Tag Archives: death

Day 196

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A Workshop of Fun!

What should we build?

Anyone that knew my dad, knew that he loved his tools and LOVED to build things. He would tinker, wood carve, help out folks who needed something fixed. He even traveled several times to help build houses or churches with the Men’s group.

So, naturally, he had a large workshop downstairs. He’d probably not like me showing it since its a little messy. Usually, it was VERY organized… He installed his own cabinets, built a filtration system and a tube system to collect the saw dust. He had peg board to hang tools and/or his finished work.

I also have my own tool collection and I needed to add to it this week… let’s call it “retail therapy”. However, my tools consist of new lenses and gadgets for the camera. 🙂  I got a new wide angle lens… WAY COOL STUFF. And I used it to shoot the entire workshop above. Thanks for passing down your desires for awesome tools, dad!

Maybe my dad will build us some houses? John 14:1-4 says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” You think that Jesus will let my dad help build some?

Photo taken with: Nikon D700, Nikon 18-35 f/3.5

Day 195

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My dad has gone to see the Light.

Finally

Thomas Edwin Sommer, my father, went to be with the Lord at 5:07 pm this evening. He went peacefully, holding my mother’s hand. He had one tear on the end of his nose. I’d like to think that it was a tear of joy as Jesus reached out to take him. We praise God that his suffering, pain and frustration has ended. We ask for His forgiveness in our selfishness of wanting dad to be here longer.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me…. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.

T’was Grace that taught… my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear… the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares… we have already come. T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far… and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me… His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be… as long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years… bright shining as the sun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise… then when we’ve first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me…. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.”

Photo taken with: Nikon D700, Nikon 50mm f/1.8

Day 194

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Sam and I

Cookies!

A little break to the day… Sam LOVES when you have food. He asks for some, “MMMMM!” until you cave. So, he crawled over to me when he saw that I might be eating a cookie. He sat with me and ate a chunk for awhile. Of course I had to bust out the new iPhone 4 front-facing camera.

I wish dad could have a cookie too. He loves a good cookie… mainly oatmeal raisin. Today he hasn’t woken up at all. Still breathing, but his heart beat is racing. No drinks… no food… no open eyes.

Photo taken with: iPhone 4

Day 193

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The Tools of Comfort

A different tool for the trade

Comfort is the name of the game. We are all shocked that this is still going on. Dad has a strong heart and is still young. Not sure what that all means. However, his breathing is still labored and random. When he is sleeping, its actually pretty okay. His kidneys are in the process of shutting down, if they haven’t already.

We use these syringes to get the medicine to go down (Mary Poppins song now in my head…). He can’t swallow or do it himself. So, the skinny one’s work best to get back further in his mouth. You then have to massage his jaw to get the medicine to either absorb or go down his throat. We are keeping up on hourly meds at this point to keep him comforted. Otherwise, he will begin to try and raise both arms. We think that he’s trying to open himself up for more air.

We’ve also taken to leaving him by himself now. Hard, hard to do… But we’ve had several people, including Hospice tell us that some folks just need to be alone to pass.

Photo taken with: Nikon D700, Nikon 60mm f/2.8

Day 192

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Packing Again.

Trusty Duffels

I got that call today. We have hours at this point. I quickly packed and am now sitting in Columbus. I was delayed some in the airport which helped me calm down (due to beers…) Either way, I am glad that I’m here now and I can be with the family for when dad’s moment arrives.

Dad’s breathing is very shallow and far and few between. He’s pretty much comatose now. Again, please pray for a quick release. We do believe that it will be in the next several hours. Lots of coffee… I’ll post again soon after.

Photo taken with: Nikon D700, Nikon 50mm f/1.8