My Dad Wanted Me To Tell You

My dad and the family know why this is happening. He is suffering from heart failure. His heart is leaky and no longer has the ability to pump all the blood his body needs. It’s at a pretty advanced stage. His fragility means he’s not a candidate for treatment.

Father and son

I just got home from visiting family in Milwaukee. It was a whirlwind trip. Planned on Wednesday. Executed Thursday. It’s Sunday night and I’m home and in pajamas.

This was a great weekend for my dad. He’s living with my sister now. He had both his children, two of four grandchildren and all four great grandchildren. That’s a lot of family and it was perfect.

The little kids are little enough to be adorable no matter what they do. The big kids are now grownups–each of whom I like a lot. They all disappear when the Sun goes down.

My dad has gotten very weak. It has not affected this mental capacities. He can still tell jokes on demand. However, the mere act of walking a step or two leaves him gasping for air. He would rather eat soup because chewing is physically taxing.

My dad and the family know why this is happening. He is suffering from heart failure. His heart is leaky and no longer has the ability to pump all the blood his body needs. It’s at a pretty advanced stage. His fragility means he’s not a candidate for treatment.

My dad has chosen to be on hospice care. In his case he’ll continue to take his current medications and let the chips fall where they may. A hospice nurse will check on him, report back to his doctors, treat minor maladies and make sure he’s in no pain. At the moment he’s got the aches all 93 year olds have.

Living with my sister is excellent for my father. He likes the company. He’s eating regularly. There’s always family around. He is VERY happy.

My dad will go with no regrets. He told me so and I believe him. He is loved and cherished by us and pretty likable to everyone else. And he’s become an Internet luminary which he absolutely loves.

Please, don’t feel sorry for my dad. There’s no good way to go. That being said he has chosen the best way.

41 thoughts on “My Dad Wanted Me To Tell You”

  1. Geoff,
    I have followed your career at Channel 8(and beyond) & read many of your stories .Through your journal I have followed your father as well while I do not know him personally I do feel I know he has lived a life which is blessed. Even as his road is coming to an end continues to make his choices & is still very blessed.
    God Bless you, Harold!

  2. Geoff,
    I’m so sorry he has to suffer this. How wonderful that he was able to spend time with his beloved family. I’m writing you from the emergency room waiting room. My 97 year ikd mother was transported to the hospital with breathing problems. So I understand how you feel. Time is precious.

  3. Thank you for sharing with us, not just the information/update, but your dad. His smile is something I love seeing. He reminds me of my dad very much, whom I miss every day. I will continue to keep your dad along with you and your family in my prayers.

  4. Your dad will be in my prayers. I pray that when the time comes his passing is peaceful. Thank you Geoff for sharing your dad with us , he is such a beautiful person. You and your family are in my prayers also.

  5. Your Dad is an AMAZING man ! And the Apple didn’t fall far from the tree ! Thank you for this beautiful post….your love, respect and peaceful thoughts are well presented ….

  6. He has chosen well. It’s still heartbreaking for his family when he leaves. So glad you have such a close relationship. Not always easy for fathers and sons.

  7. I’ve never met him, and feel he’s part of my family. May the rest of his days be peaceful and full of the love he deserves. You’re a good son. I’m glad you’re able to go out and see him.

  8. My father passed away in January from heart disease. The symptoms you described were just like my Dad. Hospice as well. He was able to spend the last weeks of his life in the comfort of his own home. Wishing you all prayers, comfort and peace.

  9. Sorry to hear that, but I know he has had a full life and has been surrounded by love. Remember me to him please

  10. Geoff, your Dad has brought such joy to all of us thru his internet jokes and antics! My Dad passed when I was 4 so I never had an adult relationship with him but I’d like to think it would’ve been like yours! So happy he is surrounded with family and kids. Thanks for sharing him. We’re all better people for knowing Mr. Harold! I’ll keep you all in my prayers and hope he has many smiles and laughs in the coming days. Love, Evi

  11. Geoff,
    I am sorry to hear your dad isnt feeling well but am so glad he is living with your sister now…he reminds me so much of my dad that it hurts as if I know him personally. My dad went through similar things so I can relate. Please know that I am praying for him and your family for strength in the coming days ahead.
    regards,
    Judy Wilber

  12. Wow , I was just thinking about you ,I inboxed you on facebook to see how you were doing & thinking about how close you are with your Dad. God Bless him I will pray for him,you and your families . Let me know How you are & your awesome Dad … Alice Brewer

  13. Yes, Geoff, he is in God’s Hands and He knows that! Whatever will be will be. I lost my Mom at 101! She also was prepared. Wondered why she lived so long, longer than her Parents, and, her siblings.
    God is Good and will take him when it is time. God will not let Harold suffer. Keep the Faith.

  14. Thanks for sharing your dad with us. It’s nice to see there is such a strong family bond and he can spend his final time with no regrets and enjoying his family. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  15. Geoff you are so Blessed to have had such a wonderful relationship with your dad. He has brought happiness to all of us as he did for your family. He is just an amazing & special person. So happy you had this very special time with him. Thank you for sharing it with us. Praying for him & you & your family.

