Send to KindleHey BGB’ers.
Some of you may have heard by now, others may not have, so this is why I am writing this post. Not too long ago my dad was diagnosed with throat cancer.
On July 1st, he went in for a radical tonsillectomy surgery. It should have been an outpatient procedure. He ended up staying a couple extra days to make sure he was swallowing OK.
They said everything looked great, despite some swallowing issues and some issues with throwing up phlegm for several hours in a row, which they said was “normal”.
Sunday eve he was getting ready to be released, the vomiting had stopped, and he managed to get some Ensure down.
Very suddenly, he started bleeding from a couple arteries in his throat. He began to vomit blood, and quickly went into cardiac arrest. He coded for 20-25 minutes, without oxygen to his brain which resulted in multiple strokes.
They managed to bring him back, slow down the bleeding and rush him to emergency surgery. He was in surgery for several hours, came through it like a champ. He fought hard.
However once out, he was in a coma and the docs tried to tell us there would be no hope of him waking, after just four days.
We decided that he fought that hard, that far, so we were going to keep him on life support, give him more time and proceed with some plans for an experimental treatment for brain damage.
Friday morning, July 8th he went through a minor surgery to insert a trach tube. He did great, no problems. They took him back up to ICU and from there suddenly his oxygen levels dropped. Then his BP dropped. And then he coded again. They worked to bring him back for 10 minutes, but in the end they couldn’t.
He stopped fighting and left this world to join Jesus.
He put up a phenomenal fight, his will to live was strong and he had every intention of kicking cancer’s ass. However I think he knew what me and my brother had planned to try to bring him back to us and bring him out of the coma, and he didn’t want to put us through that.
He was a fighter but he was also wise and knew when to walk away, and that’s what he did. He’s gone now, but only temporarily… we’ll all see him again someday soon and in the meantime, I know he is happy and peaceful and looking down on us always.
R.I.P. Daddy, we’ll remember you always and try our best to smile when we think of you. We know you would want that.
BGB’ers thanks for all your support and loyalty, I will get back to posting for you guys soon. In the meantime you all know BGB is rich with archived content to keep you busy. Gratitude to you all for making BGB such a great blog community.
Warmest,
{ 129 comments… read them below or add one }
Sweet girl, I’ve been praying for you and your family. I’m so sorry you all had to go through such a difficult time. As a fellow Christian, I stand strong with you in the belief that you will one day be united with him. Until then, be comforted knowing that there is so much better than what we can imagine.
Sending love to you and your family.
Thx sweetie, I appreciate you.
He’s definitely in a better place now, smiling down on us for sure. We miss him though.
Cori, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Life can be so cruel, especially cancer, but I’m glad that your Dad is at peace and won’t ever have to suffer anymore. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family – God bless!
Thanks so much Suzi, it’s true… his death was sudden and unexpected, and I feel like it shouldn’t have happened… the events leading up to it were just not acceptable and someone needs to be held accountable.
Cori, hugs and prayers to you and your family. I am sorry for your loss and I agree with you, your dad is in a better place without suffering. God bless all of you. Take Care. Vanita
Thanks Vanita.
God bless, xo!
Oh, Cori–I am so sorry for you and your beloved family. Papa Wayne must have been proud to raise such a wonderful, intelligent, creative, and energetic young lady.
I can’t imagine what a tragic ordeal this was for everyone
.
Your picture of the two of you is just heartbreaking….
Continued prayers and positive vibes to you, your family, and your dear dad.
Take care, sweetie,
Love,
~Linda
Cori, offering you my deepest condolences regarding the passing of your Dad.
I’m praying for you and your family and offer the following quote from the Scriptures:
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the Voice of the Archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ” 1Thessolonians 4:16
You and your loved ones will re-unite one day soon in the clouds of Glory.
Peace and blessings,
John
Thanks John, so much. And Amen, I will see him someday again for sure.
Cori –
I’m sorry to hear that, my father passed away in 2000 from lung cancer, worst time of my life. I miss him terribly, cancer’s a nasty foe. There’s no words to be said other than sorry for your loss, Cori.
Aw sorry to hear that James… cancer is abominable and it’s taking the lives of so many people all around us. So sad..
So sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Thx hun, appreciate it.
