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 am so sorry.
My prayers are with you.
"He was a good man, the best I'll ever know. He was loved dearly by all those who knew him."
Angels smile at words such as these.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Today is 9 years to the day that I lost my Dad.
No words that I can say will make you feel better. It is an unbelievable thing to have had someone there all your life and suddenly he is gone.
I can tell you this: There will come a time when you wake up and smile at the good things you had together. Then you will know that you are healing.
In the mean time think about how he would have wanted you to live after he was gone. My Dad said, "When I'm gone, don't feel sorry for me. I have lived a long, full life."
I hope you can find some strength in this.
God Bless you and your family.
John
May God comfort you and yours during your time of grief. The prayers of many are with you.
Deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad. He sounds like he was a very special man whom you loved dearly.
PROFOUNDLY MOVING WORDS.
THANKS TONS FOR SHARING THEM.
So sorry to hear of your loss and your most understandable grief.
Prayers for your healing and peace. I'm thrilled you have so many wonderful memories of being together.
Bless you in your struggle and sorry.
If you need a friendly ear, please feel free to FREEPMAIL me.
Blessings, hugs, prayers, caring.
You have my heartfelt sympathy on the sudden loss of your father. Lean hard on your faith, God is there to help.
Dwell on the good memories and honor your dad every day by being good to yourself and others too.
I couldn't handle it if my da' died.
May God's love surround you during this time of loss and sadness.
I am so sorry for your loss GeronL.Prayers for you and your family.
Oh my. Be strong. Prayers for comfort...
Sorry for your loss - it is so hard to lose those fathers who have raised us and worked hard for us. He will live with you in your heart now and will be with you every day every where you go. It is a comfort.
May God bless and comfort you and his loved ones.
Continue on WITH him. He's still with you -- just in a different way. It'll take a little time to adjust, but soon you'll learn to draw strength and inspiration and love from him, the way he's with you now.
My condolences to both of you and your families.
/john
Garon,
Know that you are going through grief right now. Books and time and perhaps a healing weekend will help.
You can click on my name for more information.
(Or you can FReepmail me.)
For now, considered yourself hugged by Jesus for that is my prayer. Let him walk with you through this grief. Sometimes people will journal; putting their thoughts and prayers down on paper just seems to help.
May God bless you and your family.
Salvation
I feel for you.
I hope he is in heaven right now looking down on you, reaching to wipe your tears away.
GeronL, please accept my deepest sympathies. I bet your dad was proud of you in ways you never even knew. God Bless you and your family.
Prairie
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