God bless you Ann! Your bravery and will to invite others in your life during this difficult time speaks volumes as the kind of woman you are.  I enjoyed the story about your father and pray you and your family are continually comforted with God's help.  Like you, I only have my mother now, but will make sure I take the time to cherish every healthy moment with her as she is aging and is 73 years old.  Thanks for sharing.

Excellent Story!

I just think Ann Curry is one of the best.  It was so heartwarming to see this about her father and her relationship with him.  I know that it is a tremendous loss to the entire family.

What a beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing it with us.

As I listened to you Ann, talk about your Dad, I cried with joy, your experience was so familiar to me. I lost my brother last month to brian cancer (like Senator Kennedy), like your dad my brother was a jokester and the days leading up to his death was truly a journey and funny. He yoddled in ICU, he danced holding a chair and the funeral was hysterical, show time at the Apollo or American Idol. His funeral and wake was truly like his character, a great time. Folks that attended the service are still talking about his home going. Ann you are RIGHT, we celebrated each day with him and he was afraid and cried at times. He had comfort in knowing he would see my father and family that had passed before him. I want to share one piece of information with you that may also help you at this time, believe it or not, before we left the hosptial after his final breath, there was a smile on his face. We did not touch his mouth, God is good he did not suffer and he is whole again and that smile gets me through the day and the what "IF's". My brothers is talking loud, telling jokes and dancing. So celebrate, appreciate and remember the good times wiht your love one's, you will see them again.

I was moved to tears by the report. It must have been very hard for Ann to be on live TV after it was shown. I lost my father 16 years ago and my mother last year. I do not have any video of either of them but I do have  some precious pictures. It is so important to do what you can for family and friends while they are alive so you will not have regrets.

My Dear Ann,
I really do know you,for I have watch you and listen to you for many years. My heart goes out to you for I understand your hurts about looseing someone like your Dad. Let time be your friend, what a wonderful man,laughter,jokes,smiles,goodtimes,partys,dinners, and just plan old Dad,your story was wonderful, God Bless you and your family, for he left stories and fun things behind for you to remember, he'll live through you and you have his smile, remember, for we all go on and his life in heaven as just began and believe me I know that there was a party on the other side to welcome him in. We love you in our home, bless you,Ron Gillespie

beautiful life lesson!...thank you!

Dear Ann,

Thank you for sharing your Dad's last days with all of us.  Anyone who has lost a parent knows about the empty place created in our lives as they go gently into the night.  As a friend said to me when my mother died, "there's never been a moment in your life when she wasn't there for you."  I remember that often when I find myself missing her, nearly 15 years later.

We all need the witness of a life well lived, right to the end--a life lived with love and joy, even in the face of diminishment and sickness.  Your Dad gave this to us in spades.  Thank you, Ann.

I was so moved by this mornings show.  I lost my father in 2001 suddenly.  You reminded me of the wonderful sense of humor my father had and what a perfect weekend to "remember" our loved ones.  Thanks Ann for this wonderful piece.  I cried but yet I laughed at such a joyous and loving man.  Just like my dad.  With Much Love and Respect: Deanna Sheppard-Thompson

Ann,
I was moved by your segment with your Dad. I too lost
my mother on April 13 to ovarian cancer, however it was 24 years ago. I was 34 at the time but it seems like yesterday.
Like your family we all tried to
keep our smiles and sense of humor. One of the things
I remembered (how could I foget) was my brother had a
golden retriever at the time named Stridor whose birthday was April 12th. My mother laid in her bed
and we all put on birthday hats including the dog and
sang Happy Birthday!!!
My thoughts are with you and your family during this
time of sorrow.

I was moved by your story.Your family has a lot of courage. God Bless You!That for you story heart touching. my grandmother is 85 years old and has altimer's so we try to cherish moment.

