Posted on 05/20/2016 8:50:01 AM PDT by null and void
Mary Litwin.....Hey guys. Steve and Gerry and I met with the Social Services Doc at Flagler today, and she was so kind. It could have been a very difficult conversation, but that old fart know's his own mind, as well as anyone within listening distance all the time. The doctors agree that there is no chance that continued Life Support will get him any closer to ever coming off of the mechanically controlled assistance to live his life the way he wants to.They have assured me that he is not aware of what he is going through.
Today, I signed the papers to take him off of all forms of support. They will not be acted upon until his brother Ed can get there Saturday morning to say goodbye. If anyone wants to see him before then, I've instructed them to not limit visitation to just Family. He's the guy that taught me that Family is not solely based on a blood relationship. He is in MICU room 3057. When we let him go on Saturday, he will have his favorite camera with him. I'd take his cat and his guns too, but I think that would cause a level of drama that would seriously upset the natives, and while it would amuse the hell out of him, I don't think the rest of us would fare as well. That's one mean damned cat, just saying.
I want for him to wake up tomorrow, rip the tube out of his throat, and say "Go get me a burger and a chocolate shake. The food here sucks."
Yes, I am trying to add some levity to a really crappy situation. If you don't know my Daddy, it may seem flippant. I can assure you that it is not. My Army Drill Sarge was by no means the first person to ever tell me to "Suck it up, Buttercup. Drive On."
I will be posting this on his FB wall as well, so forgive me if you have to read it twice. Love to All.......this is from Mary Litwin Bob's daughter
oh man..
tears running down my cheeks.
Prayers to all
He had his camera in hand at the very end. Somehow I find this comforting.
I am so, so sad to learn this news. Along with so many others, I was praying for dear SWAMPSNIPER as well, and hoping for the best.
I will miss his wonderful photos, and his witty posts as well. Farewell, and God Bless You, FRiend... Rest in Peace.
Prayers for the repose of SWAMPSNIPER's soul, and for his family and friends...
Oh no...this is indeed some sad news...God needed him Home..RIP FRIEND!!!
Oh my! RIP! I didn’t know!
My prayers go out to Swampsniper and his family. Too many heroes now walk with God.
Farewell Fellow Freeper RIP
So sad!! Life has kept me away from FR, but I am so saddened to hear this.
God bless his family for taking such good care of him...
I join you, my FRiend, in your prayer and in your sentiments.
Sad update from his daughter:
June 1 at 10:22pm · St. Johns, FL ·
Home for a little bit. Needed a bath and a break. After lengthy discussion and consideration with Daddy’s Doctors, it was agreed that the circumstances that would allow him to remain on life support under the strict directions he has given to me are no longer present. On 2.5 liters of oxygen, his blood oxygen levels remain at about 65. This will not improve. He cannot in any way have a functional life at this level.
Based on this, we took him off of artificial life support today at 2pm. He is sedated and resting quietly. His favorite camera is beside him, along with his “Don’t Tread On Me” flag.
I know that he wanted to die at home, but I can’t give him that.
He is at the Flagler Community Hospice Center in room 710, and these people are WONDERFUL..
We have spoken with a Cremation Service that will take care of everything for us for $800. We’ll find a way to cover it.
In a month or so, once the dust has settled, there will be a Memorial Service. Details will follow. Done all the Reality that I can handle for one day.
Love you all!
Yesterday (June 2) at 6:47am · St. Johns, FL ·
He’s gone, guys. Did not suffer and went with his camera in his hand.
He had his camera in hand at the very end. Somehow I find this comforting.
We’ll miss you, FRiend.
RIP.
BTTT
Prayers for one of our greatest FReepers and his family and friends.
I’m so sorry. Swampsniper will be forever missed and loved. He was particularly dear to us on the FReepathon Team.
God rest his sweet soul.
I missed the ping and just now spotted this post.
Sad.....RIP Swampsniper, you will be remembered and missed.
Dan
If a remembrance fund is established, make sure all FReepers know about it. I want to help.
Amen to that. He was such a sweetheart.
I cannot promise to let every FReeper know, but I will ping everyone who has posted to this thread, and a courtesy copy to Mary.
More sad news even if a little late. SWAMPSNIPER passed away on June 2, 2016.
Check out # 322 .
Rest in Peace, dear SWAMPSNIPER. We will miss you, and your lovely photographs.
Nully, it’s very sad news that SWAMPSNIPER has passed away. His wit, his sincere friendliness and loyal friendship will be greatly missed. I always looked forward to seeing his new and awe-inspiring photos and I still enjoy looking at photos he posted in the past.
Prayers for SWAMPSNIPER. Prayers also that God will bring comfort for his dear daughter, family and friends.
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