ATTN: Mr. President

[East Coast Hustle]

My father held on to life far longer than he should have. He said on many occasions that if he hadn't been so interested in this election, hadn't been so intent on seeing whether this country had it in itself to overlook old prejudices and do what needed to be done, that he would have stopped bothering with meatspace long ago.

OK, he didn't actually say "meatspace", but you get the gist.

On saturday, he slipped into a coma. Occasional groans. Hand would twitch a bit when I took it in mine. Mouth would open slightly for the liquid morphine dispenser. Old friends came by for their last visits, hoping to elicit a ghost of a smile at the sound of their voices.

For three days I prayed to a god I don't believe in to not let him suffer needlessly and silently.

On tuesday evening, he started "blinking in" for a few seconds at a time. He'd turn his head slightly, eyes snapping into focus and staring at me intently. I raised the head of his bed enough so that if he were still seeing, he could see the TV. We sat their, his hand in mine, watching history unfold.

When they called Colorado and Iowa for you, when it was obvious that once the returns from California and Washington came in the final nail would be driven into a coffin filled with 8 years of greedy incompetence, I squeezed his hand and touched his face. "Hey Dad!", much louder than usual to try to get whatever attention he had left to give. His eyes came into focus. Hand squeezed mine back as he articulated a questioning sound.

I told him that you had won. His eyes lit up and his whole face relaxed for the first time in weeks. He looked directly at me and actually smiled.

"oh...that's GOOD."

And slipped back under.

A few hours later, he was gone.








Mr. President, you'd better not let us down.

[Eve]

I'm really sorry, ECH. 

[Kai]

*hugs*

[Adios]

ECH I am sorry for your loss.

[Payne]

Your father was a badass, and the world needs more badasses.

And yes, Mr. Teh President, do not turn out to be a cock.

[Manta Obscura]

I'm sorry about your loss, ECH. 

[Cramulus]

Sorry to hear about your dad, ECH
At least his final moments were spent without pain, surrounded by family and friends

[Cainad (dec.)]

Condolences, ECH.

And you're right, Obama better not fuck this up.

[Triple Zero]

ECH, sorry about your loss, but i'm also glad for you and your father that it's over,
and really happy that he died happy with his caring son by his side.

[Jenne]

*hugs*

[Dysfunctional Cunt]

ECH I am terribly sorry for your loss.  Losing a praent is really hard.  I'm sorry!  

[hooplala]

Fuck.  ECH, I'm beyond words right now.  I'm really glad your dad got to know about last night.

I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.

[Dr Goofy]

That is one of the most touching story's I have heard in a while.

Sorry about your loss man.

[The Good Reverend Roger]

Sorry to hear about your loss, ECH.

[Cain]

As you know, you have my condolences.

Here is to hope, and the fact your father knew something important to him had changed, before he passed away.