I wasn’t prepared for the rollercoaster I was to ride when my dad became suddenly and critically ill just two months ago. I didn’t meet the ride’s height requirements and I hated the upside-down loops.

After being rushed to his closest private hospital in Melbourne, my 57-year-old dad spent three terrifying weeks in the intensive care unit, where he eventually died.

Ruby Kraner-Tucci with her dad, Joe.

He underwent three emergency surgeries in six days. He was intubated, extubated and re-intubated. He needed CPR. He was........

© The Sydney Morning Herald