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When
Justin went in, Bill looked so weak and tired.
His eyes were closed so Justin walked over to the bed and took his
hand and said, "Hi Dad, it's Justin.
Are you awake?"
Bill never moved, he just moaned a little.
Justin said, "I love you Dad, and I'm so proud to be your son.
You have been such a wonderful father, but I know how much you have missed
Mom, so Dad if you want to go and be with her, I will understand.
Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.
I'll miss you but I know I'll see you in heaven."
Bill's eyes flickered and he tried to talk but couldn't.
He squeezed Justin's hand a little and tears rolled down his
cheeks.
Justin said, "Don't cry, it's okay, go to be with Mom."
Bill's hand relaxed and Justin kissed his forehead and said,
"I love you Dad, tell Mom hello for me."
The tears came as he turned to leave his dad, knowing it would be
the last time.
He walked out to Sarah and the others.
Sarah hugged him tightly and said, "Are you okay?"
Justin just nodded and walked down the hall.
Sarah said, "Susie, do you want to go in next?"
Susie said, "Are you sure, Sarah?"
Sarah assured her it was okay.
Susie
and John went in.
Susie walked over and took his hand and said, "It's Susie,
Dad."
Bill tried to open his eyes but couldn't. He moved his mouth,
trying to speak but no words came.
Susie said, "It's alright Dad, I'll do the talking." Then
she wiped away his tears and said, "Dad, I want you to know how proud
I am to be your daughter.
You took me into your home when I was just a scared little girl.
You gave me love and a family.
You didn't have to do that but I am so happy that you did.
For almost twelve years, I've had the best dad in the world."
She leaned down and kissed his tear stained cheek and said, "I
love you, Dad, with all my heart, and thank you for loving me. I know
you're tired and you miss your first Susie, so Dad even though we wish you
could stay, you can go to be with her, it's alright.
You have given to so many people, Dad, now go claim your reward in
heaven."
He tried to squeeze her hand but was too weak.
She said, "I'm going to send Sarah in, Dad, but remember
always that I love you, and will see you again in heaven someday."
Her tears started as she turned to leave the room, knowing she was losing
the only father she'd ever had.
Her knees buckled and John grabbed her.
She leaned on him as they walked toward Sarah.
Her sister put her arms around her and said, "I love
you Susie."
She answered, "I love you too, Sarah.
Has Justin come back yet?" She told her he hadn't, so she told
her that she and John would check on him and the two of them should go on
in to see their dad.
As they started toward Bill's room, Sarah told Susie to give Justin
her love.
"I will," she said as they went to find him.
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