Wayne Padgett- R.I.P. Daddy, See You on the Other Side… http://tribr.it/ohyxk via @BigGirlBranding
Wayne Padgett- R.I.P. Daddy, See You on the Other Side… http://tribr.it/z28oq via @BigGirlBranding
Wayne Padgett- R.I.P. Daddy, See You on the Other Side… http://tribr.it/0dx8u via @BigGirlBranding
Wayne Padgett- R.I.P. Daddy, See You on the Other Side… http://tribr.it/l0x9z via @BigGirlBranding
Wayne Padgett- R.I.P. Daddy, See You on the Other Side… http://tribr.it/ahovz via @BigGirlBranding
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad, Cori. It is never easy to lose someone you love, but someone so young and so unexpectedly makes it harder to come to grips with. Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Thx Denise.. yes the sudden finality of it all makes it much harder, but I have faith in God that he had a plan and it’s not up to me to know it.
Hi Cori,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. My condolences to you and all of your family.
Best wishes,
Adrian
Thx sweetie, appreciate it.
Cori, I’m so very sorry for your loss – it’s so unfair to lose people so long before their time, and so suddenly. If there is anything at all that I can do to ease the burden, please just ask – in the meantime, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thx Danny, much appreciated. Doesn’t seem too fair does it? I’m trying not to dwell on that though, life isn’t meant for living with regrets.
Cori, I am so sorry for you and your family. You will be in my prayers.
Ty Fred, I appreciate it.
Hi Cori,
I’m really sorry for your loss. Those who face such experiences becomes more stronger, the strength to carry on just comes along. My condolences to you and your family. May you and your close ones get the strength to accept this painful fact, may a the divine intervention help you all see through this difficult time.
Thx so much George. I don’t know how much stronger I am for it, but I am most certainly wiser in the aftermath.
Dear Cori,
You are such an inspiration, your decision to see the situation the way you did is of strength and courage (I am sure your dad would be proud of you) I am really sorry for your loss, although we believe it is for the best, the emptiness we feel is unavoidable. Sending you some healing light to you and your family! Hugs! Manon
Aw thanks Manon.
My daddy was pretty proud already of both me and my brother from what we were told by his work buddies. But that doesn’t help much, we still miss him dearly, if not even more for learning what we now know about him, that we didn’t know before. Hmn.. hope that made sense. lol
Dear Cori,
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I completely understand what you’re going through as lost my dad is Sept. ’09. It’s hard to go through but, you’re right you will see him again. You are in my prayers.
So sorry to hear that Angela… it’s definitely not where I expected to be right now. But we’re getting through it!
Dearest Cori, I am so sorry so saddened by this story and wish you so much strength, my dear. I really don’t know what else to say except that you are in my thoughts and prayers as Angela says. You really are. My heart goes out to you. Take care and be strong.
Thx sweetie, I appreciate it. Big hugs to you, xo.
Wow Cori… OMG. I’m so sorry to hear that.
I wish you and your family all of the best.
*J
Thx sweetie, much appreciated. Xo!
Ahhh, Cori – my heart goes out to you.
Blessings,
Ana
Thx sweetie.. big hugs!
Hi Cori,
I’m only an occasional drop in here, but when I saw your post about your Dad just had to send my condolences. What an experience – but I’m so glad you had the opportunity to be there with him … sounds like your Dad was an awesome guy.
Hey Marquita! Thanks for dropping by and reaching out.
Yes, Dad was awesome. Flawed as we all are, but a great pappy.
So sorry sweetie, at least you don’t have to wallow in tears. I know it hurts but I know you’re proud because he did what he has to.
Thx Keisha.
He did and I am.. I miss him every day though.
So sweet … best of luck…!!
Thx hun.
I’ve been reading your site for a while now and never felt the urge to post.
I am very sorry for your loss, i know what its like to lose a loved one. I hope your doing ok.
Aw thanks Jenny! I appreciate the condolences and that you came out of hiding.
Hope to see you around more often. Yes, I’m doing OK.. hanging in there and taking things day by day. xo!
Cori,
I just read your article at Copyblogger on finding your own voice (nice job) and decided to come to your site and read the post about your father’s death. Having lost mine 7 years ago, I hope you’re doing okay.
May I send you a gift copy of my Grief Support Program?
