My daughter died at 1:30 yesterday. The Hospice called us about 12:30, saying that if we wanted to see her, we should come out. So we rolled out at around 1:00. Luckily, I had been to see her Saturday, because she had called me in the morning, asking us to come out. Her mom has a cold, so she thought it might not be too good to take it out there … I went alone. Just as well I did. It was a devil of a place to find, and if I had been under time pressure, I would have probably got to Minnesota before I was done. But this time, her mom came, too … cold or no cold.
Even knowing the way, it's a 2½-hour drive, so when we got there, she was gone. Her BF had been with her, though, so that's some comfort.
My heart is full of pain, and it will be some time before I can be relied upon to think coherently for any length of time. It has taken me about twenty minutes to type this, for instance. It will get better; I have been through death before, and it always does. That's cold comfort now, though.
Thank you all for the concern you have all shown for the past month … and right now, I think I'm going to put that bottle of single-malt, double cask Scots whiskey that my Scottish Lassie sent me to its proper use.
This is the view from what was her room, through a pair of French doors onto a patio. It was even more beautiful the day before, but I didn't shoot it then, and yesterday was windy. It carried off many leaves … and my baby girl.
This is the view across the highway after the hearse came for her. She never would have forgiven me if I hadn't shot it.
der Wandersmann 
PainterWoman
October 20, 2008 at 3:10 pm
DerWandersmann,I'm so sorry. My heart aches for you and your family for your loss. The photos are a fitting tribute. I wish there was something more I could say or do. Pam
PainterWoman
October 20, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Goodbye Dear DaughterI love youThe time came for you to goIt just shouldn’thave been so soon.How could this be that you went first.It’s nothow it usually goes. Daughter dear I love you.but now,you’ll rest in peace.No more painfor you dearfrom this thing that took you.Everyday I’ll think of youand remember your joy and tears.I’m glad you were my daughterand will relish the memories.Goodbye,sweet child of mine.You will always bein my heartmy little girl. I love you
derWandersmann
October 20, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Thank you.
Tabmartel
October 24, 2008 at 9:10 am
I'm so sorry- You are in my thoughts and prayers.If you need anything at all, you know where to find me.
PainterWoman
October 24, 2008 at 10:10 am
Same here.
derWandersmann
October 24, 2008 at 10:10 am
Thank you … I can use all the help I can get.
Tabmartel
October 24, 2008 at 10:10 am
I'm here if need me.
BitzyMe
October 24, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Oh damnnnnnn it ALL… I had no idea all this was going on.No words are in any way adequate… strong emotions which I cannot express.No more suffering .. she's home now.. back to where all begins.YOU need to take care of YOU Now. Pour out those feelings in your art where emotions are embeded so deeply.I offer my shoulder (sincerely) if you want to send me a message.Bitzy
derWandersmann
October 25, 2008 at 12:10 am
Thank you, all … I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity of responses … both here and elsewhere.
micahrayaills
October 25, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I'm really sorry for your loss. I can only imagine what you are going through…
frivoloamilano
October 26, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Really sorry.
greenwitch3
February 16, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Too late, but I am so so so sorry…I am so sad, so sad.
derWandersmann
February 16, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Thank you.
daxonmacs
February 22, 2009 at 2:02 am
A belated sorry for your loss as well. Cherish the good memories, that's what life is about in my opinion.
hughchips2006
March 14, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Very sorry to hear the bad news. Really sorry!