Rest In Paradise Daddy

#PrayersForMyDad #RestInParadiseDaddy

Share his Journey, Donate, Buy Artwork For Sale, T-Shirts or Merchandise to Help Pay It Forward!

Dear family and friends,

Monday, March 18th, 2020

My dad had a massive stroke earlier in the morning caused by a blood clot that traveled from his neck to his brain. He collapsed while home alone and was completely unconscious with a concussion, paralyzed unable to move or speak. Fortunately, my brother and I felt his presence from God which promoted us to check-in on him. While my brother was heading to my Dad’s house, I called my Mom to assist my brother, then I logged into my Dad’s email account and also called my aunt to see when was the last time she had spoken to him. After searching we were able to locate my Dad inside his apartment and my brother banged loud on the door waking him from unconsciousness. My brother had gotten there just in time to have first responders break into his apartment to get him medical attention. I was on the phone with my brother the entire time talking to my Dad through speaker phone while my brother was by his side. My Dad was taken to the local hospital because all emergencies beds were full at other locations. After speaking with the ER doctor I was able to give them a more accurate timeline for my Dad which promoted doctors to do their best to save my Dad’s life.

Thursday, March 19th 2020

After being transported to the University Hospital my Dad was X-rayed, giving medication and the blood cloth in his brain was being closely monitored. In the early afternoon, swelling in my dad’s brain increased so Doctors had to conduct an emergency operation to save his life. Surgeon’s had remove half of his skull in order to give room for his brain to swell. After approving the surgery, I packed a small carryon and hopped on the next flight that afternoon to Chicago to be by my Dad’s side.

Sunday, March 22nd, 2020

I was granted access to the hospital and was able to visit my Dad for an hour after passing the covid-19 screening. My Dad’s vitals were stable but he was totally unconscious on life support due to the stroke and emergency surgery. Later in the evening my dad became unresponsive and had to undergo a second emergency lifesaving surgery to remove more skull bone and some of the dead blood clot tissue to help relieve pressure off his lower brain stem.

Monday, March 23rd, 2020

The emergency brain surgery was a success! Nurses check on my Dad every hour to make sure he’s responsive. He’s breathing strong on his own and responding with hand signals. Today was the 1st time witnessing him able to move his eyes around. He waved at me for the 1st time and communicated with other family giving hand signals through FaceTime. The Doctors told me that they’re going to take him off the ventilator within a few more days after he’s more conscious. He will also be in the ICU for another week before transitioning to a physical rehabilitation center.

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

While visiting my dad, I could tell that he was getting some rest so I only interacted with him when the nurses or doctors would wake him up for his hourly checkup. I also spoke life into my daddy, meditated and prayed with him, washed his feet, then oiled his face and limbs before my visitation time ran out.

Thursday, March 26th, 2020

Today I walked into my dad’s room and he was getting some much needed rest. I caressed his head and he opened his eyes looking right at me. I told him “Daddy I’m here to give you my strength and take care of you, like you took care of me growing up so you rest up.” He gave me a thumbs up, was able to FaceTime with his siblings and family. He also approved video post to let everyone know he’s still fighting to heal and recover. He’s also doing even better today and stayed awake for an hour while looking at me and hand signaling.

Friday, March 27th, 2020

Today my Dad was a lil more tired than yesterday and he had a slight fever. I prayed with him, anointed his limbs with oil, and held his hand 🖐🏿 while he rested. The Doctor said that they have to relocate the feeding tube from his nose to his stomach. They also might have to relocate the trachea tube from his mouth to his throat due to irritation. Both procedures are reversible but I’m praying that they only have to relocate the feeding tube. I’ve been by my Dad’s side everyday but the Hospital said that my visitor pass might be revoked because they’re increasing the Covid-19 lockdown and he’s not as critical as before. I really miss hearing my Dad’s voice 😭 

Saturday, March 28th, 2020

Today my Dad was more awake and he looked right at me when I walked into his room. The Dr. removed his breathing tube and he’s fully breathing on his own so no revisions are needed + there’s no more fever. He spoke a little even with his throat being sore from the trachea. The next step is to remove the feeding tube within a day or so after he’s swallowing better. Also coronavirus negative! Praise God 🙌🏿

Sunday, March 29th, 2020

Today I went to visit my Dad and I was told that my visitor pass expired 2 days ago. I also found out that somehow my Dad was the only person permitted to have a visitor out of all the other patients in the entire hospital. I’m very fortunate for the time I was given but I really miss my Dad and no pain can ever describe what I’m feeling right now. 😭This covid-19 lockdown sucks even worst because my Dad is also physically unable to use a phone or fully speak.

