I have some sad news to report. My father died today. As regular readers know, this wasn’t unexpected, and in fact it’s something of a relief. My father’s health and quality of life have been very bad and getting worse for some time. But it’s still a really hard thing to be dealing with. Right now I’m ping-ponging back and forth between taking care of business and practical matters, and feeling horrible and crying, and just feeling like I’m in a daze. I’ll be writing more about this over the coming days and weeks and months; right now, I can’t do much more than this notice.
I’m flying home to Chicago tomorrow, I don’t know for how long. I don’t know what, if anything, needs to be dealt with in practical terms. It probably won’t be more than a few days. I don’t know how soon I’m going to return to blogging.
My Stanford talk on Wednesday October 3 is obviously cancelled. I hope to reschedule it. I don’t know yet about the Texas tour next week. I’m probably going to cancel it, but I can’t decide that right now. I’ll let you know.
And finally: It pains me that I have to say this, but past experience has taught me that I do.
If there are any religious or spiritual believers reading this blog: Please, please, please, do not say that you’re praying for me. Do not say that my father is looking down on me. Do not say that I’ll see him again someday. Do not say that this is part of God’s plan. Please do not offer any “comfort” of a religious, spiritual, or supernatural nature. I do not find these ideas comforting. I find these ideas profoundly upsetting. If you’re at a loss for what to say in this situation, please consult my article, What Do You Say to Grieving Non Believers? But if you wouldn’t tell someone who’s Jewish that their dead loved one is in the arms of Jesus Christ their personal lord and savior, please don’t tell an atheist that they’ll see their dead loved one in the afterlife. I am happy to discuss and debate religion at another time and place, but I do not want to do it in my father’s death announcement. Any comments of this nature will be disemvoweled, and the commenters will be banned. (And to everyone else: If anyone ignores this request, please do not engage with them. Please ignore them, and let me and my colleagues who are moderating this blog handle it with comment moderation.) Thanks.
95 comments
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LeftSidePositive
October 1, 2012 at 5:59 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Greta,
Best wishes to you and your family in this difficult time.
New England Bob
October 1, 2012 at 6:09 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sorry for your loss.
Alethea H. "Crocoduck" Dundee
October 1, 2012 at 6:10 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My sincere condolences to you and your family, Greta.
amyjunker
October 1, 2012 at 6:12 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Greta, my dad died last summer. While I can’t say I know just how you feel, I suspect I have an idea, and it sucks. I hope you are able to find comfort in the love of friends and family right now. I remember being genuinely surprised at how comforting the viewing and memorial service ended up being for me. Safe travels.
blondeintokyo
October 1, 2012 at 6:14 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so sorry, Greta. My best wishes to you and your family.
jh42
October 1, 2012 at 6:15 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so very sorry to hear this, Greta.
BradC
October 1, 2012 at 6:15 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So sorry for your loss, Greta.
freetheworldof
October 1, 2012 at 6:15 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My heartfelt condolences to you.
sphex
October 1, 2012 at 6:18 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My deepest condolences, Greta. I am holding you and your loved ones in my thoughts, and hoping that you can find comfort in each other.
michaeld
October 1, 2012 at 6:18 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m sorry Greta, best wishes and take the time you need, we’ll be here when you’ve taken care of things.
dgrasett
October 1, 2012 at 6:19 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Many hugs. You have my deepest sympathy.
Katie Hartman
October 1, 2012 at 6:27 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so sorry to hear this, Greta. You should be immensely proud of the work you’ve done to help reduce the suffering of others coping with grief. I hope you find your way through your loss as wholly and comfortably as you’d wish for anyone else, but regardless, you’re amazing.
newfie
October 1, 2012 at 6:30 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
*hugs*
mildlymagnificent
October 1, 2012 at 6:37 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So sorry. Take care of yourself and your family. Take advantage of care that others offer you.
We’ll be here no matter what.
Nick Gotts (formerly KG)
October 1, 2012 at 6:39 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My condolences, Greta.
dogeared, spotted and foxed
October 1, 2012 at 6:47 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
sisu
October 1, 2012 at 6:49 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am so sorry for your loss.
jhendrix
October 1, 2012 at 6:50 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sorry for your loss.
