Dad Bell (Fred Sr.) passed away this evening.
 |
| Dad -- March 2011 |
Instead of going to church today, Jacque stayed home to spend the day with dad, who was not his usual chipper self. When I went to church this morning, I had no idea that dad would pass away today. Over the past month and half, we had seen him battle through so many health trials that we fully expected him to battle through this current one, which, compared to the others, seemed not bad at all.
In fact, a week and a half ago, dad was given an excellent bill of health from his primary care physician Dr. Watson of the VA at Tripler. "You're a tough old bird," said Dr Watson to dad during the health check-up.
 |
| Fred, Jacque, Ruth |
 |
| Dad and Jacque at Zippy's |
So when dad was less energetic than usual in the early evening, we thought that he just needed to lay down and turn in earlier than usual for the night.
Later, I was stunned when Jacque yelled out, "Call 911." Dustin made the call.
Dad had fallen desperately ill. He threw up, the first time he had done so since he come to stay with us. And his breathing was labored.
 |
| Dad at home in Kaneohe with Roxy |
We received instructions from the 911 operator to lay dad down on the ground. We did so, carrying him to the wide open floor of the living room.
The first to arrive was a four-man crew of firefighters, who immediately began to check vital signs and render aid in the form of oxygen. Soon thereafter, paramedics arrived and the work to aid dad intensified, including several attempts to insert an IV. At several points, we heard them say, "There is no blood pressure." Jacque replied by telling them that dad's blood pressure is typically low so the non reading may not be that unusual.
After about 30 minutes of aid to dad, he was taken by ambulance to Castle Medical Center. Jacque accompanied him. Meanwhile, after gathering things Jacque instructed me to bring, I followed in our car a few minutes later.
After arriving at Castle, I was not allowed entry into the ER for a few minutes. I was given no specific reason why.
 |
| Dad and Jamie |
When I was allowed in, the man who met me at the ER entrance door led to to where dad was. It turns out that he was the hospital chaplain and there was a reason why he was there.
When the chaplain pulled open the curtain to the partitioned area where dad was, he said, "I'm so sorry about your father." At first, what he said did not register. Then, I saw Jacque sitting next to dad. She was crying. Then I knew what it meant.
 |
| Dad and grandson Jason |
I was stunned. Dad was gone. I couldn't believe it. I hugged Jacque for what seemed like forever. Then I cried, feeling sorrow that I did not ever reckon I'd feel.
His
obituary, reads as follows:
Frederick M. Bell, 84, of Mililani, a retired Army sergeant first class and Crain Industries sales manager, died in Kailua. He was born in Revere, Mass. He is survived by sons Michael, Kenneth, Ralph, Christopher and Frederick Jr.; daughter Jacqueline Turner; brother Albert; sister Priscilla “Deenie” Twombly; 16 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Visitation: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Apostle & Evangelist Church, 95-370 Kuahelani Ave., Mililani. Mass: 10:30 a.m. Burial: noon at Schofield Post Cemetery. Casual attire. No flowers.