Dear Ann,
My mother left this life the same week as your Dad. We placed her with hospice in the short weeks before.My brothers and I had some uncertainity about if we had done the right thing for my Mom. There was a certain comfort that seeing your story brought to our family, a knowing that we weren't alone and that other families go through the same thing. having the time before she died we had a better grip at the funeral and we're able to reflect on the legacy she left us.
Thank you for sharing your story.

God Bless you Ann! I was watching the video last night . You are such a sweet person. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Ann
You are an incredible individual.  The poise, care & dignity you show are so admirable. Not just for this story but everyday.  Hats off to you for such a wonderful story.  What a beautiful way to honor your father.  I don't know if I couldve had the strength you showed to get through that.  
It's no wonder I consider you as part of my family just from watching you each morning.  
Thanks for doing this piece - reminds me what I need to do.
God Bless You Ann.
Barbara Wilson
Wellsville, NY

The story last night and this morning was so moving and hit very close to home. February 24, 2008 my 4 sisters and I lost our Dad (one month before his 70th birthday) after a 16 month battle w/ lung cancer that spread to his brain and other areas. Although it was very, very hard for me to watch due to my own feelings of great sadness and grief, I HAD to watch it! Ann, you were so right in everything you said for, about and with your Dad. We made sure my Dad's last year was one of the best of his (and our lives). He and I had our final private conversation three days before his death at home - he asked me why I was crying and of course my only response was "because" and he said "Honey, there is nothing to cry about, everything is going to be ok" I kind of stared at him w/ a dumbfounded look, he gave me a wink and I knew what he was saying. Yes Ann, I agree with you that it must be horrible for parents to watch their children suffer as I know it was extremely hard on my Dad not being able to comfort "his Girls". I am so sorry to you and your family for your loss. My very best to you. Heather

Ann,
How fitting that we saw the piece about your Dad so close to Memorial Day. He served his country well and had it not been for that service, we wouldn't have the gift of YOU. Your father had an inspiring spirit, and though it lives on in you now, you inherited it long before he died.

Ann,
I hope you find comfort with your loss by looking in the mirror and seeing the gracious and generous human being that your parents raised.  Your Dad had to be proud of your accomplishments but moreso of your human compassion which is conveyed daily on the morning news show that I have watched for I don't know how long.  I watch you all because of your human side-that you share your lives with your audience.  I lost my Dad in 1983 and still miss him daily.  I also lost my sister that same year- to cancer.  It is a horrible disease that strikes too many.  Thank you for sharing.  May God hold you gently when you are at your lowest point.

Hi Ann,
I enjoy watching you. I lost my grandmother last week. My mother did a wonderful job of caring for her and being with her during her final year with us. I am a Hospice volunteer. Thank you for embracing this topic!

Dear Ann
I loved your story about your dad's final days.  What courage you have to share this message during your time of sorrow and loss.  My eyes were filled with tears as I remembered my own experience with my mom.  Our final weeks together were priceless and changed the way I live and view life.  I am also a Hospice nurse that embraces the message you were sharing today with this special video.  I believe one's death is as special as one's birth.  Americans don't understand this concept.    My passion is to spread this message throughout the US.  Thank you again for sharing your special story.  I know you touched many by sharing your experience.  

Ann, It was touching watching your story about your Father.  It is difficult at any age to say goodbye to a parent. I also know that remembering them and the happy times you shared with them is so important.  After the loss of both parents within one year,  both unexpectedly I had to find a way to let others know what special people they were.  And as you may know a "tribute" is one of the most loving ways to remember them. I created one for both parents online as a place to share their life with others.  

Thank you for sharing yours,
Debbie Hill

I was so moved this morning Ann with your shareing of the time you were able to spend with your Dad at the end.My Mom died in 2003. I lived out of state and I had the joy of spending her last three months with her. We shared so much at that time laughing, joking and remembering stories.  

Thank you for having the strength to do your father's story.. Our circumstances are very similar and I felt and immediate bond with your story..It was as if, I were reliving those days. Those last few weeks, days, moments, are the most precious to us..I know, I wouldn't of changed a thing. Often times, people don't have the chance to face what the future will hold when they loose a loved one.. They don't get the chance to say "goodbye". I can't imagine, never having that chance.. You done a wonderful thing in sharing your story with the world Ann.. It was done with great honor.
Thank you...

