What it means to be a man.

mdaudioguy
mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
edited May 2010 in The Clubhouse
I lost my dad this past Tuesday night. He had battled a long illness and a myriad of complications. He did it all with the greatest of dignity. Never a complaint - not a single one. He had been hospitalized since January and finally made it home a week ago today. He was weak, but had us all convinced that he was on the upswing. He was happy at home for a short while, but went to the hospital again on Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, he asked to be transferred to hospice care. Once there, he knew we would be bringing most of his grandchildren to see him (a couple are too young to understand). He sat up for most of the rest of that day and proceeded to put on an amazing display of fortitude. He smiled and laughed and reassured us all. Throughout the course of the afternoon and evening, he made sure to speak individually with everyone – grandchildren, children, and in-laws. My 13-year-old son told me that Grandpop’s words to him were absolutely perfect. Everyone else had this same sense too. I was fortunate enough to have had a few extra minutes with him on Monday morning – just me and my dad. Later that day, he said goodbye and slowly drifted away from us. He left us peacefully the next day, surrounded by his four children and his loving wife. He did everything right, all the way to the end. I can only wish to be the man that he was, and I will spend my days aspiring to be just that.

Ed
Post edited by mdaudioguy on
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  • Vette C6.r
    Vette C6.r Posts: 1,560
    edited May 2010
    Sorry for your loss Ed.

    He sounded like a great man.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,383
    edited May 2010
    My deepest and heartfelt condolences on your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
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  • Amherst
    Amherst Posts: 695
    edited May 2010
    Heartfelt condolence to you and your family.
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  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited May 2010
    GREAT post. Thanks for sharing your internal thoughts & emotions.

    Sorry about the loss of your Dad, but it sounds like you had a great life with him & a very meaningful ending. A lot of folks can't say that~
    TNRabbit
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    Wow Ed, I'm so sorry for your loss but I gotta say that post was very heartwarming and inpirational. Your pop must have been a very special man.
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited May 2010
    My condolenes to you and your family. Your dad was a very brave man.

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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited May 2010
    My deepest condolences to you and your family Ed.
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 10,999
    edited May 2010
    I am truely sorry for your loss and my condolences go out to you and your family.
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited May 2010
    sounded like a good man to me, my sincerest condolences.
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  • shawn474
    shawn474 Posts: 3,047
    edited May 2010
    Ed, that was moving. Thanks for sharing. Condolences to you and your family.
    Shawn
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  • potee
    potee Posts: 610
    edited May 2010
    I'm sorry for your loss. My prayers to your family as they move forward
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited May 2010
    A very touching post Ed....My deepest condolences tou you and your Family, your Dad sounded like a true Man indeed.
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  • mystik610
    mystik610 Posts: 699
    edited May 2010
    Sorry for your loss man.

    My grandmother passed away several years ago in a similar fashion.....98 years old, in a lot of discomfort and pain, but always positive and loving. She never complained, and was as strong as she could be, not wanting her loved ones to worry for her too much. Towards the end she was struggling hard physically, gasping for breath, and with her family crowded around her she mustered up the strength to tell us that she loved us all...she passed just a few minutes later.

    Its never easy to watch a loved one pass away, but to see someone maintain such positivity, and love while being in so much pain really is inspiring. It's an image that's permanently ingrained in the back of my mind....it puts your life into perspective....it shows you the meaning of finding strength through love and positivity. Its something you'll carry with you for the rest of your life.
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  • apc
    apc Posts: 779
    edited May 2010
    I hope you find peace during this time of loss.

    What you wrote was well thought out and presented. Thank you for sharing the story as it chronicles his admirable farewell.

    What a brave soul, your father. My dad was similar in many ways. Perhaps it was the generation. Show no weakness, but ensure they know you love them.

    I lost my father 17 years ago, yet it could have been yesterday. You'll never forget him and can be proud of the example he set.
    Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend.
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  • greg2350
    greg2350 Posts: 544
    edited May 2010
    Thanks for sharing ed I dread the day my dad goes because he is god to me just a wonderful man, his integrity, kindness and sweet soul many have sports figures as hero's but mine is my dad and always will be no other could ever measure up priceless.:D
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,471
    edited May 2010
    No doubt, your father is resting in peace. Thanks for sharing a bit of his life with us.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited May 2010
    sorry about the passing of your father.. may he rest in peace.
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  • searay40dad
    searay40dad Posts: 82
    edited May 2010
    Sounds like he made everyone around him a better person. Thanks for sharing. I know you just lost someone special but you're a lucky guy and should be very proud. hang in there...
    Thanks!
    Searay40dad

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  • Huck344
    Huck344 Posts: 453
    edited May 2010
    Thank you so much for sharing Ed. Your post brought tears to my eyes. Very moving. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
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  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,066
    edited May 2010
    My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited May 2010
    Very moving story Ed. My condolences to you and your family. Always tough as both my parents are gone.
    Michael ;)
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,141
    edited May 2010
    Sorry for your loss.

    It sounds likes he was a great man.You were blessed to have had him as your Father.

    Fathers and Mothers passing puts our own mortality right in our lap. I've lost both now and only after their passing realize how short our lives are too.
    This part of LIFE made me try even harder to make the rest of my life matter even more to others around me and not to worry about the small stuff..

    May God give you and all close to you peace at this time and in the future.
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  • agfrost
    agfrost Posts: 2,426
    edited May 2010
    I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad that you and your family were able to share a touching goodbye/"until we meet again".
    Jay
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited May 2010
    Sorry for your loss Ed. He is in a happier place.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    Deepest condolences to you and your family for your lost. Your post is a testimony that your father was a men of charactor and is also a proof that you are on the same path. Your father lives on in his family.

    God Bless!
    TK
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  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited May 2010
    Lost my dad just a year ago. Awful.

    Prayers for you
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  • jflail2
    jflail2 Posts: 2,868
    edited May 2010
    How sad Ed. Got me a little watery eyed at work. Sounds like a great man, and someone who won't soon be forgotten. Condolences....
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  • superjunior
    superjunior Posts: 1,632
    edited May 2010
    my condolences to you and your family
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited May 2010
    Sorry for your loss Ed. Thanks for sharing. Very moving.

    Scott
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited May 2010
    God bless you, your dad, and your family. My condolences for your loss.
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