Monday, March 30th, 2020

Today Doctors had to conduct an external surgery to relocate the feeding tube from his nose to his abdomen. This temporary revision is required because my Dad’s throat is too sore and his muscles are not strong enough for him to eat, swallow, and get proper nutrition. The surgery was a success and my Dad is responding and following commands as normal but he’s drowsy from all the medication. The Doctors say that he might have the feeding tube for up to a few months unless he’s able to eat sooner.

Wednesday, April 1st, 2020

I’ve never been a fan of April Fools, but oh how I wish this all was a joke. Today I called the hospital and they told me that my dad had become a little unresponsive due to a spiked fever. I was told that he was given antibiotics to help. The staff ran more test to see what is causing the fever. Test results take around 24hrs to 48hrs. I ask to speak with my Dad so the nurse was gracious enough to leave the phone in his room right next to him. I wanted my Dad to hear my brother and I working together to help encourage him to keep fighting. Luckily my Dad was able to hear our voices including most of his grandkids so he knows we’re all by his side praying. We spoke words of encouragement, prayed, then we sat and listened to our Daddy restfully breathing. Our phone visit only lasted about 30 minutes and i counted every second of it. Thank you Doctors and health heroes for everything you do and for giving us a little time with our Dad during these trying times. On the brighter side, my Dad’s fever had disappeared when speaking with us after the nurse returned to check his vitals. Praise God 🙌🏿

Thursday, April 2nd, 2020

Today Daddy’s coronavirus test came back negative! His liver levels are a little elevated due to medications. He’s getting proper nutrition and is progressing mentally. CT scans came back normal and physical therapy was successful so he was exhausted and resting this evening. The nurse told me that earlier she had the news on in his room. I asked her to please change the channel, notate, and turn the smooth jazz channel on in his room so it’s more relaxing. I didn’t want my Dad worrying about what’s going on outside. I’m staying strong, focus, and prayerful. Daddy is still fighting to get back to us so let’s keep them prayers flowing family, friends, and prayer warriors!

Saturday, April 4th, 2020

Yesterday I received a call from the Doctors requesting to intubate my Dad once again due to some infections, fluid in the lungs, and his inability to stay fully conscious. Today I called back to check on my Dad and the Doctor reported that there was no fluid in his lungs when he last checked. I was told that they switched one of his antibiotics due to seizure concerns. Thank God he hasn’t had any seizures. Also, his CT scans and blood pressure is still normal. This is the longest I’ve ever gone without talking with my Dad. God I miss his voice and thank you father for keeping him safe.

Sunday, April 5th, 2020

Today I received a call from the Doctors requesting to perform a tracheotomy on my Dad in order to relieve pressure and protect his throat from any complication or infections. The procedure is totally reversible but my Dad need’s to be on a ventilator until he is stronger and more conscious. I was told that my dad is semiconscious and not responding every hour as he normally does. On the bright side my Dad is still fighting for us and his CT scans are good. Miss my dad!

Wednesday, April 8th, 2020

The tracheotomy surgery was a success. My Dad vital signs are normal, blood pressure good, daily nutrition is good, corona virus negative, no fevers, and infections are gone. He’s slightly more conscious but he’s still very tired and weak. He now fully unable to speak due to the tracheotomy and there’s feeling on the left side but still no mobility. The next steps are to get him strong enough to transfer from the ICU to an acute rehab facility where he will be closely monitored and rehabilitated. Thank you for the support and continued prayers! If you would like to help, please donate at the links below and/or share the links with others who would like to support! God Bless!