Dear Ann,

I watched you this morning on the Today show and my favorite part of the whole story was when you said your dad taught you how to live and how to die.  I have been fortunate that both of my parents are still with me.  But I realized that my time with them is fleeting.  One of the things that we are doing this summer it that my siblings, their spouses and kids and I, along with Mom and Dad are going on a big family vacation to a resort that they took us to as kids.  My little sister was not sure if she was going to join us and I had to reminder that we may not have this opportunity again and that she would regret it.  Your story was an affirmation of that.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of your father with us. My children could learn from your story.  I have lost my parents several years ago and it still hurts.  

I wish you peace.  On Monday, May 26, Memorial Day will be the one year anniversary of the burial of my son.  A story out of the northwest Puget Sound of three canoers who went missing last April 29, 2007.  The first body being recovered May 15, 2007, my son.  I never got to see him again...even in finding his body.  I am happy for you in having those memories to look back on of your father.  I would give anything to have held my son one more time, seen his face one more time...to whisper in his ear "I love you".

Hi Ann, I loved your segment about your dad, it made me cry again :) Hope your holding up well along with the family, I miss him just as much as you do.

VERY SORRY I KNOW HOW YOU IT FEALS HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH,AS A FATHER I KNOW HE THOUGHT OUT OF ALL THE GIRLS IN THE WORLD YOU WERE THE BEST.

Ann, thank you for sharing your story about your wonderful father.  You and your family are so blessed to share and treasure those last days. My father passed away a month and one day prior to your dad, and it's been really painful.  My family did not have the opportunity to make his last days, his best days.  The day before he passed, I surprised him with a special little girl who always bought a smile to his face, and the last smile on his face, just priceless! It's a smile that will be never forgotten!

I was so touched by your story.  I lost my dad when I was 18 and it was very sudden.  My life was changed   forever.  I always wish I could tell my dad that those little things that drove me crazy are the things that I miss about him the most.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this life changing experience.
Thank you for sharing

dear ann the story about your father made wish i had a better relationship with my father before his pasting be strong and may you and your family be blessed  always

For my english class we have to write an informative speech. This report has inspired me to write about how special life is and how we need to live to the fullest each and every day!

Dear Ann,

Thank you for sharing your story on caring for you elders.  My family is going through this right now with our mother who has breast cancer that has metastasized to her bones.  Having your family come together is so important at this time.  I saw how hard it was for your mother in the video and we have to think about our other parent also.  My mom relies so much on my father, and I see it taking a toll on him (mentally and physically).  You mentioned hospice, which is uncomfortable to some families.  My siblings and I have been taking turns helping out which hasn't been easy.  We all have work, family, and other obligations.  We all feel stressed, but this is our mother who has worked so hard to take care of us and it is only right that we take care of her now.  Thank you again!

Ann,
I was late for work today because I had to watch the story about your father. That was so moving and emotional. After losing my mother suddenly five years ago and a brother to suicide a year ago, you just reminded me once again, how precious life is. All I can say is, based on what I know of you from the Today Show, is that your parents raised one amazing woman. Your strength blows me away. Thank you for sharing your story.

Ann, I can't tell you how much your story meant to me today. I am a hospice social worker and count it an incredible honor when families allow us to walk those final months, weeks, days with them. I referred to your piece as, one hour later, I met with a daughter to sign her mother onto hospice services as she struggled with thoughts of losing her mom. Please continue to educate the world about how hospice can be a support during those difficult times. So many families wait too long to choose hospice.  There is so much we can do to help when given the opportunity. Thank you so very much, Ann, for your transparency in the midst of your grief.  

Hi, Ann.