RW Ahrens
October 1, 2012 at 6:55 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sorry to hear of your loss. I truly hope you can deal with this in a way that helps you move on with your life. I don’t know what kind of relationship you had, but I do hope there were some good times to remember. To me, that helped.
My condolences to you and your family.
Randomfactor
October 1, 2012 at 7:09 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sorry for your loss. Hug those you still can.
Onamission5
October 1, 2012 at 7:10 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh, Greta, I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
beadknitter
October 1, 2012 at 7:13 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so sorry for your loss. Consider yourself and family hugged by me.
fullyladenswallow
October 1, 2012 at 7:15 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So sorry to hear this. Condolences.
emma
October 1, 2012 at 7:21 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Greta,
This may not mean much coming from a stranger, but my deepest condolences to you and your family. I hope you find comfort in friends and family, and in the knowledge that your father is no longer suffering.
Best wishes and tele-hugs.
hellboundallee
October 1, 2012 at 7:23 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so sorry. That really sucks.
Tethys
October 1, 2012 at 7:34 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My sympathies on the loss of your Father. Loss and grief are very complex and unpredictable emotions. It takes a lot of energy, so be especially kind to yourself. Travel safely, and virtual hugs if you want them.
allencdexter
October 1, 2012 at 8:00 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My deepest hearfelt condolences. I know it’s hard. I’m quite a bit older than you are, so both of my parents have been gone quite a while now. By their request, I handled their non-religious memorials and tried to extol their characters and achievements in life.
It can’t help but be hard to go through, but I know you will make it. You’re made of sturdy stuff.
Trebuchet
October 1, 2012 at 8:00 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
As I almost posted in the previous thread, hang in there, Greta. The world needs you.
gAytheist
October 1, 2012 at 8:07 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My sincere condolences. Thanks for letting us know.
emptyknight
October 1, 2012 at 8:13 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Virtual hug if you need it.
C Rowan
October 1, 2012 at 8:19 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I lost my mom earlier this year. It wasn’t unexpected but it was still hard. My heart goes out to you & your family. Love & hugs.
WMDKitty (Always growing and learning)
October 1, 2012 at 8:20 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
*headbonks & purrs*
*sad-kitty*
gabby27
October 1, 2012 at 8:20 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m really sorry.
Sounds like you did everything you could to take care of him, and I’m sure he appreciated everything. Hugs to you and your family.
marshwiggle
October 1, 2012 at 8:24 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Condolences.
F
October 1, 2012 at 8:31 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m very sad for you and your family. I hope it is a relief for your father and loved ones.
Cipher
October 1, 2012 at 8:37 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Greta, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. We will be thinking of you. Please take good care of yourself, and don’t try to jump back into things too soon – we will all miss you, but you and your family absolutely come first.
Chris Clarke
October 1, 2012 at 8:41 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Greta, I’m sorry.
movablebooklady
October 1, 2012 at 8:45 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My condolences to you, your wife, and your family.
scenario
October 1, 2012 at 9:01 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My condolences to you and your family.
Markita Lynda—damn climate change!
October 1, 2012 at 9:04 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so sorry to hear this, Greta. Please take care of yourself, let others help, and travel safely. That includes getting someone else to do the driving, because you’ll be distracted.
Hugs, kitten pets, and e-booze coming your way.
shouldbeworking
October 1, 2012 at 9:06 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sorry for your loss. I know what you’re going through, my mom died 1 year ago after a long illness. Good friends nearby and work the best.
crowepps
October 1, 2012 at 9:22 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sincere condolences. My Dad died after a lengthy illness over 30 years ago, and I remember it as a difficult transition from coping with the lengthy illness through the loss itself to a final equilibrium, but the day comes sooner than you will believe when the negatives no longer intrude and you are able to focus on the good times and the things that you loved about them. I’ll be thinking about you, and hoping you and your brother/family are able to support and comfort each other.
carolw
October 1, 2012 at 9:46 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hold your friends and loved ones (and cats) close. Take time alone if you need it. We’ll be here when you’re ready to come back.
C
NathanDST
October 1, 2012 at 9:56 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself.
satanaugustine
October 1, 2012 at 10:00 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So sorry for your loss, Greta. Take care.