Just send me an address and it will be there shortly – no strings, no promo.
Sincerely,
tim
Hey Tim.. thanks for the kind words.
I’m hanging in there, it’s been a difficult couple of months. I would love to receive a copy of your grief support program.. did you email me on this? It seems I vaguely remember an email somewhere, but I can’t find it, and email has been a blur lately. If you did/didn’t, shoot me a note at coripadgett at gmail and I’ll send you the required details needed. If you did and I didn’t respond, so sorry.. :-/ I’m swimming in email and comments!
Hi Cori — just wanted to once again extend my condolences for the loss of your Dad.
While our friendship is a long distance one, from the loving tribute that you wrote in memory of him, I know that he was a strong influence in your life to make you the intelligent, funny and giving woman that you are.
I’m sure that he is proud of the woman that you’ve become.
Marian.
Aww thanks so much for dropping by Marian! BIG hugs to you lady. He was definitely an influence in me.
May his soul rest in peace. I’m sorry with whatever happened and you can just accpet and not do anything else. This incident reminds me of my father, when i lost him when i was very small
Aw thanks Martin. I’m sorry for your loss as well, it was likely hard growing up without him.
I feel very sorry for what has happened Cori. Very Very sorry. Let your dad rest in peace. God bless you.
Thanks Nikki. He’s where he belongs now.
Cory,
I just found your website (a suggestion from my wife) and came across this heartrending post. I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s death. Though you may find the title of the post below a bit jarring, I’m offering it in hopes you might find some comfort in it. I’m a physician and deal with both sudden and slow deaths of patients far more frequently than I want. Neither is easy.
http://www.happinessinthisworld.com/2009/08/09/only-three-ways-to-die/
Hey Alex, thanks. Appreciate the link, I will definitely give it a read.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sounds like he was quite the fighter, and I hope that you & your family are well. Hang in there.
He was.. we’re hanging tough.
Been a rough couple of months, but finally settling down a bit.
It’s saddening to read a post like this, and I believe that he lived a beautiful life. It’s been two moths, we do hope you’re okay. We look forward to hear from you anytime soon.
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Thx Eden.. hanging in there. It’s been a rough two months, but slowly getting back to normal.
I bump into your website and I couldn’t I keep my eyes from looking at the picture of this guy with all smile. Then it struck me as you continued to tell the story on how it happened. I am so happy to know of your dad’s courage as well as you and your family. I have lost my mom and feeling this kind of a loss still hurts me even until now yet you are right i will get to see here someday it may be a bit difficult still for me but I am happy. Your website looks great and also your good at what you do for sure your Dad is super proud as well of you.
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Aw thanks Charles!
So sorry to hear about your mom. It is definitely hard, but I know he’s in a better place now and livin’ it up.
Oh Cori, I am so sorry for your loss. However, as you said, he is now with Jesus where there’s no more pain, suffering and fighting for his life.
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Thanks sweetie.. that he is. I’m sure he’s having a great time with his dad and my grandpa.
Wow, that is so heartbreaking. Even the strong ones get to a point where fighting is no longer an option. I’m sorry you lost your father. He is in a better place now and after all that pain and fighting, it’s where he needs to be.
I’m sorry.
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Cori, sorry for your loss dear, I have been busy and didn’t check your blog since some time.
Please, do let me know if there is anything I can do!
Hey sweetie, thank you. I’m doing OK, slowly getting back into a normal routine.
Xo!
Came to know your site through a link on liveyourlegend.net. Ran into this article while cruising around. Learned that you’re quite remarkable and have a great way with words. God bless you Cori.
Aw thanks Len.
Appreciate you dropping by and reaching out. God bless you as well!
Cori… I swung by from Tweetdeck to have a closer look at your site and stumbled onto this… It tore my heart apart, I’m so very sorry for your terrible loss… Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences…
Aw thanks Alex. I appreciate you dropping in and offering condolences. It was a tough experience, but we’re getting through it.
Cancer is such a cruel disease and I know how hard it is to see someone suffering from it because my grandpa also died because of the same kind of cancer. I hope by now you are much better and just think that your Dad is happy and peaceful with Jesus.
Be strong and God Bless
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Hey Andy, so sorry to hear about your Grandpa. I am doing better now, but still miss him every day. But I know he’s happy where he’s at and I’ll see him again before I know it.