  16. He has chosen the dignified way to go. May more people be able to take that route. God bless you and your Dad and your family for making this possible. Many prayers!

  17. Your dad is awesome. Such a wonderful man. I’m so glad he’s surrounded by his family at this time. Hugs to him, to you, and to your family. You are so blessed.

  18. There is no way to leave this earth–but what your dad is doing is the best for him! I’m so happy he’s with family and everyone has gotten to be with him. No matter what the outcome of how and when he travels to the other side, it will be sad, but it is his way and the family seems to agree!

  19. Geoff, you have such wonderful memories of your Dad. He will always be in you heart. He is very brave and unselfish in making his decisions. That is truly a man who loves his family very much.
    Our thoughts,prayers and love are with all of you.

  20. Hi Geoff:

    I remember meeting your mom and dad at a birthday party for Steph.
    They were warm, loving people who made me feel like I was special because I was your friend.
    Your mom went into the party while me you and your dad hung outside and talked . He told a couple of jokes not meant for others to hear. I laughed. I felt comfortable. I saw your dad a few times after that and he always made me feel that way. It’s a gift, a memory I have of your dad and I just wanted to share it with you. Your dad raised a great son. I always smile when I think of you, your dad, and your family.
    You are all truly blessed.
    PEACE,
    Ray

  21. Thank you for sharing not only this story,but your Dad with us. So many of us came with you on this journey from channel 8 and beyond that you all became a part of our family. Your Dad chose life well. All of you will be in my prayers. God Bless

  22. So sad to hear about your dad. We went through the same thing with my sister. She had the same outlook as your dad and we all got through everything with flying colors. We stayed by her side and prayed that God would not let her suffer. She passed away at 59 years old. She had a great outlook on the short life she had and thank God she did not suffer. Prayers for your Dad. God Bless.

  23. My mom just died at 87 from the same thing, when she laid down the fluid would come up into her chest and she could not breath. She like to sleep sitting up in her favorite rocking chair, but her legs ulcerated from the fluid buildup. She said her chest felt like she had run the marathon, she blacked out a few times on the toilet. She did tell me not to worry, she did not remember a thing when she blacked out, this was a comfort to me. She loved to watch your weather reports. She could not eat because of the nausea that some heart patients get, she was old school and was always trying to feed everyone when they were sick .
    Jeff, I know exactly what you are dealing with.

  24. Geoff – Your father is amazing and greatly loved. Fortunately, he knows that. While being loved by all the FB people; the love of his family is what matters most. I’m glad you were able to visit, I know how hard it is to say Goodbye to a loved one that you may not see again. My heart goes out to you. Sending blessings to you, your Dad, and your whole family.

  25. I LOVE HAROLD FOX AND WISH HIM LOVE FOREVER. OH… wait a minute… that wish already came true!! ❤️

  26. Hugs and good thoughts for Harold! I worked with him at Comp-U-Card in the late ’80’s. He is the funniest man I know. God Bless you Harold!
    Diane Stoddart

  27. I have not seen this until today and it has brought tears. Since losing my Dad I have enjoyed your writing of your Dad’s antics and the videos. He also decided when he was leaving and it was on his terms at age 92, 9 years ago. Your folks so remind me of mine. My Dad was the one who joked and would tell stories which you would believe until you saw the twinkle in his eye and realize he was pulling your leg!! You’d always hear my Mom, Betty, say “Oh Philip!!” Its really tough having them gone but also you realize they are happy being back with each other. You have wonderful memories of your folks in your videos and writings of them. Such treasures you have made. I will pray for him and your family. God Bless, Geoff. Thank you so much for sharing your folks and life with us.
    Regards,
    Maureen

  28. I love your Dad’s smile and your many posts about him. So many similarities with our Dads. I lost mine Feb 25 at age 97. His mind was sharp and he was joking with the nurses the previous day when it was decided he would stay hospitalized overnight to be monitored. His body just wore out after living a very full life, and married for over 70 years to his sweetheart.
    It’s never easy, even when we know age has the upper hand. I miss him terribly but know he was ready. You’re right, there’s no good way to go but I hope your Dad’s passing is peaceful and pain free.
    Best regards to you and your family at this difficult time.

  29. Geoff, you are truly blessed to have your dad for such a long time. I wish that you could write down some more of his jokes for us to enjoy. I particularly loved the one about the penguin with Ice Cream on his face…

    My dad was quite the joker as well. He convinced my Maternal Grandmother that the old airplane engines with propellers mounted above orange groves in Florida were there so the farmer could start them up and then fly the orange grove to warmer weather in the winter.

    She believed that line for years, and darn near killed him when she found out they were actually just to stir up the cold still air near the ground to prevent freezing the fruit in low temperatures overnight….

  30. I read that your father had passed away. I came across him when I saw the seal joke posted awhile back. I had shared it with multiple people after seeing it and would revisit it periodically for a laugh.

    Just today I met a soon to be 85 man who reminded me of your dad…. At an ice cream shop!

    I went home and had to pull your dad’s joke up again and decided to see what became of that charmingly funny man!

    I am glad YouTube exists and that people can continue to be entertained by your dads charm and comedic timing for years to come.

    May God bless him and his memory and those he loves!

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