Tigger_the_Wing
October 1, 2012 at 10:04 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So, so sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs and condolences. Travel safely and may you find support and love when you arrive. Do whatever you feel necessary to help you cope with the grief.
joereynolds
October 1, 2012 at 10:12 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My condolences for you loss. Thank you for being brave and sharing this with us.
dccarbene
October 1, 2012 at 10:17 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I don’t think I’ve commented before, and this is no time to get into how important your work is to me and how much I admire you.
I’m just sad for you. This touches us all – “Each man’s death diminishes me…”
Part of you will be paradoxically happy, even elated – because of the end of suffering – his, yours, your family’s. I think you understand this. So many people I have known start to feel guilty about that – please don’t. I suspect you understand that, too. So easy to write in words, so much harder to live.
But, mostly, you are sad, and we are too.
Let us know what, if anything, you need.
Alverant
October 1, 2012 at 10:21 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Greta, I’m sorry about what happened. I know this doesn’t really compare but 4 months ago I had to put my buddy cat down because the cancer had taken hold and had been squeezing his stomach making it impossible for him to eat. I brought this up because when it was over, I felt relief too. My little buddy wasn’t in pain any longer and I spared him the lingering death from starvation. I remembered the good times and knew I did everything I could for him. He had the best life that I could give when no one else wanted him.
Please don’t feel guilty about feeling relief. It’s natural. The stress of your father’s illness is gone. Remember him well and don’t feel bad about celebrating his life.
keithroragen
October 1, 2012 at 10:22 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You have my deepest sympathies.
christiansteenhorst-baker
October 1, 2012 at 10:31 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Condolences, Greta.
mouse
October 1, 2012 at 10:40 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so sorry to hear this. My best wishes that you will find your way through this. If I know anything of you, it is that you will grow from this and use it to help all the rest of us get through this pain-in-the-ass life.
Brad
October 1, 2012 at 10:43 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Donovan
October 1, 2012 at 10:46 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Condolences on your loss. Having been through a very similar situation with my grandfather recently, I know that expected or not, relief or not, it’s hard. I won’t say it gets better, you know that. I’m just extending a virtual hand, like the fellow readers above, for you to squeeze until it does.
I’m also very happy your day’s atoms coalesced into a man that could enjoy his brief glimpse of our universe, and I’m glad he shared that gift with us, through you.
Godless Poutine
October 1, 2012 at 11:02 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My condolences Greta.
Tony •Prom King of Sunnydale High•
October 1, 2012 at 11:23 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Greta:
I am so sorry for you. My condolences to you and your family.
Squiddhartha
October 1, 2012 at 11:28 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Allow me to add my condolences to the many you have already received.
Stacy
October 1, 2012 at 11:30 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m sorry, Greta.
Zinc Avenger (Sarcasm Tags 3.0 Compliant)
October 1, 2012 at 11:35 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
May you find the strength you need.
ednaz
October 1, 2012 at 11:39 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am so sorry, Greta.
pharm scigrad
October 2, 2012 at 12:15 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My sympathies… and *hugs* if you take ‘em.
Chris
October 2, 2012 at 12:20 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Greta, may your next few days be filled with love and catharsis. Have a safe trip, and as always, thank you for sharing such important parts of your life with us. You feel like family.
Patricia, OM
October 2, 2012 at 12:25 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
In less than three years I have sat at the death beds of the two men I loved most on this earth, my husband of 35 years, and my 81 year old father, on May 18th. When this happens you look into the yawning abyss. And it looks back.
My advise, let those that love you help you. It’s OK to shriek and swear. Trust your wife. It’s a hard slog, hold hands.
Sincere condolences,
Patricia
David Parnell
October 2, 2012 at 1:04 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Kaoru Negisa
October 2, 2012 at 1:20 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Please accept my deepest condolence for your loss. If there’s anything you need done in Orlando, as unlikely as that is, please let me know.
leighwilliams
October 2, 2012 at 1:27 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My sincerest condolences, Greta. I hope the next few days are fill with memories, love, laughter, and tears as you celebrate a life well-lived.
MG Myers
October 2, 2012 at 1:28 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sincere condolences, Greta.
