Jerry i have only just read this thread, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don't worry about saying the RIGHT thing, everything that you guys have posted have made me feel better. Thanks a million for all of your thoughts and prayers. I have spent several hours over to the parent's house every day, but unfortunately he is way too weak to even go out of the house, let alone go anywhere fun that I could take him. The best that I can do is just be there as much as possible.
Can he comprehend the pictures like you have posted here of him having a good time? I know you have probably been sharing them again with him but I was just thinking how much my father liked to see the photos of good times shortly before he left us.......Still praying......You will come out on the other side......
Sorry to hear the bad news Jerry. It was nice to meet you and your dad at the Steak Out during Cavallino week (although it was a brief meeting). Remember the good times! BT
That's all you can do, as well as be as positive as you can around him. Continued thoughts and prayers. Stay positive.
Being positive was a huge boost to my Dad when he was in the hospital. It rubbed off on him and in turn, he found a bit more energy. He just wanted me to be positive about life and be thankful that myself and the kids were healthy. That meant a lot to him. He liked when we talked about things we did when I was a kid. It was good to see him laugh. His faith in God gave him strength that rubbed off on the whole family. While we were praying for him, one of the last things he told me was that he was spending his time praying for the well being of his family. He left us knowing that we were strong enough to deal with his loss and I guarantee that your Dad wants the same with your family! It was like yesterday to me, so I know what you are going through. TexasF was spot-on with his statement on being positive. It's in you, but you need to find it. When you do, everything will be OK. A week after he passed away, I woke up in the middle of the night. My Dad was at the front of my bed. Believe me, I WAS awake! I looked at the clock and noted the time. I said "Dad! Is that you? Are you OK"? He had a smile from ear to ear and said "Yes, everything is fine"! He was happy! When he went away, I got out of bed (About 3:15AM), put my clothes on and went for a long walk, came home to take a shower and went to my office. As the shakes wore off from what happened, happiness set in knowing that my Dad was in a good place! Thoughts and prayers always, Pete
That's a great story. Having been at the bottom in terms of depression, positivity has been key. I thrive on positivity, and being around those that exude it. When the pastor of my church gave a sermon about positivity and surrounding yourselves with positive people last month I was in the best mood I had been in for weeks following it. Probably the happiest I had felt in 10 years. It seems to be the miracle cure for practically everything.
You are so right! There is a reason that a priest or pastor at a church memorial service will call it a 'Celebration'! Though we are dealing with a great loss, we are also celebrating their life, which is the highest praise we can ever give someone. When I was younger, I never understood a party after a funeral. How can people go around eating and drinking? Now I do! And I also believe that the departed look down on those parties with great joy that they are being remembered and honored. As for you staying positive, you are a testimonial as to just how powerful a positive mental attitude can be! Keep it up, as it rubs off on others!
Jerry, sorry to hear about your dad. Just try to focus on the good times. I just got a call while at lunch saying my grand mother passed away. I can't say it was a surprise, but it is still very sad. The positive is that she will no longer have to deal with all the pain related to her many medical issues. I don't know how my mom is dealing with it. She was in the car with her when my grand mother passed away. They were returning home from the hospital.
My dad passed away this morning at 4:30. The tumor grew incredibly fast and we didn't even have a chance to try radiation because by the time they were ready to do it, he was too weak. I will miss him terribly. He was my hero.
So very sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you and your family. Continue to celebrate him through your life.
Thanks again guys for the thoughts and prayers. The article about my dad's passing was in this morning's paper and between that and blogs about him, the words "hero" "fun guy" "the best", etc. kept coming up. Even union guys used words like "the best" and "the most fair there ever was" were used to describe him, as he was a personnel director at a local power plant for 30+ years. I just want to pound home, PLEASE don't think I'm posting here so that people feel sorry for me or something. It is just really comforting to know that for the most part all of you that have posted here and sent me PM's have never met me, yet I know that your words are genuine. It's not like I'm a loner w/ no local friends, I have plenty, it's just really nice to know that so many of us here have become kind of "cyber friends" w/o ever meeting in person. I love the commoradery of this site and it is the only chat site I visit, other than occasionally Facebook. I would just like to add that Janelle and I would be honored if any of you are ever passing through West Michigan to PLEASE stop and pay a visit. You are guaranteed a good time and a nice place to stay. Thanks again and God bless you all.
Jerry, I'm very sorry to hear about your dad's passing but am thankful that you had such a wonderful mentor and father in your life. You're a lucky man, and it is obvious that you know it as well. I've been praying for you and your family and will continue to do so. God Bless.
