My Father, My Friend

I have been away from blogging for a few weeks. My father and best friend passed away on March 20th. He was 79 years old. He was scheduled for a very routine gall bladder surgery, but never made it to the surgery. He had a massive heart attack, was revived and on a ventilator for three very long days. This was a very heartbreaking time for my family. I was with him at the hospital waiting for him to be taken to surgery. He was laughing and joking. He told me to go on home and just come back when he was in recovery. We had been at the hospital all morning, and it was going to be another two hours before they took him. This was at 3pm. I went on home and when the phone rang at 5pm, I thought it would be my Mom and Aunt telling me he was just going into surgery. Instead it was my mother crying and saying that Daddy was not breathing. Than my Aunt came on the line and said he was gone. I don't remember much after that. My dear husband said I screamed and passed out. When I came to I started throwing up. The phone rang again and it was my Aunt saying they had revived him and to come to the hospital immediately. This was the longest ride of my life. When I got there and saw him, I knew in my heart it was not good. For three days I sat with him, talked to him, held his hand, and kissed him. Unfortunately it was his time to go, and at noon on Saturday, March 20th we said our final goodbyes and Daddy went over the bridge. Just a few weeks before this, my husband and I were saying that we should be prepared, as our parents were nearing or in their 80's. I had no idea this would become a reality. It has hit me like a ton of bricks, but I have to be strong for my Mom and daughter. My parents would have been married 60 years in November, just 4 days before my Dad's 80th birthday. My dad was a wonderful man. He was raised on a farm, one of 12 kids. He was old-fashioned and he never ever met a stranger. He always had a smile and a joke for everyone. I never ever heard a harsh word from him my entire life. I have many many stories to tell about my Dad, but I am not ready yet. Hopefully I will be soon and can share them with everyone. Until than, go in peace Daddy and someday I will be with you again.

Norman E. Bolia

November 9, 1930 - March 20, 2010

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend

I will love you always.