Frede Espersen
April 24, 1930-August 15, 2011
I was recently told that death and dying were not necessarily bad things and that being present when someone dies is not only an honor and a privilege, but a time to learn.
Our dad had Alzheimer’s disease for the past ten years and was a resident at the Bulkley Lodge for the last seven. During this time there were many sad milestones as the disease claimed his life; first his memory started to fail, then he lost the ability to walk and use his arms. As time went on he was no longer able to speak. And in the last few months, the disease even made swallowing the most challenging of tasks.
But it was during this most difficult time that we saw such love and compassion between so many people and expressed in so many different ways; the unwavering commitment and love between our mom and dad. Our mom, close to eighty herself, continued to care for our dad; she washed his clothes and travelled to the lodge most every day to feed him his lunch and dinner. During these times there were many kisses and warm embraces as our mom thought of what was and what could have been. Our dad would smile back, the only remaining thing he could do to express himself, his happiness and love for us all.
Our dad fought the disease and for his life to the last, Alzheimer’s was able to steal away all but our dad’s ability to love. It is for this, and the time we spent together that we are so thankful. Our dad reminded us of what is truly important within our lives, families and communities.
Thank you for the honour dad and the time for one more lesson.
“Tears (really do) clean the windows to our souls.”
Our dad will be missed by his many friends and family; loving wife Lise (married 59 years), daughter Vivi (Keray), sons Erik (Ruth), Steen (Karen), Tommy and Peter. Nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Thank you to the staff at the Bulkley Lodge and the doctors involved with our dad’s care. You all do God’s work.