Sunday, April 12th, 2020

Dad was transported to an acute rehab facility a couple of days ago. He will be staying there in the meantime until he’s strong enough to come home. He’s in great care, being closely monitored, and rehabilitated to his fullest capability. He’s still on a ventilator and has a gastric feeding tube for nutrition. Both of these devices are temporary until he’s strong enough to breath, swallow, and eat on his own. My brother and I wish that we can be by his side but the #covid19 #quarantine lockdown continues, so nobody is allowed to visit and we can only see him after they release him. Thank You for the prayers and support and #HappyEaster

Wednesday, April 15th, 2020

Today my brother sat outside Dad’s room window keeping him company while letting me and other family members visit by FaceTime. At one point there were probably 9 to 12 different family members on the call. We all spoke encouraging words of life to my Dad telling him that we love and miss him. My cousin in Florida also said a beautiful and powerful prayer for my Dad and the family. An hour later I received another call from inside my Dad’s room where I was able to see him up close through FaceTime. Fortunately the nurse on staff was gracious enough to call me from their work iPad. Our call only lasted for about 5 mins before speaking back to the nurse to get more updates. Dad is stable and doing well but he’s not as responsive as before or responding to social cues. I was told that it could be due to the recovery process, exhaustion, medications, etc. She also said that she did not know when he would become more conscious and their 1st goal is to help wean him off the respirator. The respirator goal is almost met which is definitely great news to hear. They’re also lowering and changing some medications while monitoring him closely to help him become more conscious in order to continue to his next goals. Right now, everything is day by day as usual so we’re keeping the faith and continuing the prayers.

Saturday, April 18th, 2020

Today’s marks a whole month since my Dad had a massive stroke. This is the longest I’ve gone without hearing his voice. 😭 Wish I could be with him but he’s still on covid-19 lockdown in acute rehab. He’s still coronavirus negative. Praise God 🙏🏿 I was also able to talk to him on speakerphone today! Thank You Nurses 🙏🏿 Dad is getting strong enough to be removed from the ventilator soon. He also started responding to verbal cues by blinking and slightly started moving his right side voluntarily again. He’s slowly but surely becoming more conscious. 🙌🏿#ThankGod he’s in good hands etc. #missmydad #prayersforhealing

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020

This morning I was wakened by a FaceTime call from my brother and aunt visiting my Dad outside his room window. They both were talking to Dad through his window while playing oldies and gospel music over a bluetooth speaker. This time he was more conscious while responding to our voices and verbal cues. He was also more active while glancing around and waving at us a few times. Then at one point Dad lifted his right arm to praised God while my Aunt played ‘To God Be The Glory’ by Kelly Price. Praise God 🙏🏿🙌🏿They both visited outside Dad’s room for an hr and afterwards I called inside to get a detailed update. The nurse told me that Dad is doing much better today, his vitals are great, medications lowered, and the pneumonia level dropped. She also said that they are taking things slowly with my Dad and he’s gradually meeting his trachea collar goal to be weaned off the ventilator.

Friday, May 1st, 2020

Today I spoke with my Dad’s Dr. and then the nurse called me shortly afterwards. They said that everything is going well with Dad. I was told that Dad has been more conscious this past week, moving his right side and was able to begin some therapy sessions. The Dr. said that Dad waved at him when when he 1st walked into the room which is good improvement. Dad is still unable to speak due to the trachea collar but he’s almost weaned off and will be taking more speech therapy soon. He also still has major deficits on the left side but it will take time for his brain to heal in order to regain more mobility. I really wish I could see and hug my Dad but the covid-19 facility lockdown continue, so in the meantime all we have is FaceTime and/or window visits. Overall, Dad is heading in the right direction and I’m very thankful for the dedicated rehab staff that takes great care of him. These are very trying times for us but we’re getting through with family, peace, love, prayer, and faith in God. Thank you everyone for the continued love, well wishes, prayers, donations. and all the new #AaronTruesdellArt owners! Blessings 🙏🏿

Wednesday, June 10th, 2020

I really don’t know what to say right now except, please send up more prayers for my Dad. 😢 A few days ago he was re-admitted to ICU due to multiple seizures. He’s conscious and stable but has not been responding to any verbal cues, writing or signaling with hand gestures. His ammonia levels are also elevated so they’re monitoring him closely in the ICU.

