Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

~Saying good bye~
CookingWithCarlo.com ^ | Sept 23, 2003 | Carlo3b Dad, Chef, Author

Posted on 09/23/2003 6:48:59 PM PDT by carlo3b

click here to read article


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 81-100101-120121-140 ... 321-335 next last
To: carlo3b
It's something in the air today

Perhaps it's those flowers ;^)

{{{kiss}}} my sweet Carlo...

101 posted on 09/23/2003 10:23:15 PM PDT by jellybean ( :))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 99 | View Replies]

To: carlo3b
This is a timely article and I will bookmark it, but I'm not able to receive it yet. Yesterday my husband was told his cancer has returned, he has weeks or months, they can't tell us. We are still dealing with the shock and dread, but I want to thank you for something I will come back to for comfort eventually. Freeper's are the best.
102 posted on 09/23/2003 10:28:38 PM PDT by MissAmericanPie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: jellybean
There are a lot of different kinds of losses, and to tender hearts they don't have to be a passing to be devistating.. So, if you don't mind.. and for those that don't know that I am a proud father of some pretty special children as is everyone on this forum.. but since this is my thread..LOL... 

I'd like to share with you my youngest boy Matthew (12 at the time when he wrote this)... and the way he discribed his most dreadful day.. like everything of his that I post.. if he found out he would ... GULP?

This is what happens to good kids when parents, like me and his mom screw up there lives because we can't seem to get it right.... :(

My son's teacher asked for her new class to share a personal moment with the class in the form of an essay.. she was not expecting this, I am sure....

English 1 Period 4

TURN HERE  
 She pulled the car over and simply stated, “Matthew, I’m going to file for divorce.”  On that day, Monday, the ninth of August of the year two thousand one, my life changed direction completely.  Everything, including school, home life, social life, routine, and familiarity stopped in the heat of the moment.

The walls had been suggesting this for the past 2 months before the breaking point.  It wasn’t possible that this could have happened.  I was proved wrong when my mother spoke those 7 words to me.  I was wearing a plaid over shirt covering a white T-shirt with khaki shorts and Nike shoes.  My over shirt was a bit faded, but I claimed it as my “good luck” shirt…up until that moment.  I had just left the Presbyterian Church where I studied piano and was in a rather cheerful mood when I climbed into the Cadillac. She waited to spring the attack on me.  We drove around the block to the opposite side of the sanctuary…next to the funeral parlor she pulled over and read me the verdict.

I grew up 23 years in about 23 seconds.
It was overcast and windy, unnaturally cool and brisk for an August day.  She expected an answer, which I gave, to my own surprise, without slight hesitation.  I had been dwelling on “What if” in my mind for about 2 months.  Although I cannot recall the exact words exchanged, I do remember that the overall message I sent in my arguments was that I informed her that I was not going to live with her, that I would live with my father.  Shockingly she understood.  She silently put the car back into drive and we crept down the empty streets of downtown Denison, Texas.

I had grown up next to this town. I had lived in this area for 13 years, or for as long as I could remember.  A chilling silence stood between us as I looked at the passing buildings and cars.  I came to realize that minutes ago I made a decision that jeopardized my presence in my home.  It was nearing 7 o’clock now, and the North Texas sun was blurring the clouds and painting the sky a sharp hot pink.  Nothing was said in that car, the car that had seen road trips, and holidays.  In times like these, when you have nothing but your thoughts, time seems to crawl.  The bumps of the road made us bounce slightly, causing sudden minor jerks, which yesterday would have been overlooked.

 *After what seemed like 4 years we arrived home.  She pulled into the garage and shut off the engine.  I could hear the clicks and clanks of the car after it was cut off, a testimony to my effort of silence.  I took a walk around my familiar territory.  After finding a place of solitude I slouched on a rock.  The trees and braches moved slightly with the breeze.  They arched above me, bearing striking resemblance to a cathedral with twin steeples, framing the crimson sun.  I felt the pressure to cry, which I tried to fight, but it was too powerful an enemy.  I broke out in silent tears for a brief moment.  I did not know if my brother knew, or my father for that matter.  Surely they found out as I sat there in a state of total isolation.  After about 15 minutes I regrouped sufficiently enough to re-enter the theatre of battle.

