Paul passed away peacefully this afternoon at home with Steph right by his side.
After Paul and Stephanie made the decision to quit treatment and medication, our family all came to accept that this was the best thing for Paul. He was at peace with this decision, and so were we. We were all able to say goodbye to our Paul. He was lucid and aware of our presence, and we all felt blessed to be with him at this time. We made the difficult decision to bring Dad home from the nursing home to say goodbye to Paul. This is difficult because our Dad is not himself, and we knew this would be stressful. However, soon after Dad left Paul this afternoon, Paul called for Steph to come into his room, and he peacefully and quietly passed away. Even at the end, Paul was thinking of his family.
We are still taking all of this in, but we are all blessed by Paul and so lucky to have him in our lives. Decisions will be made in the next couple days about arrangements, but in the meantime please know that your thoughts, prayers, visits, and kindness has buoyed our spirits. Paul knew he was loved, and this helped him go home to Heaven with dignity, peace, and grace. We know that he is with Charlie, his big brother, and that gives us all such comfort to know that they are together. Who knew that Charlie would be helping us through this difficult time?
God bless Paul. God bless Stephanie, Emma, and Sarah. God bless you that you may be a blessing to others.
Merry Christmas, all.
Such a sad day. I hope it has been a comfort that most of you were able to be there. I am so glad Jim had the chance to say goodbye. This day has so much meaning as we celebrate Jesus' birth,I hope you can feel his arms surround you all.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking all day about the Christmas Eve's we spent together as children,those were wonderful times. Our prayers to keep you strong, we are so sorry. love, Beth and family
We all have one more thing to look forward to when we get to heaven - seeing Paul Daniel again! What a welcome committee; first and foremost his Lord & Savior, along with big brother Charlie, Grandma & Grandpa Hougen, Grandma & Grandpa Olson (Grandpa for the first time), Aunt Doris, Uncle Lloyd, Great Aunt & Uncle Nellie & Earl, Uncle Artie (really a cousin, but we always called him uncle)just to name a few. I really miss my brother but am happy he is out of pain and at peace. I love you Paul!
ReplyDeleteYour big sister Ardis
My First Christmas in Heaven
ReplyDeleteI see the countless
Christmas trees
around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
...reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain in your heart.
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear,
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold.
Was always most important
the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other,
my Father said to do.
I can't count the blessings or love
I have for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and
Wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with
Jesus this year!
RIP Paul, and much love to you, our family! Sandra
Thank you so much Sandra..This is a truly special poem and is a great comfort to me
ReplyDeleteSteph
We are so glad that someone posted the above poem. I have always thought it was so beautiful and was thinking of posting it myself. Paul is at peace with our Lord and enjoying the most beautiful christmas ever. Something we can all look forward to when we join him in paradise. Gods Blessing to you Steph and all of Pauls family. Don & Karen
ReplyDeleteThe above poem captures the beauty perfectly.
ReplyDeleteA gentle loooooong hug to you all, Pauls special family and friends. x x
Thank you for the blog. x
I remember those Christmas Eve's too,they were the best. All of us cousins together we had a blast.
ReplyDeleteAs I look around my home I am also reminded of all the carpentry work Paul did,almost every room. While Paul worked here he would take a break every day he was here and watch The Andy Griffith Show,how he got a kick out of Barney! I can hear him laughing now!I also remember one time he was here he had just met someone,her name was Steph. I knew she sure was special because he sure was on the phone alot! How he waited for those phone calls. I know we all have alot of fond memories of Paul,too many to count. He was the best.