My heart goes out to you. You have the right attitude. I just recently lost my daughter and I know we will see the ones we love and have lost soon! Love to you.
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Hey Kelli.. so sorry to hear about your daughter! That must be horrible, I couldn’t imagine losing one of my boys. My heart would break. But it’s true, we’ll see them again someday and I’d hope that would give me enough comfort to get through something like that, as it has with getting through the loss of my dad. Thanks so much for stopping by and reaching out. Hugs!
So sorry to hear about your dad. What a fighter. R.I.P Wayne. xxx Sending hugs to you all the way from South Africa.
Hey luv, ty. He was a BIG fighter, tough as nails.
Hugs back!
Sorry to hear about your dad. my heart goes out to you.
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Thanks Reshhia, I appreciate your condolences.
I just found your site, and really am at a loss except to say how sad for your loss. I can’t imagine what my kids would do or say in this case, but you really bring peace and dignity by bringing this out in your blog. I’m sure your dad is very proud of you! Oh, btw…I will be back to read more, of course. Great writing is hard to find
Aw thanks Derek! I appreciate the kind words and you reaching out. My Dad is happy now where he belongs, and I know I’ll see him someday soon!
Sorry to hear about your daddy.
Thanks hun, appreciate that.
I empathized with you and your family. Though, I never experienced having my dad on my side and see him as I grew up I completely understand how you feel on losing someone special on your life. You had the most wonderful tribute to your dad and I know that your dad also agrees with me.:)
Aw thanks Joanne. I imagine it’s tough growing up without a parent, so I am lucky that I have had both prominently in my life. Look to God as your Father though and he will help guide you on the right path in your life.
I’m sorry for your loss Cori. My heart really goes out to you. Recently I lost a friend due to Cancer too and I can feel your pain. My the Lord give you and your family strength.
Frank @ solar power for the home
Thanks so much Frank. God gives me strength every day. I pray he sees you through as well hun.
Wow, Cori, such an uplifting and touching tribute to your dad…it’s really something to see you at this place in your heart, and I can’t believe I found it, having just lost my kids a few months ago.
Aw thanks David. I’m so sorry for your loss as well, I can’t imagine losing a child. It’s hard enough losing a parent! My boys are my life, I’m not sure I’d be able to function if anything ever happened to them. Stay strong and look to God- he sees me through everything!
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad, Cori. It is never easy to lose someone you love, but don’t worry he is now on the peaceful place.
Your Dad must have been so proud of you. Glad I found your blog today.
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Thanks Brian, hope you enjoy BGB.
What a loving tribute Cori Padgett. I’m so sorry that your Dad and you had to go through this, but so proud of the way you both dealt with it. I know your Dad would be proud of you.
Thanks Kay.. I hope so!
I know he’s in a better place now, and that makes things a little easier.
Big loss!!
He will support your every act from other side!!!
That he does!
For sure, it makes your dad feel great after knowing that he is leaving his daughter in a good condition. I could indicate that you really love your father that much cause of this article. He is proud of you. There really are obstacles in our way.
Thanks Vanz!
I’m sorry for the lost of your dad. All we have to do when we lost someone is to move on and be happy. Be blessed!
Thanks for sharing your story about your dad. It’s not a easy way to go but you must remember his at a better place now without any pain. God knows the best.
Agreed… God had a plan, and I know my Dad is happy where he is now… thanks.
What a great story of your life you have. I do also have a close relationship with my Papa, my father, and having him by my side is one of the great things I have been thankful about.
But since your father is now on the other side, always remember that you are still his baby and he will guide you all the way until you say goodbye to this world and meet him again. =)
Thanks hun.. I know he’s with me every day.
So sorry for your loss Cori. Your father sounded like a fighter. You must be one proud daughter. My condolences to you and your family.
Thanks Tim.. a fighter he was!
Appreciate your condolences.
I am sorry to this result and please be blessed. I really understand this pain when loss our family, but the best method of memory is keeping happy and living our life well.
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Thanks Sophia..that’s my goal!
Really sorry for your loss. I know the holidays can be especially difficult. Will say a prayer for your family.
Thanks Dave, I appreciate it.