With more than little trepidation, I approached the house, already hearing muffled shouts through the door.  As was to be expected, my 15 -year old brother was screaming at the top of his lungs.  Michael had always been temper driven.  His voice boomed and shook the walls.  His shouting tone went from courage to fury, and fury to tears.  Now sitting alone in the kitchen, listening to my brother storm out of the adjacent room and into his own, I could easily identify his weeping.  The slam of his door would have startled me on an ordinary day, but this was far from ordinary.  I couldn’t fathom what my father was thinking when that evening took place.  His life was taking an even more permanent and dramatic change.  He came into the kitchen doorway and leaned on the flowered-Victorian wallpapered wall, staring into nothing.  He looked stoic and worn.  Worn from years of troubled marriage.  He casually put his hands in his pockets.

My dad was dressed plainly, as was usual for Monday evenings’ cookout night.  The only sound in the room was the occasional loud sob from my brother’s bedroom door, and the staccato clicking of the kitchen clock.  I knew not where my mother was, and I was simply too nervous and afraid to find out.  After about 10 minutes of silence, my mother, still dressed head-to-toe in purple medical scrubs, strode in with a frown and glassy eyes to grab her keys and purse.  She slipped on her sunglasses with a trembled, spasmodic sigh and flung open the door to the garage, slamming it behind her.  I listened and heard her start the Cadillac and pull out if the driveway, going rather fast.

Now that she was gone, a door opened in the back of the house, and my brother sauntered into the kitchen.  We exchanged the same glances, and heard the tapping of the pendulum, and then 8 audible gongs.  Without speaking, we all followed my dad into the garage and we too, climbed into the other car and pulled out of the driveway, only we were going noticeably slower than my mother.  We passed under blinking yellow traffic lights.

Beads of rain gently sprayed the car windows.  It had begun to drizzle.  We reached an intersection where a choice was to be made of where to turn.  “Where do we go from here, boys?” my father said.  It was futile to try to make sense of it all.  Our lives were completely different in every aspect of being.  I lightly gestured to a certain direction with my hand and uttered, “Turn here.”


103 posted on 09/23/2003 10:31:11 PM PDT by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 101 | View Replies]

To: carlo3b
LOL .. well screw those posters

We like you just they way you are and you aren't allow to go anywhere .. Ya got that ;0)
104 posted on 09/23/2003 10:34:02 PM PDT by Mo1 (http://www.favewavs.com/wavs/cartoons/spdemocrats.wav)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 98 | View Replies]

To: nicksaunt
..and you encourage me.. shame on you.. :)
105 posted on 09/23/2003 10:35:03 PM PDT by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 100 | View Replies]

To: carlo3b
Now I'm really in tears... Poor Matthew...poor Michael! Give them both an extra hug from me.
106 posted on 09/23/2003 10:44:44 PM PDT by jellybean ( :))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 103 | View Replies]

To: MissAmericanPie
I am so sorry my dear girl.. how difficult it must be on both of you. I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear what you must be going through..

I have already got my mind on some pretty heavy praying tonight, but while I have HIS ear, you and your hubby will get a bump with the man himself.. God bless you both.. Remember we are here for you whenever you need us.. Carlo

107 posted on 09/23/2003 10:45:44 PM PDT by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 102 | View Replies]

To: MissAmericanPie
I'm sorry to hear about your husband. Please don't give up hope!

Please read Fighting Cancer. It's important that your husband read it as well.