Thursday, June 11th, 2020

Today Dad was more awake and responding verbal cues with hand gestures. The seizures also subsided and his ammonia level dropped closed to the normal range. Thank you God! The nurse said that his improvement from yesterday to today is night and day. They’re going to continue to monitor him closely to make sure he stays in stable condition. The nurse also said said that he will probably be in the ICU for a few more days before being transferred back to the rehab facility. Thank you for the continued prayers and for those who have donated and purchased his beautiful artwork. I also want to send out love, hugs, and a big thank you to my Dad’s union, Sprinkler Fitters Local 281. They unanimously voted and paid up in full all of my Dad’s union dues and activated his medical, life insurance etc. As always, I’m continuing to stay strong while praying and keeping the faith. Peace, Love and Blessings to all! 🙏🏿

Monday, June 15th, 2020

Today I found out that my Dad tested positive for covid-19. He had several test before transferring to the second rehab facility so he must have caught it before being re-admitted to the ICU. The nurses said that he is doing better and is in stable condition. He doesn’t have any fever, infections, breathing complications or any lung damage. He’s responding to pain and sometime tracks people with his eyes but is non responsive to verbal cues. I was told that if he keeps progressing well then he will soon be able to transfer back to an acute rehab. I requested that he be transferred back to the first facility where there are no covid-19 exposures, better staff, medical care, testing and where the Doctor is also better with my Dad. The cranioplasty is still scheduled for the end of this month or the beginning of July which is an easier and way safer transition from the acute rehab back to his neurosurgeon. I wish I could see my Dad and be by his side but the lockdown continues. 😔In the meantime, I’m staying strong and prayerful while caring for my family like my Daddy raised me.

Saturday, August 1st, 2020

Day number one hundred and too painful to count. Dad is doing well and is stable without any seizures. There’s still no movement on his left side and he’s not verbally communicating again but he’s progressing to his fullest capability while still recovering from covid. All vitals are good including nutrition and he doesn’t have any infections or difficulties breathing. He's still in quarantine. We’re awaiting the new covid test results so that he’s able to undergo the cranioplasty this month. After that surgery he will need some time to heal before he’s finally able to come home. My daddy took great care of me growing up and now it’s time for me to return the blessing. Life changes but my love for my Dad is unconditional. I’m also experienced direct support professional, caretaker and a certified medication manager which helps. Dad will have a brand new room with new medical equipment including the best care available with around the clock care and visits by doctors, nurses, therapist, specialist etc. In the meantime, i’m working remotely while caring for my family, corresponding and remotely handling everything regarding my Dad until I’m able to be with him in person.

Wednesday, August 5th, 2020

Last night I tossed and turned barely getting any sleep. Today I woke up early to a cloudy morning thinking about my Daddy, so I called the rehab to check on him. After calling the rehab I was told that he was sent to the ICU because of fevers, infections and seizures. I decided to pull over my suv before making any other calls. After calling the ICU, I was told that they were monitoring Daddy and that he was being admitted. After that phone call I went into the store and when I came out of the store the clouds were finally parting but only in one place. My wife also notice and took some pics. I never saw the sun shining so bright through the clouds like that. I was even able to see it clearly through the tinted moon roof without any special glasses. It was so beautiful and all I could sense was my Dad’s voice. At the same time my brother all of a sudden texted me love and inspiration which is definitely unlike him. Soon after that my wife went into the restaurant to get our lunch. While she was in the restaurant a dragonfly came up to my windshield. It kept flying around my suv and also came up to my drivers side window as if it was trying to communicate. I instantly felt my Dad’s presence and this time it was stronger than before. I said, “Daddy, I know you’re in between right now but I need you to stay with me.” Next, it flew away then my wife came out of the restaurant and back to the suv. I mentioned how nature always reminds me of my Dad. I reminded her about the dragonfly that was following me while I was driving a few days ago and told her that it came back to visit. Then all of a sudden it appeared again. This time it stayed on my driver’s side before flying away. We both started crying 😭 After gathering myself I called my brother and Auntie to give them updates. I also told them that they could visit Dad since their ICU wasn’t on covid lockdown. I was waiting for updates from the Doctor because I didn’t know the severity. Once we got back home I decided to text my brother to comfort him while he was headed to the hospital. All of the sudden my phone rang while in the middle of me texting the word critical. It was the Doctor calling to update that Daddy is in critical condition. I dropped everything to look for the next flight back to Chicago. While on my way to the airport I received a call nobody ever wants to get. 😭 My daddy, Aaron Truesdell passed away peacefully on this beautifully sad day of August 5, 2020. It was hard for me to type all of this but I had to update everyone while I’m in flight. No more pain and no more suffering now that Daddy’s home with God. I got the message loud and clear. I know you’re watching over me and the entire family... 😭 I’m on my way now Rest In Peace Daddy! Go with God! Thank you family and friends for all the prayers and support.