I know how it feel we lost our father. I have lost my father 3 years back. But the ultimate truth of this world is “once you born, you have to die”. I hope you will be able to back in normal life quickly.
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Very true. Our time here is limited, but I know I’ll see him again someday!
great blog, i loved your story about your dad.really sorry to hear of your loss, take care mate!
oh i really feel for you, am so sorry for your loss, hope christmas wont be too awful for you, take care guys
Thanks hun, we’re dealing!
Sorry for your loss, I’m the same age myself and can’t imagine what my kids would go through if I was gone. You really do a justice by honoring his memory this way, he would be proud I’m sure. If you believe in the after life he is looking down and smiling I’m sure. Keep up this wonderful blog, and I wish you all the best…
Thanks Doug! It’s been tough, but getting easier.
And I know he’s smiling wherever he is!
Hi Biggirlbranding! my brother in-law succumbed to cancer last 2007 and he was only 27 years old. When his illness is discovered he is already on stage 4 and the doctor told him that he only have 100 days to live. This brother of law of mine has been in and out of the city jail because he wants to live like 2pac. When He discovered he had only 100 days to live He chose to give it all to the Lord. He accepted Jesus as his savior and is eager to meet the Lord in heaven. I am just shring it to the netizens that change is not to late. Thanks and Advance Happy new Year and more power to biggirlbranding.com
I’m so sorry for your loss. This is the saddest story I’ve read this year. May he rest in peace. XOXOXO
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Hi Cori, I am really so sorry for your loss; I can’t even imagine how life would be without my parents! You have my heartfelt condolences.
Also, it is really so shocking and sad to see people passing away so early. Your Dad was just shy of 53 years! Also when I read through some of the comments that others have posted, it is practically impossible for me to even fathom that people actually die so young, that too in America.
I am an Indian – in India, and my Dad and Mom are 62 and 56 respectively, and by the grace of God / luck / destiny, in the PINK of health. And as hard as you may find it to believe, there is NO ONE in my entire circle of close friends and immediate relatives who has ever had anyone dying so young from cancer or even being diagnosed with it.
I just find it astonishingly unbelievable that a country as big and powerful as the US is unable / unwilling to invest adequately on health care and cancer research in order to at least ensure life spans of 70+, irrespective of cancer diagnosis, and no matter what stage at which cancer is diagnosed.
Ideally, it is cancer as an affliction which needs to be done away with – completely, and sadly, there doesn’t seem to be even a small step taken in that direction.
It is just so, so, sad.
Hey Vikram.. thanks so much for your condolences. Yes cancer is definitely a plague on humanity. I’m dumbfounded as well that it hasn’t yet been eradicated and can only chalk it up to Big Pharma and the fact that healthy people simply aren’t good business for them. :-/ Very sad indeed. My Dad didn’t smoke or drink, yet he had a very aggressive cancer that because of an unexpected outcome of surgery, ultimately took his life. God bless you and your own parents. May they never have to experience something like cancer in their lives.
Warmest
C
I’m really sorry to hear about this. I know how it feels like. Well, i am grateful that i still have my dad even though he’s too weak right now due to his illness but I also lost my grandmother last year which is really hard for me to accept.
I grew up with my grandma and It’s just too hard for me to accept the dact that she’s gone. However, due to the comfort provided by my friends and relatives, i managed to accept the fact that she’s now in heaven and she’s happy now on where she is.
Cheer up my friend and I’m sure everything will fall back into place again.
Thanks Alex.. sorry to hear about your Grandma I’m close with mine as well. But life goes on and we all adapt eh?
Thanks for reaching out.
C
Cori, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Daddy is in a better place, and I even said a prayer for you to deal with challenge. God answers in weird ways, and this is my weird way. God Bless !
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Very sorry for your loss. It can be hard to deal with the death of a loved one. Sounds like your father was a real fighter though. Now he’s fighting on different and better grounds.
Sorry to hear about the loss! Great way to give him a goodbye speech! Sounds like he was a fighter! At least he’s now in a better place, rather than pain.
Keep up with the great blog posts!
Thanks so much Charles! Yes, my Daddy was definitely a fighter, and I’m certain he’s in a place of honor among God’s Army now.
ps- It’s funny you blog about Dubai… my husband keeps saying he wants to go there someday! lol