These days I find myself somewhat numb and the nights are so very difficult. My brother and I have had the night shift for the last two weeks. We would administer medicine, assist with the necessary bathroom duties but in the end it was really just watching/listening to Daddy breath and giving him his medicine. I would lay up on his hospital bed (we had one delivered here in his home) and snuggle him, praying over him or just talking to him knowing he could hear me but wasn't able to respond.
Our kids arrived on Saturday afternoon. It was Rylees 1st birthday and she flew all the way to Florida to be here and we had a birthday party that night ♥ she brings so much joy and laughter. Having my kids here and in my arms has been such a gift. My Nana decided to return home, so she flew back last Thursday. I asked my husband if he would please stay here~ that I just couldn't do this without him and he said he wouldn't be anywhere else but here with me. I was so thankful to have my husband here by my side when Daddy went to be with the Lord.
Our days are filled with memories and doing things "in honor" of Daddy ~ making fish tacos, having chips and salsa, putting up his new addition of Christmas lights....yes there is still room to add more :), eating at his favorite Sushi restaurant, spending time with his horses or riding in his truck where he rode just a few days ago. I am so thankful to be here ~ In his home filled with all things DAD ♥ and to be surrounded by family has been such a gift.
I also wanted to share my Daddy's obituary written by my brother. Again he has done a phenomenal job and honored dad in such an awesome way. I am so very proud of him.
Obituary: Douglas William Woods -- May 9, 1947 - Dec. 18, 2009
Douglas William Woods, of St. Augustine, passed away Dec. 18, 2009, at the age of 62.
He lost his life fighting a courageous battle against lung cancer. He was born in Joplin, Mo., on May 9, 1947, to Dorene and Robert Woods and is survived by his wife, Barbara Woods, of the home; his mother, Dorene Woods, of Carthage, Mo.; a daughter, Loren McGhee, and son, Tony Woods, both of Owasso, Okla.; a brother, Rob Woods, of Huntington Beach, Calif.; five grandchildren, Krista Hodge, of Bixby, Okla., Jenna and Jantzen McGhee, of Owasso, and Bailey and Britney Woods, of Owasso; one great-grandchild, Rylee Hodge, of Bixby; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Since January 2002, Doug held the position of chief information officer at EverBank Financial Corp. In this role, he managed more than 120 employees and successfully guided the financial corporation's technology infrastructure to handle its high growth during the past decade. His colleagues speak highly of his professionalism, devotion to his employees and passion for community outreach. During the last six months, he was an enthusiastic advocate for EverBank's Fast Path Program, which mentors at-risk teens in the Jacksonville inner city.
Doug handled his battle with lung cancer in the same manner in which he approached everything in his life: with courage, respect, unending kindness and unrelenting optimism. He never gave up. In the end, it was not cancer that beat him but pneumonia. When presented with treatment options, Doug's comment to his physicians was one of profound surprise that these options were no different from those presented to his father 25 years ago. If you would like to honor Doug's passing, please do so by contributing to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, whose mission is to support national research studies and activities focused on developing innovative strategies for better treatments, screening and prevention of all cancers of the lung. New knowledge gained by funding scientific and clinical research initiatives will lead to more positive outcomes and improved quality of life for all lung cancer patients.
To donate, with checks payable to Lung Cancer Research Foundation, write to Lung Cancer Research Foundation, 800 Third Ave. Fourth Floor, New York, N.Y. 10022
If you would like to pay your respects to Doug and his family, a gathering and funeral services will take place at Craig Funeral Home, 1475 Old Dixie Highway, St. Augustine, on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.
Later today we will be receiving Friends, Coworkers, Neighbors, and others who knew and loved my Daddy. It will be hard but yet wonderful hearing from so many how my Dad has impacted their lives and then on Tuesday will be the Funeral.
I love and appreciate you ALL so VERY VERY MUCH! Your prayers TRULY are carrying me each and every day. From the bottom of my heart..... THANK YOU