I am so touched with your relationship with your dad, and the family closeness your shared. I can most definitely relate, and while I am sad for you, I am happy that your were able to share, and recognize the good in your father, and had enough gumption to know what to chronicle so you could go back and look at it at a later time. I would like to share with you, my mother’s obituary(which I wrote, and am very proud to share with)  perhaps it will make you smile, and find some more peace with  whatever decisions or thoughts you may have had in your Dad’s passing.

If yu like, refer to my webpage; included in this message, so you can see pictures of our family....ALL 3  of us!!!!

with warm regards,
Dana Cohn

Dearest Ann,
What an extraordinary women you are to share your father's last days before "going home". This tribute to your dad's memory may help others cope with impending death of a loved with dignity and respect.  I lost my wonderful husband of twenty-five years a year ago to cancer.  Like your dad, he lived life to the fullest right to the very last breath.  We never gave up hope although his cancer was progressive and uncurable.  He continued to make plans and made the best of every day. It was fortunate for us that I was able to care for him at home until his "falling asleep". I know how much you and your family miss your dad, but he is only a memory away and is with you always.  My deepest sympathy and may you father's memory be eternal.
You were very impressive and gained my respect when you spoke at the State Theater in New Jersey several years ago. With deep admiration and respect, love and peace be with you,  Ann Polise          

  My Mommy...To Ann....                                                


“Tootie”


October 2005 Mom was complaining about breathing after returning from one of my parents awesome summer trips. You see, the planning of the next trip immediately began when the plane touched the ground from the previous trip. My Dad would gather the brochures from all parts of the world, weed threw them, and say to her, "Moyn..."( that is his nick name for her)  what do you think of going to, uhhhhhhhhhhhh...."with his  famous Ted pause. So that summer they decided on Italy (which was there favorite home away from home vacation country.  Only this year Mom had some difficulty walking through some of the streets, when they were away. She thought that she was just tired, or my Dad was pushing a little too much (which is so not his style....)she went to the Dr. to check out her breathing, never knowing this would be the start of a journey that pushed not only Mom but all three of us to limits we did not know we had. Mom would say every so often “I want to wake up and realize this is all just a bad dream, and everything will go back to normal “(and so did we).
"Mom's initial diagnosis of lung cancer was a real emotional hit.  Her closest and most special relative, Uncle Paul had passed of this disease, and I know it really saddened her to see Uncle Paul, so sick, and weak...and here she was handed the same fight. But, Dr .visit after Dr visit, Mom kept plugging along. Her acceptance words after every visit was "It is, what it is."  Or  "You are basically just keeping me alive; on a low day." ( but the truth is,  she/we  did much more than just stay alive during the 2(+) year fight, and we dealt with this together. Every doctor office visit, every chemo treatment, every night in the hospital just to make sure my Tootie was taken care of, and we were always together to make sure we understood her treatment as clearly as we could. We gave her a kick in the tush when she was low, or a distraction to not focus on the negative or things she had no control of.
My mom only wanted a smile from her Dr. as she entered the dr. office  (hoping  that he had pre read her scans and they would be good news, and that she was beating the cancer) but  a frown, well we knew that was not good news.   This entire disease had been like a roller coaster ride. Mom’s will, strength, and humor, have all been traits that helped her fight this ugly disease to the end.

