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.
Thank you for reporting your loss - something that must have been difficult to do. God bless and keep you and may your wonderful father be now in the arms of His heavenly Father and rejoicing with the Lord Jesus Christ. His battles are over. May his memory strengthen you for whatever battles lay ahead.
Condolences and Sympathies to the family in this time of great loss as another proud Marine is called home.
RIP and Godspeed Ed
No matter your age, losing a parent hurts like hedouble l.
Time mends the hurt but it’s a wound that never entirely heals.
Godspeed Marine. May God bless and comfort your family.
Prayers for your father, you, and your family.
My regards freind. Within a short period of time, my spouse lost her mom and dad, then my mom and dad passed. When we beginning to adjust to the deaths, I was diagnosed with cancer. One never knows when the higher power will be knocking on the door.
Prayers respectfully offered.
Thank you, RedCell, for sharing your Dad's story of love, duty, family, honor and intelligence. To the end, he was willing to try something new and reach out to communicate with like-minded patriots. How fortunate for you and your son to have such a father and mentor. May God grant you and your entire family the peace that passes understanding.
In His name,
Amen.
I’m very sorry RedCell. Thanks for sharing a little bit of what made him special with us tonight. Condolences to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayer go out for EdSaid and his family tonight.
God Bless the USA
My heartfelt condolences.
EdSaid sounds like one of the good ones. Thanks for sharing him with us. It’s never easy and some are harder than others.
Keep on honouring his name with the life you live - It sounds like he did a great with you.
Blessings
Mel
I’m so sorry for your loss, Redcell. You were blessed to have a dad of such integrity. May God comfort you with the knowledge that you will someday see him again, no more pain, no more tears!
I’m so sorry to hear that, it sounds like your dad was a great man and father, what a blessing to have had a dad like that.
Prayers for you and your family. God Bless.
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