ForeverMissed
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His Life

Death day

May 18, 2022
On Monday May 18th, 2015 at 10:43 am. My father passed away. He was my spiritual guardian, my best friend, a magical father, a good man, my soul mate.  I cannot  express how much I miss him already. 
My father chose to go peacefully and we spent a week in Hospice.My papa fought through so much. Heart surgery, Double leg amputation, kidney failure, and diabetes. His quality of life would of worsened with the surgery he needed. While I was in California he made the decision to die. My family and I supported him as he set sail on this journey into the unknown. I made him promise he'd let me be there to hold his hand during his final moments.  My father anticipated death with  bravery, passion, humility,  and humor. The same way he has always approached his life.  He stopped all care from insulin to dialysis starting May 11th. It was a miracle in itself that he lasted more than 2-3 days.

We sang, held hands, ate as much chocolate as he wanted. Ben & Jerry's half baked ice cream. Pizza, Astro Burger and french fries. We listened to all his favorite music. Read poetry, fell asleep to the sounds of thunderstorms, trains and mighty mouse cartoons.  I never left his side. Everyone came to see him or called him on the phone. 
We were all  blessed to leave no words unspoken. 
The morning he passed his voice was gurgley with fluid, he still made a joke. "Under the sea, I love you." Like he promised, he held my hand, looked in my eyes and departed. The rain had stopped and there was just enough sunshine to guide his soul. 
With my spirituality close, the certainty that he is in a better place without pain, the fact that i will see him again and that he is always near me. 
I know these things. I believe them in every particle of my being. 
However my heart is completely broken. 
Papa I love you so much. Not a day will go by where I will not miss you or honor your existence in my life, in this world. 
Thank you for showing me what LOVE is. 
We have shared countless perfect moments. .....and there are infinitely many more to come. 
Ti voglio bene papà .

The Life Of Sam

May 19, 2015

 

Samuel Dumont Arce' was born into this beautiful world on October 23, 1947. To his dear mother Tessie Mae Farley and  father, Edwin Solano Arce'.  He was one of five children. Darlene Carrol born March 5th, 1950. Alan Arce' born December 25th, 1953.  Jeffery in 1956. Kym and Kevin (fraternal twins) Born September 26th, 1959.

 

He is survived by his sister Darlene, brother Alan and Kevin Arce, his first born son Judson Arce,  Samuel Dumont Arce' Jr,   his daughter Chrystal Arce', and his adopted children who he claimed as his own flesh and blood, Elijah Arce', Indianara, Natalia, Mara, Naya and Gabriel. 

 

My father was an amazing man. He traveled the world and served our country. He joined the army right out of college in 1970. Fort Dix in New Jersey is where he attended basic training. Then on to Fort Leonard wood for combat engineering. Finally he attended OSC and attained the rank of First Lieutenant. He was stationed in Colorado Springs. Samuel did not re-enlist. He wanted another adventure.

 

Sam would tell you he traveled the world starting out with just $60. He was a big believer in putting your faith in the universe. That every adventure that came your way would lead you to where you were meant to be. He traveled to every state except Hawaii. He danced all over Europe, China, The Philippines, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru and many other magical places.

 

I know my father had immense love and compassion for everyone who he crossed paths with.

 

Toward the end of his life he fought through many ailments. He had a double leg amputation, kidney failure, heart surgery and diabetes. He never gave up. Throughout these miserable times he never once lost his humor and positive attitude. I commend my father for that. Between teasing the nurses, and making jokes about how without his legs he is Lieutenant Dan's twin. (Forest Gump)

My Father greeted death the way he greeted each day, with love, humor, excitement and passion.

The last week we spent with him was beautiful. Stubborn as always he waited until his Sister Darlene was able to arrive from Virginia. He lasted one week completely off dialysis, insulin, or any other normal upkeep treatments. He ate anything he wanted. Ice Cream was a big one, Ben and Jerry’s for three days. We listened to music, Read poetry, Cried, Laughed,  Held hands, Philosophized.  Most importantly we left no words unspoken.  It was brave and a huge blessing.  

My dear dear Papa. He will truly be missed by many. His kind heart surely blessed the world.

Look for his eyes, feel the ocean and the lightening/thunder storms. Listen to the trains. Look to the mountains for he is a part of all of us now.  

 

More than ever before.

 

I Love you Papa.