Saturday, August 8th, 2020

My dad always taught me to have faith, trust and believe in God. Tonight I was sitting on my uncle’s balcony thinking about everything my dad has taught me in life. I asked God to send me a sign in the form of a shooting star to let me know that my dad is at home with him in heaven. Soon after, a bright shooting star appeared in the clear night sky as I was looking at the beautiful gibbous moon. Thank You God! 🙏🏿

Saturday, August 12th, 2020

Funeral & “Celebration of Life” Details:

Wake: Aug 12th at 3pm CST | Funeral Service starts at 4pm CST.

Location: Christian Life Center at 6363 183rd St, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Repast: (SAME LOCATION) Christian Life Center at 6363 183rd St, Tinley Park, IL 60477

* FACE MASK REQUIRED!!! PLEASE SHOW UP ON EARLY OR ON TIME!!! Wake, Funeral and Repast times are limited due to covid-19 restrictions for safety and proper cleaning.

* THE SERVICE WAS LIVE VIDEO STREAMED AND RECORDED (video coming soon)

Press the (Play) button below to watch the entire LIVE STREAM of the funeral or click this link to watch it on YouTube - https://youtu.be/7Nv8cE9iV8A

Click the button link below to leave public comments or well-wishes for my dad!

Thursday, August 5th, 2021

Wow it’s been a year and it still seem’s like yesterday. Life surely is not the same without you but I’m staying strong like you taught me. This song is dedicated to my father and all of our lost loved ones. Rest In Peace and Rest In Paradise Daddy 🕊️ "XL - In My Dreams" Streaming Worldwide!!!

Tuesday, Feb 22nd, 2022

Thursday, May 19th, 2022

This is my 1st NFT dedicated in loving memory and with the collaboration of my late father Aaron Truesdell. “Posse Up!” Is a call to action to come together in peace, love and unity against hate! It was created using an old drawing from the 70’s discovered in one of my father’s sketchbooks, old school photography and custom graphics. Click the link below to View, Bid or Buy our NFT For Sale Now on OpeanSea.

Donations are optional. All proceeds go towards website maintenance, art conservation, future art productions, publications etc. and savings for the grandchildren. If you donate a specific amount you have the option to select and purchase some of my Dad’s beautiful artwork that’s listed for sale below. Also, check out my dad’s SHOP for custom trademarked t-shirts and merchandise.

* Cash, Zelle, Venmo @XLTproductions, or Cash App $XLTpayme

Art For Sale

HD (High Definition) Canvas Prints Available For All Artwork Listed Below and In The Gallery!

HD Print Sizes Available

11” x 14” 16” HD Canvas Prints $150 | 16” x 20” HD Canvas Prints $200 | 20” x 24” HD Canvas Prints $250 | 24” x 36” HD Canvas Prints $300

• Please list the artwork title info in your order memo if you’re interested in artwork and donating any specific price listed below

• FREE SHIPPING INCLUDED! More of my dad’s artwork is being added along with more detailed dimensions!

• All original paintings selected will be securely packed and shipped to the correct recipient within 1 week after donating.

Artwork Price List