Goodbye Dad

2003 > America

My Dad is at peace now

You are my hero
I love you, Dad

Tonight I held my Dad’s hand. I held it tight while he struggled to breathe, even with the oxygen and morphine. I held it tight while the nurses came in and out to check on him. I held it tight while Mom talked in hushed tones with friends outside his room. I even held his hand when he would come to a little bit and struggle to take off the oxygen mask.

Then, with Mom holding one hand, and I still holding the other, I told him it was okay. It was okay for him to let go. To relax and stop fighting. That we loved him, we were there for him, and he was there for us. That he has our undying respect, and we would remember him every sunrise and sunset. That he was dying with dignity and it was okay to let go. And so he did.

My father, Carlos Edgar Vota, with sixty-four years of the best life he ever dreamed of, with the best wife any man could ask for, and the best son to be proud of, passed away at 10pm on Tuesday, December 16, 2003.

Now, please join us in celebrating the joyous and full life of Carlos Vota, devoted husband to Sarah, father to Wayan, and friend to many.

Saturday, December 20, 2003, 2 pm,

The Newport Club

2536 16th Avenue

Vero Beach, FL 32960

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Newport Club in the memory of Carl Vota, friend of Bill.