When Daddy Died..

 

ELISEO ARQUIZA CASIÑO

BORN: JUNE 14,1953

DIED: MARCH 17, 2011

 TIME OF DEATH: 6:40 AM

We have been preparing ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually for 2 years. No one knows the exact date and time our Dad will pass away. All we know is that we should all be prepared. We have seen how cruel Cancer is. It really made our Dad suffer until he died. He was in pain and all he could do was to  cry  for help. All of us were asking and begging God to take him away from us so he will not be in pain anymore. We can't afford to see our father suffer like that. Our Dad told everyone that he was ready to die. But one day, we heard him saying that he didn't want to. He was telling me that he wasn't ready yet and that he wanted to be with us longer. That was just about 2 or 3 days before he died. I told him that my sisters, our Mom and  his brothers and sisters have already surrendered him to our Dear Lord. I told him not to worry about us anymore. After telling him that, his face was more at peace, maybe he was not worrying too much because I made sure that we will keep each other safe if he's already gone.

March 17, 2011

4:00 AM - I woke up early to list the things we will be needing in case the time comes that our Daddy is finally summoned by our Dear God. For the past 2-3 days his face exhibited that death is near. I made the list so I won't panic when that day comes, I never knew that this will be the day.

5:00 AM - I assisted Seo to the comfort room. I was staring at Daddy's diaphragm and shoulders to check if he was still breathing. He was sleeping soundly. He was occupying the dining room by the way, he didn't like the room where he was staying because it's not well ventilated so he asked us to transfer him to the dining area. We transformed the dining room into a hospital room complete with hospital bed, oxygen tank and medical supplies. I went upstairs again to continue writing down things to buy and prepare. The only part that we were all sure of was that there will be a 2-day wake here in Xevera Church and another 2 days in QC and he'll be buried in Manila Memorial Park, Holy Cross. That's what he wanted us to do.

6:00 AM - Rye and I went downstairs to prepare for his 8:00 exam. I then again checked if Daddy was still breathing. Yes, he was still breathing properly even without his oxygen. For the past 2-3 months, my Dad was almost 24-hour awake. I don't know the exact reason up to now why he was not sleeping. But I remember one time he was telling us that he didn't want to sleep because he was afraid he will not wake up anymore. We tried giving Nubain, Morphine, Valium, Promethazine..but nothing worked! Exaggerated, but really! All didn't work!

6:30 AM - I stepped out of the house to listen to my neighbors' stories. I was intrigued by their laughters.

6:35 AM - Jay, Dad's caregiver called me. He said " Ate! " His facial expression told me that there is something going on. I hurriedly went inside the house and saw him gasping for air. I sat beside him and held his hand. I thoroughly examined his breathing pattern, it's then that I told myself....it's time. I took his blood pressure and almost can't hear any thing. No I did not panic, I was fully aware what to do next. I have imagined that this would happen. I asked them to call Karla. When she saw Daddy was dying, she  can't stop her tears anymore. I was touching and stroking his arms, legs and chest  when he was on his last breath and while doing so I was telling him: " Dy,  mahal na mahal ka namin, sorry sa mga kasalanan namin sayo.."  over and over again. I continued holding my Dad's hand asking him if he could wait a little more. I was telling him: "Sandali na lang Dy parating na si Ate.. hintayin mo na si Ate.." I called my Ate right away. I was crying when I told her that our Daddy is dying. I told her to hurry for she might not be able to see Daddy alive. I told Ate to talk to Daddy over the phone, and she was telling him that she's on her way. She said: " Hintayin mo ako Dy! Parating na ako!" I called Mommy after that. I said: "Ma, eto na..." My tears kept falling down my cheeks. I was crying aloud. Mom was able to talk to Daddy. She told him: " Sige na Dad pahinga ka na.. I love you Dad..mahal na mahal kita.. "  I couldn't fight back the tears because I can hear that my Mom was crying hard. And while he was listening to my Mom's voice, he died..

Daddy died at exactly 6:40 in the morning. I was glad that I was able to hold his hand and even talk to him before he passed away. 

We would like to thank everyone who sent their sincere condolences to our family. Thank you for sharing your life as a friend, brother, sister with our father. 

And to you Daddy, don't worry about us anymore. We promise to keep each other safe. Be happy with all the angels there. You've been a great father to us. Thank you for the love, care, guidance and support you have bestowed upon us. You are now with our Dear Jesus, that's why we are all happy. I am sorry for the wrong things I have done to you and to Mom and sorry if  I  offended you in any way. See you then... Guide us specially your grandchildren from above. We are blessed to have you as our Dad. We know you're now in the safest place with our Creator. Be happy. We love you!