Morgan
October 2, 2012 at 1:29 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My condolences, Greta.
maureenbrian
October 2, 2012 at 2:21 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Lots of e-hugs to you and to Ingrid. Virtual whisky – without the e – through your USB port and whenever you want it.
shripathikamath
October 2, 2012 at 3:02 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My condolences will be hollow since I do not know you or your dad. But I do love your blog, well most of your posts anyway, and I do know what it feels to lose your dad, since I lost mine 16 years ago after a somewhat prolonged, painful illness.
Nothing I can say will help you cope with your grief. You’ll suffer it, make your peace with it, be relieved that the suffering has ended for your dad, and will move on, drawing the best of his life with you.
The memories are all you have, and in time you’ll appreciate them, and having him in your life.
Take the time to reflect, and you’ll learn from this painful experience. I hope you emerge a stronger, wiser person from your recollections.
sc_9095fa8ba4b30dc8c2c462c6c185d6f8
October 2, 2012 at 3:10 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So sorry. Empathy for the loss and for the relief.
Setár, genderqueer Elf-Sheriff of Atheism+
October 2, 2012 at 3:13 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
-hugs and lots and lots of kittens-
didgen
October 2, 2012 at 3:20 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So very sorry for your loss and your pain. Hope that you can find balance and peace soon, it will come.
susans
October 2, 2012 at 3:47 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am so very sorry. I know what it is like to lose a father; I still miss mine after 18 years.
sc_ee049fb1ae6c78b58d33a79f5b61a12a
October 2, 2012 at 3:59 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so very sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine how painful it is.
I hope you continue taking care of yourself, and ask for help when needed. <3
Didaktylos
October 2, 2012 at 5:23 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It was nearly a year ago I lost my own father. for what it’s worth – I don’t know how much, we all must find our own way to grieve and mourn – here’s a couple of things I found helpful.
Don’t be afraid to lose it
Tell the ones you love just how much you love them
Don Quijote
October 2, 2012 at 5:37 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Lo siento.
Deacon Duncan
October 2, 2012 at 5:57 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Very sad to hear about your loss. Best wishes to you in your time of grief.
Crudely Wrott
October 2, 2012 at 6:27 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My condolences to you, Greta.
Having lost my father, my step father and my mother I sympathize with your loss.
I take comfort in this; that they live on in my memory and in the things I say and do. They still make a difference is this world, and that makes me smile every day.
ajb47
October 2, 2012 at 8:24 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sorry for your loss. I always feel I should say something more, to offer more empathy or more comfort, but I never seem able to find the words.
opposablethumbs
October 2, 2012 at 8:31 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am so sorry for your loss, Greta. I hope you have lots of love and support around you, and that Ingrid and family and cuddling the cats and being loved helps you through this.
Timid Atheist
October 2, 2012 at 8:39 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Greta, My sincere sympathy for you and your family as you handle this loss.
Blondin
October 2, 2012 at 9:34 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so sorry for your loss, Greta.
pipenta
October 2, 2012 at 9:44 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
(((Greta)))
janeymack
October 2, 2012 at 11:08 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So sorry to hear of your loss, Greta. Even when you’re expecting it, the reality of a loved one’s passing can be a shock. Let yourself lean on your family & friends–that’s what they’re there for.
Pieter B, FCD
October 2, 2012 at 11:47 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Add my sincerest condolences to all those above, and know that you will be in my thoughts often as you work this through.
jackiepaper
October 2, 2012 at 11:50 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you can find time for rest and comfort. You deserve plenty of both. Take care.
procrastinator will get an avatar real soon now
October 2, 2012 at 12:26 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Best wishes to you.
grainosalt
October 2, 2012 at 2:11 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am so sorry, Geta
cactuswren
October 2, 2012 at 6:30 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so very sorry, Greta. Please take care of yourself.
Amarantha
October 2, 2012 at 6:31 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so sorry, Greta. Look after yourself. I hope you feel better soon.
Steve Caldwell
October 2, 2012 at 10:49 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself and please let others take care of you during this time.
ingeniousparadox
October 3, 2012 at 8:29 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m sorry. My thoughts are with you and Ingrid. Keep cuddling the cats.
neatospiderplant
October 3, 2012 at 11:10 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m sorry for your loss. Hugs.
lordshipmayhem
October 4, 2012 at 10:12 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am so sorry for your loss. My sister passed away this weekend, just after midnight on Saturday night, of cancer, also a not unexpected death except we had but a couple of months to adjust. Let us support each other in our grief.