My dad

[Hellebelle]

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

[Keycode]

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.

Kathryn x

[Hellebelle in reply to Keycode]

Thank you so much for you kind words, they are very comforting.

Sending you love.

Helen xx

[Kiwimagic in reply to Hellebelle]

As yours were to me and my family, eternally grateful. #msafamilytogetherwewillbeatthis

[Kiwimagic]

Hellebelle

May your dad rest in peace.

Another MSA warrior gone to their rest.

Condolences to you and your family.

My parents too have been together since they were 15. 😢

Hope in time you will be able to smile and think of the happy memories you shared with your dad.

For now take each minute of the day and be kind to yourself.

Praying for you all x x

What a sad few months for members of this community ......

To all those still living with MSA and those caring for loved ones stay strong ...... one day we will beat this BEAST of a disease 🙏🙏🙏

[Hellebelle in reply to Kiwimagic]

Thank you for this. I too hope with all my heart that this disease can be stopped in it's tracks as it is truly devastating in its relentless journey.

Helen xx

[TK-67]

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

[Hellebelle]

Thank you for your lovely post. I have felt so supported through this site.

Sending love to you and your family

Helen xx

[Diane831]

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.

Diane

[Hellebelle in reply to Diane831]

Thank you Diane, just taking each day as it comes and supporting mum, who is lost without dad. We have so many happy memories to sustain us.

[Janeyl]

So sorry to hear this, Helen. Sincere condolences to you and your family.

[Hellebelle in reply to Janeyl]

Thank you Janey. xx

[chester2107]

so sorry ❤️❤️xx

[Hellebelle in reply to chester2107]

Thank you Chester xx

[Yanno]

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

[Hellebelle in reply to Yanno]

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.

Helen xx

[Hidden]

So sorry Helen so sad. What a beautiful post x

[Hellebelle in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. I love that picture as it really conveys the love my parents had for each other right up until the end.

Helen xx

[Paul_and_Sue_Wood]

Helen

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.

Paul and Sue

[Hellebelle in reply to Paul_and_Sue_Wood]

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.

Helen xx

[ZoeSweet7]

Thoughts are with you all. Xxxxxx

[Hellebelle in reply to ZoeSweet7]

Thank you Zoe for replying when I know you are in the midst of your own grief. Our lovely dads are both now at peace. Helen xx

[ZoeSweet7 in reply to Hellebelle]

Within 2 days of each other 😞😞😞 absolutely dreadful isn’t it xxx

[Hellebelle in reply to ZoeSweet7]

It is like double grief for the suffering they went through and the lost healthy years as well as their death. Thinking of you.💕

[ChocolatePot]

so sorry to hear that. Thinking of you and your family <<<hugs>>>

[Hellebelle in reply to ChocolatePot]

With many thanks. Helen x

[Madauntie]

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

[Hellebelle in reply to Madauntie]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I will remain on the site to pass on any insights/knowledge I might have to benefit others. Helen xx

[Spookytookey]

So sorry for your loss. Xx

[Hellebelle in reply to Spookytookey]

Thank you for your thoughts. Helen xx

[Daleston10]

So sorry for your loss deep condolences 💜💜

[Hellebelle in reply to Daleston10]

Thank you for your thoughts. Helen x

[FredaE]

so sorry to hear your news. Such a hideous disease and such a mixture of sorow and relief. i shall be thinking of you.

FredaE

[Hellebelle in reply to FredaE]

Thank you so much Freda. Thank you for all your wise words over the years.

Helen xx

[Tusker1953]

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

[Hellebelle in reply to Tusker1953]

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

[Hidden]

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

[Hellebelle in reply to Hidden]

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

[Bea6]

I’m so very sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and your family much love Bea xx

[Hellebelle]

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

[VJay62]

Sorry to hear your news. I don't post much but always read the forum and your posts are always helpful. x

[Hellebelle in reply to VJay62]

Thank you for your post and thinking of me. Helen x

[LaCrosse87]

My condolences to you. Your father sounded like an amazing person. Please take care of yourself. Sending hugs.

[Hellebelle in reply to LaCrosse87]

Thank you so much. My father was amazing and we feel so lost without him. Helen xx

[heysunshine]

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.

Peace to you and your family.

xoxo

[Hellebelle in reply to heysunshine]

Thank you for your message. It is so comforting to know that people on this site really understand about this condition.

Sending you lots of love and strength.

[Rafaina]

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

Clare x

[Hellebelle]

Thank you so much for those kind words. I just feel that I would like to help in any way I can after seeing how this condition affects people.

Sending you lots of love and strength.

Helen xx