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 hope that everything goes smoothly with your mom and the rest of you family. Reading your message kept giving me flashes of chill bumps.. I think the chill bumps were from me suppressing tears, both happy and sad at the same time.
Again, I send prayers and blessings to you, your mom, and the rest of your family.
Take care and God BLess!
MJ
Blessings brother to you and yours.
Mel
I served in both the Marines and the Army and enjoyed both. But nothing holds a candle to the Marine Corps for justifiable pride in belonging.
Thank you for the post/ping RC. It made me tear up. Thank you for telling us about the service for your dad.
I lost my dad, a retired AF veteran, in 1984. To this day, still the only funeral I’ve ever attended.
Like your dad, he was buried with full military honors. I finally lost it when the bugler blew “Taps”. Just completely lost it.
I miss my dad.
Very beautiful!
We share your mixed emotions: sorrow for your loss; pride and gratitude for your dad's service and that of men and women like him. God bless you in your time of grief.
Prayers for you and yours......
Sorry for your loss, and ours. God bless him and your family.
God Bless and Keep you, your Mom and All your Loved Ones, RedCell.
Thanks for the kind words. Glad I could help you and your family. As a keyboard commando, it was the least I could do.
Particularly on this 9/11, I’m aware I could have been in one of those towers if a few zigs had been zags. It’s only through the direct efforts of men like your Dad that we don’t have that sort of thing happening here each day.
My prayers and condolences for you all.
Oh, Darlin’ I can’t tell you how sorry I am for your loss, but how happy I am that you had such a great Dad.
Oh, I am so glad you had those last private moments.
One giant hug from a freeper who has been there. My Dad died 3 years ago.
I miss him more now than ever. I’m so sorry, I missed the news.
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