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".
Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Prayer Ping List.
Please address your prayers to GeronL;
I'm so sorry for your loss and the trauma you suffered. My prayers are with you.
Our prayers and sympathies toyou and your family. God Bless You.
The Sailor & MoJo2001
Think of the people who grow up without an intact family, and don't even know their father! Amazing thought, to us who suddenly don't have the opportunity to visit their father after never knowing the time when he wasn't around!
Thanks be to God for the memory of your father! Amen.
Remember there will always be a part of him in you, and take comfort that he is with you always. God Bless.
Tony
Lost my dad at age 11...I know the feeling. My advice? Celebrate The Moment...as it turns into one more.
My deepest condolences as you move through this tough time.
O Lord, Holy Father, by whose loving-kindness our souls and bodies are renewed; Accept our prayers and look mercifully upon this thy servant GeronL. Relieve him of this burden, restore his soul and spirit. And, we beseech thee, grant his father entrance to the eternal land of joy and light, in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dear GeronL
I am so sorry for your loss. You, your father and rest of your family will be in my prayers.
My heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family. Look for a FReepmail from me.
Lisa
I'm so sorry. Bless you, and prayers for you too. May your dad rest peacefully.
GBU Floyd. Hang in there buddy.
I'm so sorry, GeronL for your loss. May God Himself wrap His arms around you now and comfort you.
Dear Geron: May God rest the soul of your dear father. Be strong.
The time you are spending with him now bears no explaination.
Prayers to you and your family.
Geron, I'm so sorry about your dad. I've been sitting here crying since I read your post. Bless your heart. I will be praying that the Lord will comfort you and give you strength for the coming days.
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