I have lost my precious dad. At 2pm Friday 31/1/20 my father passed away. Beloved husband, father and grandfather.
He was kind, gentle generous and intelligent with a wonderful sense of fun. He was 82 when he passed away. Although dad was only diagnosed with MSA a few years ago, looking back, we think he had been showing the early signs for at least 12 years.
He accepted everything that MSA threw at him with great resilience and courage. We tried to do everything in our power to make life a little bit easier and happier for him, but as you wonderful people on this site will know, it is a real challenge with this cruel condition.
We hope that one day a cure will be found so that others do not suffer in the way my dad did.
Dad was cared for in his last few weeks in the most compassionate and loving way by the team at his local hospice and his death was peaceful.
The photo is of my parents celebrating their golden wedding 12 years ago. They had met when they were 15 and were together ever since.
Sending love to you all.
Helen xx
Written by
Hellebelle
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I am so sorry Helen. This is such a cruel condition I hope your dad is now at peace. I have followed most your posts and know you have given me support when I have needed it so thank you. I'm sure your dad would be so proud of you for all the care and support you have given him too. I know only to well the pain of losing those you love so much, but can reassure it does get slightly easier in time and hopefully you can think back to happier times with a smile. Your dad is now free and can rest in peace. Take care of yourself. Thinking of you.
I'm so sorry to hear this - your love for your dad has shone through your posts, he must have been very proud of you in the support you gave him. It feels like it's been a tough week for a lot of us who get support from knowing there are other families going through it. We're all here for you - remember to take time for you in the coming weeks, your dad would want you to, this disease seems to take a piece of all of us. You take care xxx
Well done Helen for being an amazing support for your Dad and for being a supporter of others on this forum. It does seem like as a community we are going through a really tough time.
Blessings to you and your family as you pick your way through the emotions and practicalities of the next weeks and months.
Hello Helen, I’m so sad for you. We’ve all seen the love and support you’ve given your dad and mum over the months. That support has stretched out to so many others on this forum. I wish you the strength to get through the next few weeks and hope the happy memories of time with your dad sustains you. Take care, Ian x
Hi Ian, thank you so much for your kind words. I too have been helped by your wisdom and advice over the years. I so admire your positive attitude and desire to do everything in your power to get the most out of your lives. Sending love to the both.
It's always very sad to hear another sufferer has lost the battle against this cruel condition.
We are all striving to defeat the threat and your dad was one who did it with strength and dignity with family and friends support, we could ask for no more.
I am sure he is proud of how everyone helped him get through each day and it's a testament to your love and caring it was a 12 year battle.
Be strong and enjoy every moment you have for youself to celebrate life.
Hi Paul and Sue, thank you for your lovely words. It helps to know that others really understand about MSA and the turmoil it can create in someone's life.
I know that you are having your own challenges and send lots of love and strength to you both.
It is so important as you say, to get the most out of each day.
Condolences on the sad loss of your dad to you and your mum. No words can help at this time but knowing your friends are grieving with and supporting you may help a little. You have been a tower of strength for so many of us on this site, it’s our turn now to support you.
May your dear dad rest in peace and you and your mum find the strength you need right now. God Bless xx
Helen, I can only echo all the messages that you have already received. I have always found your posts and replys so very helpful. Best wishes to you and your mum. xxx Jan and Alan
Thank you so much for your kind words. It is so comforting to know that people really understand and care.
Love to you both.
Helen xx
Helen I'm so sorry about your news. I support everything that has been said above. I've felt a real solidarity with your posts, with my dad being quite advanced now. You have all of us on here, if you need anything :). Kxx
Thank you. I have such empathy for those who have the condition and those who are caring for them. It takes great strength and fortitude. Sending love to you and your dad. Helen xx
Thank you so much for thinking of me Bea, especially when you are having your own problems trying to sort out access to your accommodation. I will be in touch. Helen xx
My condolences on your father's passing. He is at peace now and I will pray for you and your Mum to find solace in the memories you have of your Dad.
I thank you for sharing your insights and have followed your posts as this is still fairly new to me in being a caregiver to my husband. Your words of wisdom and forthrightness have been immeasurable in helping to come to grips with this disease.
What a lovely picture of your parents. Your dad was obviously so loved and you have been such a support.
I dip in and out of this site - sometimes I find it all consuming and other times I can’t bare to read the struggles everyone has with this awful disease. But I have seen the support you have offered to people facing unimaginable difficulties and I thank you. You have shown immense kindness and compassion to people on here I guess you will never meet.
Thanks again and my sincere condolences on losing your dad. Take care of yourself Helen
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