I have been dreading writing this post.
As you can tell, I lost my Dad, Anton (Tony) Patrick Morin, on February 7th at the age of 81 years, 6 months, and a day. His obituary can be seen here.
I am Mark A. Morin. The A is for Anton. I have his name. Dad was a proud Air Force veteran. His obituary has a lot of that information. I guess this post is my way of breathing – and finding peace.
Dad declined quickly. He was sent by ambulance to the hospital on Thursday, January 30th after he fell and had a mental break during which he was confused and yelling and just out of it. He had resumed a degree of normalcy (such as it was) by the time I saw him that morning/afternoon in the hospital. It appeared that he might have had a mass on his lung, but no explanation for the cognitive issues. We did not know what was going on medically, and still do not (he had a lot of health issues). My Mom was exhausted physically and emotionally, so I sent her home and I stayed with Dad. He was in pain, but we did get to have some conversations. He prayed aloud in pain and was worried about his soul and Heaven. His own Dad abandoned him in the 40’s – and was absent in his life. I got to tell my Dad that I wished that he had had a great Dad like I had. And despite his pain, he smiled.
I knew he was dying, but one never knows how soon. Ten years ago, he nearly died (he was hospitalized for months). Thank God he lived another ten years. This time, I waited until my Mom left and asked the nurses to get him a priest. Father Jose came later around 7 PM and Dad was finally asleep. He began to pray over him and Dad gently woke up. Dad spoke with Fr. Jose and even in Spanish a bit (Dad was a multi-lingual guy). He gave him The Last Rites and I got to pray The Our Father with my Dad. He then went to sleep, and I left.
The next day (Friday February 1st) he was scheduled for a lot of tests so I did not go to see him. I went Saturday morning and by then pretty much his mind was gone. He could not communicate in any effective way and was totally confused. His mental state never got any better from then on, and the cause of his condition remained a mystery.
Six days later, at 2:15 AM on Friday, February 7th, my Mom called to tell me that the hospital had called her to tell her that it would not be long. We got to the hospital, and he was unconscious, on oxygen, but struggling to breathe. His family was with him. He was given some morphine for comfort, the oxygen mask was removed, and I held his hand as he took his last breath.
His funeral was at St. Camillus, our old family parish in Fitchburg, MA, on February 15th. I got to speak and give a remembrance of Dad. I was honored to do so and share what my Dad meant to me – about his Work Ethic, his love for his family, and his Faith. It’s tough now, for sure.
However, I have Faith, the greatest gift he and my Mom ever gave to me. I feel especially blessed that I got to pray with him the last time he could with me.
I will go on to blogging about the significantly less important aspects of life, but I felt that I needed to have a blog entry about Dad before I moved on. I also held back posting from late January onward as all this was going on. Dad loved history and loved seeing my miniatures, especially the tanks. We all lose our Dads someday, and our worlds get smaller as a result. But I believe Dad has earned his Eternal Reward and we will be together again someday.
I am not looking for pity – just needed to put this down in a brief way. Thanks to all who reached out to me and my family – I will never forget your love and your compassion, and your friendship.
Love ya Dad, thanks for everything. I’ll do my best to honor your memory and what you meant to me.
Mark A. Morin 
So sad to read this, Mark, but I remembered you’d mentioned your dad’s health early in the year! At least you managed to be there with him in his last days and he would have appreciated that! And I can understand how he’d have liked your minis and your tanks!
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Thanks John.
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Really sorry to hear your news. My deepest condolences go out to you. As John said at least you were there with him.
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Thank you.
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All things being well there is a natural order to lifes departure, parents go before children but hopefully not prematurely. I guess all a son or daughter can do is make their parents proud of them. I have no doubt that your father was proud of you and all what you have done. You can do no more. Wishing you and your family all the best at this difficult time.
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Thanks Dave, very kind words, much appreciated
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It’s really sad about your Dad passing away, but I know he will look on you from better place, all the time until you meet him again.
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Thank you
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So terribly sorry to read this Mark. My condolences to you and your family. I’m sure that you being there at the end was of great comfort to him.
Regards,
Pete.
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Thanks Pete
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Sorry for your loss Mark, losing a loved one is never easy, and understandable this has taken priority, we are here when your ready
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Thanks Dave. Will be moving on to happier subjects very soon
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Sad news mate, but so glad that you got to spend that time with him, and that you can move on with fond memories in your heart.
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Thanks Alex they are strong memories to be sure
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You brought a lump to my throat. What a lucky dad he was and what a lucky son you are. A very sad but nice post Mark. I’m really glad you shared some special moments with him before saying goodbye.
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Thanks buddy. So kind of you and I know you are close to your Dad. Cherish him all you can while you are able.
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Sad news, but I think you all made the best of it that you can. It sounds like you had an amazing Dad and you are an amazing Son. Knowing that he also enjoyed seeing your miniatures makes me smile. It’s great to be able to share something like that with a friend and even better with a close relative. Wish you and your family the best!
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Thanks and glad to see you back
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So sorry to see this, Mark. Please accept my condolences to you and your entire family. I couldn’t read the whole post, as it’s still a bit too close to the bone for me right now, but it’s good to see how close the two of you were.
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Thanks Az and I know you just went through this too. Certainly reciprocate the condolences as well to you and yours.
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I’m sorry about your loss.
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Thanks Thomas
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I’m so sorry to hear this sad news mate, I can imagine what you are going through as I ,like some of our other brothers and sisters in our little blog scene have also ,and it is never easy .Reading your tribute to your dad reduced me to tears Mate, I’m sure he would be very proud of you and your family ,so proud of you sharing this with us your modelling mates ,rgds Pat
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Thanks Pat, it’s sad but others support from folks like you and all of our little modeling group put a little salve on the wounds that will heal but never completely go away. I feel fortunate that I got to have the experiences that I shared in this blog post and the abilities to express them – and I feel comforted by the outpouring of support. Someday I have to get around the world and have some beer with all of you.
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That would be one big party mate!
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Mark,
There can’t be a more eloquent testimony to a life well lived than what you just wrote for your father.
My condolences
Mike
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Thank you Mike, very kind of you
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It’s a tough gig loosing a parent. My mum died suddenly and it is a wrench not saying goodbye. My dad lingered, we had time for goodbyes but it is hard in a different way. Love to you and your family.
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Thanks Dave – I was very lucky to be able to have those moments
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I am sorry for your loss my friend.
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Appreciate that my friend
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Rest in peace, Anton.
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Thank you
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I’m sorry for my late response and I’d also like to offer myself and my families best wishes to you and yours. It was a lovely piece and a fitting tribute xx
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Thanks Btth, appreciate the kind words
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