My poor Father passed away Sunday 16th at 12.15pm GMT - sorry, a little long...

[Spanish Teckels]

just wanted to let you know and thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and support which have meant so much to me during this horrible time and have helped my family so much too.

The new car didn´t arrive in time, I ended up flying back again on my own and was able to be with him and stroke his head and hand until he stopped breathing Sunday lunchtime.  My Mum and sister were with me and at least the last two days were peaceful.  He had an agonizing last 6 weeks, they never got on top of his pain and he was almost unrecognizable as my Father in the end.  Absolute torture for him and he was the kindest, most gentlemanly, loving and thoughful man you could ever wish to come across, who never hurt anyone and couldnñt have been more gentle.  We are so angry he had to suffer so much before he could pass over.  I´m just grateful he is. at last, able to rest in peace and leave the pain behind.

Our car arrived in Spain today and will be released from customs tomorrow and licensed, plated etc for us to collect on Friday.  We´ll be taking a new route to the UK driving from Altea to Santander to get the ferry to Portsmouth then drive up the country to get home.  20 hours ferry is not a nice idea - Red and Islay have to stay in a kennel on the top deck, but we can go to them and take them on deck for breaks - but the driving is cut to just 11 hours in Spain and 6 or so in the UK, better than 4 x  16 hour day drives through France! 

We´ll hold the funeral next Thursday 27th July at 11am GMT so it´s guaranteed that Miguel and I can be there.  We´re going to try to close our studio for a few weeks so we can be with my Mum till the end of August to help her over the first hurdles.

So, dearest friends, thank you so very, very much for your thoughts, prayers and support.  What a special group of people you are, united in love of our dachsies and teckels, I´m very grateful for your caring.

Will be in touch when we return sometime,
´bye for now,
Andrea & Miguel
Red & Islay

[DeeanDave]

Our hearts ache with you.  It is hard to lose someone you love so much but know that your Father is now pain free and watching over you and your family.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  We send hugs to you and yours during this time.  You are in our hearts and remember, we are all here for you.  Godspeed to your father. 

Hugs,
Dee, Dave, Sarge & Looie

[TerriL]

Andrea,
My sincerest condolances to you and your family.  I lost my dad to cancer five years ago and it is so terribly difficult at the end. 
Know that now, his pain and suffering are over.  What a blessing it is that you were able to be there to hold his hand and give him comfort as he ended this journey and began the next. 
You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Take care of yourself. 

[Barb]

Andrea and Miguel,
I am so sorry for your loss....but am grateful that your dad has finally found peace.  It is so hard to see them suffer - it makes you feel so helpless.  Your dad sounds like a wonderful man and we will be here when you are ready to tell stories of him.  I have no doubts that he will be watching over his family, who loved and suffered with him to the end.  He is pain free now.  I am so glad you were there for his last breath, and I am sure he knew it too.

Be strong - we are here for you -
Hugs to you all,
Barb

[Mike]

I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing.  How fortunate he was to have his family at his side to ease his journey.  May the pain soon pass so that the joy of his life be in your remembrance.

[Merion]

You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father.     We are sorry that they couldn't manage the pain and make him more comfortable..  You will all be in our prayers  .
Merion & the ZZ's

[Sandishooligans]

My deepest sympathy to you.  This is such a difficult time, I know.  Please know you are in my thoughts.

[Teresa]

My sympathies are with you in the passing of your father. I'm glad the last two days were peaceful, at least, but hate that the 6 weeks before were so bad. At least now you can be comforted by the fact you know he is at peace and out of pain.
You will be in my prayers as you are traveling and going through the service and helping your mom. When it gets too tough to bear, try to remember the good times. At least you will have the doxies there with you for comfort. They always seem to know when an extra cuddle or kiss is needed. Take care of yourselves.

[Beth]

I am so sorry for your loss.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Andrea I am SO sorry. I know it is a blessing your dear Father is out of his awful suffering but I will never understand why there has to be suffering in the first place. It sounds like he was a truly wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I am so sorry.

[Ruth in MT]

I am sorry for your loss.

[Nikki]

My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I can understand what you must be going thru.