Saying our last goodbye

As those close to us know, our father has been on hospice due to end stage heart failure, since April 12th. Our dad, George Chandler, was not a wealthy man in the monetary sense but we all know money isn’t the only way wealth can be defined. Our dad was one of the wealthiest men alive when it came to how much he loved his children, grand children, and his extended family. That love extended beyond his own blood relatives. In fact, some of those he held closest to his heart were his dear friends and his ex-wife’s family. In these last few months, George talked, in depth, with us about his final wishes. He was a very humble man that was full of pride and humility. He was stubborn and rarely, if ever, asked for (or even accepted) help from others. Because of these very positive attributes, Dad asked for very little. He, for YEARS, told his daughters he wanted to be cremated. Eventually, over the last several months, he expressed his wishes to have a small memorial service where his family and friends could gather to share happy memories of his life. He asked that his children take a trip, taking him (his ashes) along, to a specific stretch of highway in Maine and to drive along Route 66. These were 2 of his favorite highways to drive on. He asked that his daughters (specifically) continue to carry on his memory and share life stories with their children. Finally, he wanted to make sure his family didn’t struggle with the costs of his final services. 

Unfortunately, this was not something he was able to “take care of” prior to being placed on hospice. What little money he received from Social Security, he spent on general monthly expenses. If he had anything left over, he gave it to his family or those who needed it. We, his daughters, want to fulfill his final wishes. In a sense, we’ve been able to do that so far. He wanted to take one last road trip. We were able to do that last month (August) when we drove up to North Dakota to visit his in-laws to say our final goodbye to our grandma and he was able to reconnect with SO many loved ones. He asked that we NEVER send him to a nursing home so, his daughter drove to Texas to bring him back to Missouri where his daughters have been able to care for him in the comfort of “home” surrounded by his children and grandchildren. That being said, we need some help to pay for cremation services and to cover a small memorial service.  We, his daughters, are asking for donations in lieu of flowers. If you’d feel more comfortable sending a card or donations, please text/call/email Mary Sosoatu or Bev Araujo for information on where this can be sent.

At this point, Dad is still hanging on. He is in his final hours/days and we’re trying to prepare for what’s to come.

This is an extremely difficult time for us. Despite that, we’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude for all of your thoughts and prayers.