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".
My dad died 30 years ago.
I still miss him.
God bless you, Geron. Weeping with you...
My heart goes out to you. I will pray for your family as I am sure you must all be in shock.
Yet what a blessing to have the memories of good father live on inside you and to know that he loved you so much.
May those memories and God's mercy bring you comfort.
Lily
GeronL,.... I am so sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers are with you.
You are already a better person for having said those things, Geron. Your papa was a good man if he taught you to love.
As for not knowing how you can get along without him, you will find he is still with you when you need him. Really.
Prayers up for your Dad, and especially for those he left behind...
sigh I hit post instead of preview.
Your Dad came from the stars, and he's Home now.
Stay strong, he'd want that, I think.
>>I know I am not the man you wanted to be. I know I have been too lazy, too fat and too much of a dreamer. I always have been those things.<<
Please, from someone who lost her parents in her twenties, please understand that you were all your Dad wanted you to be. You were a child who loved him. Many parents don't have that.
I will pray for your Peace my FRiend. Your Dad is watching you now and loves you more than ever.
Time heals all wounds. I know you don't believe it now, but neither did I. It really is true. The hurt will go away and the love will remain.
My condolences. I lost my mother last Wednesday. Funerals are for the living and although I had a few waves of intense grief, I was able to let go. I also reconnected with members of my family who I hadn't seen for decades. In the end, Mom brought the family closer together.
My Dad died many years ago and I still pray for him every night.
May God's blessings be with you each day. Thanks for sharing your Dad's life with us.
So sorry for your loss - my prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
I'm so sorry about your beloved Daddy and your story really touched my heart. Your Daddy had much to be proud of in a son such as you.
Brenda
May God comfort you and your family in this time of loss.
May he rest in peace.
The Lord give you peace and comfort.
The Lord give you peace and comfort.
I was born in 1932 also,my heart goes out to you and your family.
God bless you and comfort you in your time of grief.
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