So sorry to hear this Char, but he is now at peace and no longer in that bed. I will keep you all in my prayers.

As far as his loved ones' not being there when he passed; I had been w/my Father almost 24/7 and missed his passing by 10 mins. Nothing anyone said could make me feel better. I felt like I had let him down.

I now know that it must have been his choice, as I remembered when his Mother (my Gram) passed away. We were all in the room w/her and I fainted. My Dad was so upset and worried about me. (I have low blood pressure and hadn't been sleeping or eating right) So, I think he didn't want me to go through that again. He was PROTECTING me.

I hope your family can work through their pain of not being w/him. I truly do believe it was meant to be. They will understand that soon.

take care Char...