And God Named him FATHER

Phillip Everett Delgado, October 26, 1942 - September 22, 2009

"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."

~Clarence Budington Kelland

Today the beautiful man I have had the privilege of knowing as FATHER, DAD, DADDY, POP, PA, was welcomed into the loving arms of God, our Father Almighty. He left this earth into the gates of heaven at 7:17pm PST. Our grief is overwhelming at times, and other times we laugh or smile and remember the wonderful, wonderful man who touched the lives of so many.

His failing liver and kidneys finally gave out and his heart pumped its last beats. My mom and I were blessed to be in the hospital room with him when he passed. We were also blessed to have time with him and say the Rosary by his bedside. The nurses at Los Alamitos Urgent Care who took care of him in his final hours, as well as during his many hospital visits, were beyond remarkably caring~~what a blessing! A special outpour of love to Nurse Sharon, who held us tight when the end came.

We appreciate and FEEL all of your love and prayers! Memorials will be planned for California, Utah and Indiana, where some of his ashes will be scattered in the three places he loved so. The majority will remain with my mom in their home. Details will be provided here on this blog when we are able to focus, however we are thinking:

CA MEMORIAL: Saturday, October 3 1pm-1:45pm; Pacific Ocean Memorial where he spent his favorite days with the dogs on the sand. On Naples Peninsula at 72nd street and Ocean; Oceanside (not bayside). Where I used to live, at end of the Peninsula.

Reception immediately following at my home:

UT MEMORIAL: TBD, perhaps early November

INDIANA MEMORIAL & CHURCH SERVICE: Around his birthday, October 26. Details to follow....

Everyone who knew my father is undoubtedly better in some way for knowing his love and caring. A giver amongst givers. An angel amongst angels. I know the life he gave me and my mom is the best gift anyone could be given by God. God sent him to us and has now called him home, where he is no doubt picking out the perfect paint color, Christmas decoration ideas, and ideal landscaping to enhance Heaven. God is smiling, the angels are dancing, and we still feel his love.

September Blessings

Dad was taken to ER today and admitted to the hospital earlier this evening. Many tests being conducted to tackle where the source of the latest problems are stemming. He hasn't been able to keep food or liquids down for several days, thus he's hooked up to an IV to counteract the dehydration. His blood pressure is extremely low and he is having a difficult time getting warm, but soon he'll have more blankets piled on.

His ammonia levels are very high due to the iron that's being removed from his blood through the portable pump (the pump is administered by my mom every other day for 12 hour periods). This amounts to a host of other issues, but his spirits are decent.

We've been blessed in that he hasn't been in really pain this entire time. Unfortunately today is different so we're anxious for the test results to return so they can properly treat the pain (they are unable to do so until they know what is what).

My mom has been at the ER with him for a good nine hours and it's nice for him to see her when he wakes up from naps. I know he appreciates this, and Lord knows I feel blessed she is such an incredibly strong caregiver.

Extra special prayers tonight and this week are appreciated. We are counting our September blessings. Love to all....