My father passed this morning around 5 a.m. He was 83. He battled cancer for 5 years.
Events progressed swiftly as only two weeks ago he was walking, going places. Then, just as the LetterRip Letterhead meet was starting on Friday, he had to be placed in a nursing home, two days later he couldn't get out of bed to go eat meals, and yesterday he struggled to keep his eyes open for a second or two.
We have been making 180 mile round trips since then, and I'm glad I was with him yesterday. While he laid there, I spoke of the wonderful memories of places he had taken me and the things we did together. I think this helped him find a final inner peace to let go.
Call your loved ones today. Remind them you are thinking of them, share a laugh and a good memory, and say those 3 little words that seem awkward to say: "I love you"
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Dave,
My condolences on the loss of your father.
Rapid
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Sorry to hear of your Loss David, My condolences to you and yours.
Posted by TransLab (Member # 470) on :
My condolences Dave,
.. thanks for reminder..
Mike
Posted by Terry Whynott (Member # 1622) on :
So sorry, Dave.
Posted by dave parr (Member # 3868) on :
We're with you Dave, you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers through this rough time.
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
Real sorry to hear that Dave. Thoughts and prayers coming from this way too.
Posted by Bill&Jane Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, Dave. We're sorry for your loss.
Bill and Jane
Posted by mike meyer (Member # 542) on :
Sorry to hear Dave, My ol' man still comes to the shop here every now and then, I cherish every minute! We are lucky we are still above ground, let's make the most of it!
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Dave, three other words come to mind. It Ain't Easy.
Posted by Fred Floyd (Member # 2251) on :
Sorry to hear of your Loss Dave. My condolences to you and yours. May God bless you again in a most special way. It sounds as if your father was a special blessing. Fred
Posted by Joe Rees (Member # 211) on :
I'm sure those final reassurances of his importance to you were a great comfort to him. So great you had the opportunity. In a strange way you're a lucky man Dave.
Posted by Ken Henry (Member # 598) on :
So sorry to hear of you and your family's loss Dave.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Dave, your loss touches all of us. It was good that you had those final days together in which you could express your love for him. Therein is a great lesson for the rest of us.
Our thoughts are with you. We all will (or have) experience what you are going through, but it is still tough. Great memories make it just a little easier.
Posted by Linda Silver Eagle (Member # 274) on :
Dave,
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm thinking of you and I pray you have peace with his passing.
Much love and laughter, Linda, Emily and Jenny
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Dave,
That's a tough thing. I know.
He will live on in you. My heart goes out to you. Nettie
Posted by Chris Elliott (Member # 1262) on :
Hi Dave, I'm sorry to hear about this. We missed you at the meet but the time you were able to spend with your Dad is priceless!! I wish I could remember who said "Yesterday's history, and Tomorrow's a mystery, but Today is a gift.... that's why we call it the present". Sounds to me like you used your gift wisely!!
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Sorry to hear of your loss Dave. May you find confort & strength in your memories.
Posted by Steve Levitt (Member # 3906) on :
Sorry to hear of your Loss. My condolences to you and your family. May God be with you and your family
Steve.
Posted by Linda Schmidt (Member # 2337) on :
Dave- I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. After meeting you last Thursday I can only imagine what a wonderful person he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
Sorry for your loss, Dave. Good to hear you had a good relationship. A good Dad is a priceless treasure.
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
Dave: I am so sorry. It is a terrible loss. I know you are hurting. My Dad died at age 63 from cancer. That was 25 years ago and I miss him still. But he lives on in my daily life and his lessons are with me and valued. I'm glad for both of you that the last times together were so good and honest. I'll be thinking about you!
Posted by Dave Utter (Member # 634) on :
Dave, we are so sorry. I wish there were more we could say at a time like this to help ease the pain, but words alone can't do it. Take care.
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
Dave, my condolences also
Posted by Diane Crowther (Member # 120) on :
Sorry to hear that, Dave. He was very lucky to have such special last moments. I'm sure you're comforted by that. Condolences to you and your family.
Posted by Bernice Tornquist (Member # 16) on :
Sorry to hear that, Dave...it hurts a lot to lose a parent.
God bless!
Posted by Artisan Signs (Member # 3146) on :
Dave, so sorry for your loss. It was 26 years ago that I lost my father when I was 11 years old. Although I have been without him longer that I was with him, it seems the opposite. My fater was a great guy, and your loved one is in good company. Bob K.
Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
Hey dave, will be keepin' you in tho'ts an' prayers. My Dad's 80 and not a day goes by that I'm not thankful to have him around for as long as the Lord will let him stay. Sounds like your Dad fought the "good fight". Take care.
Posted by Brian Diver (Member # 1552) on :
Dave,
Sorry for your loss. At least you were there for him in his time of need. You will remember the past few weeks the rest of your life.
So many family members hold petty grudges against each other for so long, and when they are gone the're gone. You can never say "Sorry" or "I love you", so go make up and tell your loved ones. Be there for them as you would like them to be there for you.
Thanks for sharing with us Dave he sounded like a wonderful man - we're all thinking of you.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Sorry to hear, Dave. It took a long time before I could even look at a picture of my Dad when he passed away.
My mom said the same thing about I Love You. Dad showed it but rarely if ever said it. Since Dad's death, she says it all the time. The way he showed it, words weren't even needed in all honesty. Actions do speak louder than words. Show those you love just how much.
May the days ahead get easier for you.
Posted by Kathy Joiner (Member # 1814) on :
Dave, sorry to hear about your Dad. Glad you had that last bitter-sweet time with him. It makes it a little easier doesn't it?
Our prayers are with you.
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Dave,
We offer prayer that you and yours find peace in time of sadness. Remember that though he is no longer with you, he still lives on.
Our best to your family.
Posted by Steve Manning (Member # 3947) on :
Sorry for your loss, our condolences to your family and you.
Posted by Brian (Member # 39) on :
Sorry to hear of your loss Dave, I am glad that you were able to remember fond memories together, that is a gift that can not be taken away.
Posted by Jeffrey Vrstal (Member # 2271) on :
Dave,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a parent at any time for any reason is always a hard thing to bear. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Dave,
Our prayers are with you, as there is the special bond that you have with your father, and nothing can take that away. There is something more beyond this life, I know that. May peace be with you, keep learning from his lessons and his spirit will live within you brightly.
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Dave, may the love of friends and family be a source of comfort to you. Our hearts go out to you and yours. Judy
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
The same words I used when my Dad died. Finest man I ever met, can't wait to see him again. I'm sorry for your loss Dave.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Dave
Thanks for letting us know.
I am privileged to be working with my dad daily right now as we build our new project. Your post touched me & made me appreciate so much more the time I am getting to spend with my dad.
I fully realize as he gets older that he won't be here always. He can't keep up the pace he was able to in the past but I so much appreciate his vast experience & wisdom. He's one of those guys who has trouble expressing how he feels with words. Nevertheless he shows it always with his actions.
My sincerest condolences to you & your family.
-dan
Posted by AdrienneMorgan (Member # 1046) on :
Dave, I'm sorry for your loss, but encouraged by your words...my Mom is dying and I don't know how long I will have her to talk to on the phone late at night (she sleeps most all day now)
I make a point to call her almost every day, and ALWAYS tell her that I love her.
Lord bless you,
A:)
Posted by Steve Burke (Member # 2674) on :
Dave,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. At least he was close enough for you to be able to spend lots of time with him; I hear sad stories of people whose employers won't let them leave, or they are too far away, etc.
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Dave Your post brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry for what you and your family have endured. It seems as though you are using your good memories to bring comfort. Take care, and remember, you will see him again!
Posted by Lotti Prokott (Member # 2684) on :
My sincere condolences. Thank you for sharing.
Lotti
Posted by Dwayne Hunter (Member # 133) on :
My Dad comes by the shop EVERYDAY, if I'm here. So does Mom. If they aren't gonna make it by, they call. Dad may have to mow or go home to put the dog in the house if a storm is brewin'. Mom may have to go to a hair appt. Otherwise, they're here.
When I read your post, I had to think for a second what it would be like if they didn't do what they do. I could only bear it for a second.
Sorry to hear about your father. You'll be in my prayers...
Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
Hey, Davey. Prayers from the St.Maries.
k31
Posted by John Deaton III (Member # 925) on :
Ive been gone for a couple days Dave, or I woulda replied sooner. My heart goes out to you and your family buddy. Times like these, lean on your friends. Thats what they are for. God bless.