I passed his door that was slightly ajar. A strong feeling that I had been there before swept over me. His cheeks were sunken, his eyes closed so he could concentrate on drawing his next breath. His chin protruded; his lips curled around his toothless gums.

Sixty-four years ago, as a seven-year-old boy, I witnessed his father, my grandfather, in his final hours. I wasn’t supposed to see him. The door was closed, and I could hear singing in his room, so curiosity got the best of me. I peeked into the slightly open door to see his children, my aunts and uncles, singing to him. I saw the same sunken face; the same struggle but I didn’t understand. I just know that I never saw him again.

This time I knew. I watched as the life slowly slipped away from dad over a period of days. I will be forever changed.

My father, Clarence Fulton, passed away Dec 21, 2021 at 11:15 pm. The “official” time of death, when he was declared dead is different, but I know; I was there. I saw his last breath. I felt his last heartbeat. Yes, I am forever changed.

Dan Fulton