieve as you should and take time to share memories with tears of joy.
So sorry to hear of your loss, so beautifully expressed as always.
Tears as I read this – for the sorrow, and the shock, and the signs of Eden regained even in the midst of it all. This writing is so beautiful, Amy. Tilt-o-whirl – that’s it, exactly. With love and prayers.
We’ll be lifting you and your family up. I’m so sorry for your loss. May the tough days ahead be filled with the comfort only Jesus can give.
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad….Dad’s are very special and. May
you have peace knowing he is with Jesus.
Amy,
I mourn with you.
I love how you wrote this: “my beloved father passed from imminent death to immanent life” From imminent to immanent.
My heart goes out to you, Amy, and to your family. I am amazed that you have been able to share feelings so similar to my own at the passing of my parents a few years ago. What I do know and can assure you is that your dad will continue to be with you in so very many ways…indeed, he will be closer than ever. Promise.
Amy- we are so sorry for your loss. Praying that you know our Father’s amazing comfort and peace during these dark days. We will be remembering you. love becky and duane
My heart aches and rejoices both with you and your precious family. I’ll be praying, asking the Lord to comfort you as well as bring you peace. Love to you…. Connie
HUGS!
Amy, I have been so comforted by the music of Andrew Peterson. His album, The Far Country, is about life and death and is full of hope and beauty. The song “Lay Me Down” come to mind as I read about your Dad.
Amy, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved dad. Sending love, friend. May God’s peace be with you.
Dearest Amy, my heartfelt prayers are with you. I feel and know your loss deeply as I lost my Mama just one year ago after being a caregiver for 15 years. I am so very sorry.
May God hold you and your family near. May He rain His peace upon each of you as He reigns in Your hearts.
I am … Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Dear Amy-
I was recommended to your blog before I moved to Asia and appreciate all that your write. Am thrilled to also see you at VA.
So glad to know that you have been in the States and were able to spend some precious time with your dad – also that you were there with your family as you all walked him “Home”. Grief for those left behind is hard work. It is exhausting. Be kind to yourself…..and take care of each other. The hope of heaven takes on a whole new meaning when we have “an investment” there. Praying that you will feel the Lord’s presence so very close during this hard time.
So sorry to hear the news. Your Dad was a great man who was so nice to me. Give my love to Liz, Laura and your Mom.