End of an Era.

I am afraid that I didn't get my wish. Dad died during the night, and I asked the care home to lay him out if he died at night. My sisters and I have lots to do. I have the task of contacting distant family members, so I have several emails to send.
Thank you all for your good wishes, it is comforting to know that I have the support of all of you, who I regard as friends.

My friend is a nurse. She laid out her father, and says she is so pleased she did.
I have been in your situation hilda thinking of you, it's hard I know

So pleased to hear that your DF has had such good care in the home Hildaj it must have taken a weight off your mind. Wishing him a peaceful end

It's a comfort to know they are being well cared for. It helps with the sadness when the time comes.

I am so glad that he is peaceful and is being well cared for and that you will be able to do that last service for him.

hildajenniJ, my very best to you. We all have our ways of coping and if you can make plans and carry them out it will help you. Its a way of retaining a little control in an otherwise uncontrollable event.
My sister and I were at our Mother's side as she died. We both held her hands and wished her on her way. It was unbearable in some ways yet looking back we cherish the memory of that night when we could be with her. Once it was over what remained seemed so unlike her we could walk away and let others take over, but that was us, everyone is different.

for you hilda, always so tough when you say goodbye to a parent. I have the greatest of respect for you wanting to help lay him out. Such a loving, daughterly thing to do and you will know you have done everything you can for him, right to his end.

It does sound as if his life is drawing peacefully to a close. How good that he has loving care in his care home.
A wrench for you whatever, but maybe the peaceful end we could all wish for.

You must do what feels right for you, hilda , sending every good wish to you and your family that your Dad has a peaceful end.

The title, end of an Era is in reference to the fact that Dad is the last living member of his family.