108 posted on 09/23/2003 10:53:59 PM PDT by jellybean ( :))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 102 | View Replies]

To: hoosiermama
Need a hug? Here take one of mine ......((((hug)))))

OK, now I need that HUG... thanks, I'll return the favor when you need it.. :)

109 posted on 09/23/2003 10:56:11 PM PDT by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: carlo3b; jellybean
Thank you for the prayers Carlo, and thank you jellybean for the link.
110 posted on 09/23/2003 11:09:32 PM PDT by MissAmericanPie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 107 | View Replies]

To: shaggy eel
"Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed."

That one has haunted me since I first read it a long time ago.. :|

111 posted on 09/23/2003 11:11:09 PM PDT by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 35 | View Replies]

To: carlo3b
Carlo, I am so sorry you are going through something sad tonight. Your son is a powerful writer. I have a 12-year-old and he can't write like that. Man, the description of what divorce does to kids makes me want to never do that again no matter what. I did it to my 12-year-old when he was 2.

I can only read every other word of your mournful post because I am too scared right now. My six-year-old has a spot on his spine (X ray) and we will have to wait FOUR LONG WEEKS for an MRI to make sure that it's nothing. We will be the walking wounded until then. If anyone wants to send up a little prayer for the best redheaded boy in the world, please do. Thanks.

112 posted on 09/23/2003 11:11:52 PM PDT by Yaelle
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 103 | View Replies]

To: Yaelle
If anyone wants to send up a little prayer for the best redheaded boy in the world, please do.

Bless your heart, from one parent to another.. you have a powerful prayer going your way.. hold on, we'll be right here when you need us, but my guess is he will be just fine.. {{{HUG}}}

113 posted on 09/23/2003 11:20:04 PM PDT by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 112 | View Replies]

To: potlatch
I hope you are not experiencing difficalties in your life right now.

Nothing I can't handle with a little help from my FRiends.. Thank you.. :o)

114 posted on 09/23/2003 11:21:19 PM PDT by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 84 | View Replies]

To: carlo3b; SLB; Jeff Head
A old card I carry around in my wallet has provided me with some comfort when times were hard...........hope it helps when ya need it.

I asked for Strength......... And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom......... And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity......... And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage......... And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love......... And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors......... And God gave me Opportunities.


I received nothing I wanted

I received everything I needed

Stay Safe Carlo.........

115 posted on 09/23/2003 11:25:29 PM PDT by Squantos (Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: carlo3b
A friend of my daughter was at my home tonight. His older brother decided to end his life 2 days ago. I cannot even begin to imagine this families agony. Freepers, please say a prayer for Josh and his family tonight.
116 posted on 09/23/2003 11:29:40 PM PDT by hope
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Squantos
I received nothing I wanted ...I received everything I needed

Powerful words, and now I'll be carrying them as well.. thank you so much my friend.. stay close.. :)

117 posted on 09/23/2003 11:30:13 PM PDT by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 115 | View Replies]

To: MissAmericanPie
You're welcome! My prayers are with you as well.

{{{{Hug}}}}

118 posted on 09/23/2003 11:35:26 PM PDT by jellybean ( :))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 110 | View Replies]

To: hope
His older brother decided to end his life 2 days ago. I cannot even begin to imagine this families agony.

What inner demons must haunt such a young persons mind to drive them to this. Hasn't anyone told him that everything that looks so dark and bleak tonight, will be pastel in the sunlight.

I know it isn't so simplistic and can't imagine what his parents must be going through.. but surely there had to have been a sign.. maybe not... geeze.

119 posted on 09/23/2003 11:38:50 PM PDT by carlo3b (http://www.CookingWithCarlo.com)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 116 | View Replies]

To: hope
Freepers, please say a prayer for Josh and his family tonight.

What agony the family must be going through. Death of a young one is painful enough, suicide is doubely tragic.

My son's name is Josh. His family has my prayers.

120 posted on 09/23/2003 11:42:19 PM PDT by jellybean ( :))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 116 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 81-100101-120121-140 ... 321-335 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson