Posted on 09/07/2007 8:55:51 PM PDT by RedCell
Fellow FReepers,
It is with a heavy heart that I post this to let you know we lost another FReeper. My dad lost his long and courageous battle with lung cancer last night at home surrounded by family.
I was fortunate enough to make it to his side minutes before he passed. As I held his hand and announced my arrival, I could tell he knew I was there as his unfocused eyes lifted toward my face. I told him how much I loved him and how thankful I was to have been "raised right" and for everything he did for me. Moments later, he struggled with his last breath and departed to heaven to be at the side of the Lord.
My father served proudly in the United States Marine Corps (HQBN, 2DMARDIV) and would tell my son and me great stories of his time in the service. He would always tell me how proud he was of the exceptional work "his" Marines were doing in Iraq and Afghanistan.
One day after returning home from a chemo treatment, I was telling him how great it would be to have him join Free Republic to voice his opinions (and believe me he had many). Even though he was weakened by the drugs (and having to deal with dial-up access on a computer from 1993), he joined up and was able to make a single post (screen name "Ed said"). As much as he wanted to participate further, he needed to stay focused on his attempted recovery but we would still discuss hot topics that appeared up on FR.
He was a great man and we will miss him dearly. For as long as I can remember and to his final breath last night, he exemplified the principles instilled in him by the United States Marine Corps: Semper Fidelis.
I’m so glad you could be by his side in his last few moments on earth. I’m sure he went to heaven happy that he could take with him your final words. May your father RIP.
prayers going up.
Condolences to you, your family and the remainder of dad’s family and friends. Dad’s greatness lives on through you. Thanks Ed.
love
Thanks for being here, RedCell.
life
I’m very sorry. Prayer bump
I posted back and forth with your father on a fair number of military and Islamic threat threads.
Semper Fidelis
Ed
Westlander, you deserve to be well. Trust in the Lord..
sw
You will miss him...
We will miss him here...
But this is not over...
It will be a grand reunion!!
All the blessings purchased in Christ's blood...
Deepest Condolances RedCell at your Father’s passing.
May God bless each and everyone of you and your families.
God bless and comfort you and all your family, RedCell.
RedCell,
Please give you Mom my ((((((((hugs)))))))) and tell her to keep the faith and I will keep you all in my prayers.
LL
Bless you in your time of loss but rest assured your Marine is in a better place, doing his duty.
Just saw this...may your Dad rest in eternal peace. We buried my Dad just this past Tuesday, so I can truly relate.
I’m so incredibly sorry to hear about the passing of your father.
It’s good to know that you were able to spend time with him in his last moments on earth before returning home to be with our Lord and Savior.
He sounded like he was an incredibly hard working man, and may God bless him for his years of service to his country!
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 (NIV)”
Prayers that the sharpness of your pain dulls in short order.
Your Dad was a hero proved. Semper Fi and may he rest in peace.
Condolences on your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
To your Father: Sleep well, brother Marine,
Semper Fi
I’m so sorry. I am glad though that you had a chance to speak to him before he passed. I know it means a lot to you and I’m sure it did to him, too. Love, Maryxxx
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