We have waited a few days to post so we could contact all of the family and Philip's (Dad's) closest friends.  Dad went to be with the Lord this past Monday!  Now, as much as we are all going to miss him which makes us really sad, we are joyful that at the same time he left us, Heaven gained a new citizen as he was now before his Father.  

Let me tell you how this happened which will forever be etched in my heart.  On that day (as many other days before) we sat on either side of his bed, not with the hope that he would miraculously get better, but with the hope that he would be called home swiftly...we had seen him in so much pain for many weeks.  

Rene' had taken Mom back home after several hours of sitting there at his side gently swabbing his mouth, giving him kisses, gently talking to him, and stroking his head.  As I stayed behind I sensed that Rene' wanted to be there for the end, and as she left she said, "Don't let anything happen till I get back".  I took over the small little things that Mom had been doing, and hoped he would wait just a little longer. 

Rene' got back and we continued on.  I was extremely tired because I had not slept the night before - all I could think about was the clinical manifestations of death I was seeing including his breathing which was so labored, his wasting away, the look in his eyes that he would not close.  I spent most of the night praying. So Rene' watched as I dozed at the bedside.

As 6pm was approaching, I sat up and again assessed my dad's breathing and checked for a radial pulse (at the wrist) which I could not feel, so I reached for a carotid pulse that was now very weak.  I looked at Rene' as I sensed that we were getting closer to the end.

We watched as dad lifted his left shoulder and then his right, and it looked as if he was trying to say something.  Rene' suggested that I come to her side of the bed, and as I got there and sat down in the chair, the glazed over look that Dad had in his eyes went away as he gazed right into our eyes.  Once again giving him permission to go to Heaven and giving him assurance that his family would be okay, I placed my hand on his chest, and he immediately took his last breath.  I pulled down the covers to make sure, I once again checked a pulse, and looked at Rene'.  "He's not breathing, he's not breathing!" We cried, we hugged, but mostly we laughed with joy!  Thank you Lord for your Mercy.

I am sobbing as a write this.  Each of you should know by now that early on we knew where this was headed, but as a family we came together and witnessed a miracle.  We witnessed supernatural healing, comfort, love, and many other things that can only come from believing in an almighty God at a time when other emotions can take over and destroy a family. As a nurse, I have witnessed that many times in the ICU.

We would love for you to send Mom some love.  We aren't sure about Memorial services yet, but will keep you posted here.  We love you. 

I Thessalonians 4:13
Revelations 14:13
John 14:1-4
Philippians 3:20


Forever, The Philip Lundgren Family