Posted on 05/18/2004 4:31:02 PM PDT by GeronL
On the evening of May 5th I heard my father call me from the living room. I was there within a few seconds to see him collapse to the floor gasping. He was not choking, but it sure seemed close.
I called 9-1-1 immediately and then called family and friends. They live close by.
The paramedics took their time after they parked and were rude and brusque. Three of his children,me included, were outside the apartment crying. They said it did not look good, he was not responding.
We were all at the hospital when they told us he had passed on. When we were ready, they said, we could see his body. They took it to the morgue before we could.
The days have been a blur since then. I have not been back to FR at all until now. I have come by the apartment a few times to feed the cat and water the plants.
I am still in a state of disbelief since the shock wore off.
He had a few marriages, had two daughters with a wife named Doris. They are both nearing fifty now and only one of them attended the funeral.
He married my mother Nora Ann and they stayed together until her death (murder) almost exactly 20 years ago. They had five children, although the oldest had been born before they met. Me, my brother and three sisters might be poor, but we had the best parents.
He worked in the City of Irving Sanitation Department for a very long time driving (operating) heavy equipment. He retired about a decade ago after major surgery resulted from complications of appendicitis.
He was a good man, the best I'll ever know. He was loved dearly by all those who knew him. I stayed by his side when he was in the hospital a decade ago. I have lived with him since. He has seemed strong for most of that time and did not need help. I was the one being helped.
Immediately after the funeral ended, it began to rain. People were soon running for their cars and I was soon alone with the casket and the man who would lower it. I could think of nothing to say except "Bye Daddy".
I know I was the son who was always there when you needed me. I was the son I could be.
I know I didn't express my love and admiration as often as I should have.
I promise to try and be a better man than I have been. I promise to be a better person.
I can never forget my father or ever stop loving him. He was the center of my universe since I was born and is still. I do not know or understand how I can continue on without him.
And all I can really say is "Bye Daddy, I love you".
I just thought you'd want to know why I have been absent for 2 weeks.
Prayers for you and heartfelt sympathy from myself and LadyShallott.
I am so sorry GeronL, Prayers for you my friend.....
My condolences for your loss.
My sympathy to to you. May your father rest in peace.
OMG... I'm so sorry :( Wow you're thinking my thoughts when my father died. :crying: Sorry my FRiend
I'm so sorry. Prayers for you and your family.
Jim
BTTT
No matter how old you are it's tough when a good father dies. My daddy died ten years ago and I still miss him. My heartfelt sympathy is with you and your family.
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. But, thank you for sharing these thoughts with us. They mean more than you know.
I personally read these kinds of threads closely, because I'm in "rehearsal"....my Pop is 90 now, and failing fairly quickly, both mentally and pysically.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, GeronL.
Thank you for letting us know, friend GeronL.
I'll be keeping you and your father, and your family, in my heart and prayer.
I wish you blessings, and peace.
Sorry to hear about your dad.;-(
Sorry to hear about your dad.;-(
ping
God Bless. May the Lord grant you and your family strength.
Take a moment tonight to go look at the stars.
That's where he came from.
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