So, now that you understand how we got here, let me tell you about my Mom. My Mom was full of piss and vinegar. She didn't put up with crap from anyone, she didn't mince words, and basically if she didn't like you, you knew it. There really wasn't a diplomacy factor involved with Tootie's personality. When I started to stay at the house last December, which was initially only to make sure she was comfortable after her chemo treatments.  I started to see parts of my mom differently; with a better understanding of just how special a lady she was. Her insistence of doing certain things for herself (like cooking a gourmet meal, even though she was not feeling her best, which was her gift to us...like a good Jewish mother she was constantly cooking, but Tootie ‘s cooking was more sophisticated than the norm . She was on the recipe swap finding the newest and most knock your socks off spice or infused oil, or something you can't spell condiment, to order from the other side of the world. It was a constant surprise.
And I have to say up until the very last 3-4 months she picked herself up every morning took her arsenal of vitamins and supplements, and other stuff, and fought the fight, and we had fun. We cried. Not too much though(crying would not accomplish much and I never wanted my Mom to see me sad, that would bring her hopes down, even though we both knew this was not forever), and we talked. I learned a lot of things about the dimensions of my family that I didn't  know, and this time helped me understand the dynamics of my parents, and how that affected me, and us. We took care of every thing together. I became her second hand, but make no mistake, she was ALWAYS in charge! She was very particular and organized about a lot of things. Dinner had to be made before we went out each day. We both hated looking forward to making it later, as it would eat into our Oprah, and Judge Marilyn time...and that was sacred time.
I will really miss our Friday date. It was Tootie and Cutie's day (I was cutie...Mom was Tootie, and together we were CutiePatootie) Every Friday was our day. We went to lunch and shopping.  We tried to choose a different place to have lunch every week to keep things interesting. If we wanted to dress up for good people watching it was Bal  Harbor, but mostly we were just happy having the day together with no chores, just pleasure. I could gauge how Mom was feeling by the number of discount haunts we would visit on a day. 3 stores, well, Mom was feeling unbelievable. 2 stores- she was pretty good, but a little low on the real steam. 1 stores….well, she was trying to keep me happy.


I will miss our morning emails too. Although this little morning email thing started when I lived in my apartment, it continued when I was staying at the house, even though we were sharing the same computer. (I would wake up early and write her a morning note, and she would wake up an hour later). It was sort of a daily pick me up. If Mom had chemo I would say something like "good morning my strong sunflower."  Some of the emails would say; good morning my Adorable Azalea,Or good morning my, “Perfect, petite Peach,” or good morning my "radiant rose." Some mornings we were both pretty hard pressed for coming up with words and adjectives that had the same first letter and made sense.  Good morning my magnificent matzoh ball was clearly a stretch. But my favorite email was on Sunday morning September 9. Mom wrote “Good Morning to you, my best, best friend...”

Mom had, and taught me about class. I am going to share  my mantra which is actually from an Ann Landers column that my Mom gave me many years ago, and describes pretty clearly what she passed to me.

Class Never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident, and it can handle whatever comes along.
Class has a sense of humor. It knows that a good laugh is the best lubricant for oiling the machinery of human relations.
Class never makes excuses. It takes its lumps and learns from past mistakes.
Class knows that good manners are nothing more than a series of small sacrifices and minor inconveniences,
Class bespeaks an aristocracy unrelated to ancestors or money. Some extremely wealthy people have no class at all, while others who are struggling to make ends meet are loaded with it.
Class is real. You can't fake it.
Class is comfortable in it’s own skin. It never puts on airs.
Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down.
Class is already up and need not attempt to look better by making others look worse.
Class can “walk with kings and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch.”
Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class because he is comfortable with himself. If you have class, you've got it made. If you don't have class, no matter what else you have, it won't make up for it."
I am certain I am going to miss a lot of things as the days go by.
I will truly miss my mom. But I don’t know that we would have ever enjoyed the friendship we had, if she had not gotten sick, and we had not had this time together.  So, while I am truly sorry that she is not  here today physically , the time we had together was truly a gift(and I knew that while it was happening) , and I am lucky enough to have a gift like this for the rest of  my life in my heart.
I hope my Mom is with her mother, Dorothy and Uncle Paul.
I love you my beautiful Tootie.
July 19, 1941-October 29, 2007

Thank you for your touching story.  On March 8, 2008, I lost my mother to ovarian cancer, 12 days after she was diagnosed.  Her last days were spent with family reminiscing.  I told her that where she was going, she would have no limitations, she'd be able to see again after losing her vision 15 years ago.  She'd finally be able to see her own face and the face of her two great-grandsons ages 6 and 2.  I do believe that she is reunited with her loved ones who went before.  With the help of 24 hour care, Hospice and my wonderful cousin who dropped everything to help take care of her, Mom died peacefully, pain free and at home.

Dear Ann,
Something made me stay in bed just a little longer than usual today and now I know why.  Last night I went with my parents to attend a family dinner.  It was during a discussion at table that my dad, just diagnosed with ALS, quoted something from the Bible and added his thoughts to it:  "'A people without hope shall perish.' I have ALS, but I still have to have hope that there will be a cure and that I will get better. Otherwise, I may as well give up."  I was just thinking this morning, before watching the segment on your father, that I should write this down and start writing down the thoughts he shares with everyone as he struggles with this disease. Watching the story about your father just confirmed that I should do this regularly.  I found that our fathers have many things in common and I want you to know I found great comfort in your story.  My condolences to you and your family.  A beautiful story, Ann. Thank you for sharing it with us today.

Thank you Ann. My Dad is battling cancer. Your video made me realize that I need to take more pictures and spend more time with my parents. I keep putting it off because I'm busy and so far away. Now I realize I will never get this time back. Thank you. I will be praying that God comforts you and your family like only He can do.

Ann

After watching this I can now see that yuou are definetly your father's daughter...you are so much like him facing tough challenges with grace and a lot of laughter. I doubt that there is even a 5 min span that your laughter is not recorded on Today. You are an incredible person just like your dad. I am truly sorry for your loss. I am glad you have such great memories to share.

Hello Ann,
I lost my dad on April 8 just a few days before you lost yours, from an 8 month battle from cancer, so I know what your going through.   May your happy times and memories with your dad help you get through this tough time.   I hope your family, especially your mom, is getting through this difficult time.    Its been very tough for myself and my mother.  Hopefully time will heal the pain.
With Father's Day fast approaching, let's remember our fathers for the great men that they are.
God Bless and Thank You Ann.

I wept with emotion as I watched your loving tribute to your wonderful father.  I lost my 88 year old father in August.  My very large family also rallied to provide the best care we could.  It took a 2 year "tag team" family effort and hospice support to take care of our father at home. When he took his last breath, we, his children and grandchildren were at his side.  I miss him terribly especially his humor.
Thank you Ann for sharing.  I admire you so very much!

Thanks so much for sharing this story, I lost my dad on April 29, 2008. It's still so fresh in my mind.  I miss him every day.

Dear Ann:

I watched the moving tribute to your dad on Nightly News and then again on the Today show, this morning.  I am not ashamed to admit that your story brought this 73 year old man to tears both times.  I know how strong and brave your dad was, because I was a caregiver to my wife of fifty years as she fought a similiar battle with leukemia, from 2003 to 2006, which included a stem cell transplant.  We both ultimately lost our loved ones to blood cancer but we also know that the cancer did not conquer their strong spirts, their love for us, or the legacy and memories they left for us. When I look at that beautiful picture of you with your dad, it is easy to see the aura of love that existed between you and your dad.  When I reflected on that beautiful picture of you nestled up to him, it brought back the same deep emotions and flood of tears I experienced that afternoon when my sole mate died in my arms.  I cannot thank you enough for sharing such a wonderful and personal story with us.  What a tribute to the both of you. God bless you and your family.  

Dear Ann, Thank you for sharing your father's story with us....It was a touching and beautiful story filled with family love and affection.  You are just the best...

Dear Ann,
Your story about your father was so tender and beautiful. i can identify with you as I lost my father a little over two years ago. Like you, I was blessed with a wonderful father who was always there for me.  Our fathers will live in our hearts forever. God Bless you and your family.
Nancy Gresbrink, Portland, Oregon

Dear Ann,
I want to Thank You for sharing your story about your dad with us. He sounds like he was a great man and you have so many loving memories of him to share with your family. Thank You for making my day every moring you are truely a wonderful person.

I lost my dad three years ago and it still hurts.  Thank you, Ann, for sharing the story of your dad's last days--it not only brought tears to my eyes but also made me laugh and smile.  You are one of the best! Hang in and God Bless!

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