Passing of my father

[gwr19569424]

To all of my friends in forum land, I am sorry for not being on here for the past few weeks as my father passed away back on the 4th of this month (Nov).
Over the past few weeks before his death, his health had steadily went down hill, and the Wednesday morning prior to his passing, he refused to eat, drink or was unable to take any of his medication.
The nurse from our local Hospice Care went out to evaluate his condition and she called me that afternoon and told me that it would be just a matter of a couple of days that my dad had left. They ordered him oxygen to help him breath better and also some medication that the staff could place just inside his mouth that would dissolve so that he wouldn't have to swallow.
About 5:15pm on that Friday, the 4th of November, one of the staff members from the Adult Family Home called me and said that dad had passed away at 5:08 that afternoon. My mom was in the room with him when he passed, she took it pretty hard, but with the Alzheimer's that she has, it was just a matter of a few days that she quit asking where Walt is. So, as to this point, she has no clue of what has happened although we have tried to explain it to her.
We had the memorial service for dad at the church the following Thursday and mom was presented with the folded flag from the Honor Guard of the Air Force. The following Tuesday, the Elks Lodge had their Ritual/ Memorial for dad since he was a lifetime member of the organization.
Dad was cremated and laid to rest in nearby Spanaway, WA, outside of Tacoma.
So, as you can see this has been a trying time for me as I am the only child and all of this has fallen on my shoulders.
Thanks to everyone for understanding why I haven't been on the forum lately and hopefully things will smooth out some so that I can get back to reading and posting on here.

Love each and everyone of you out there.
Gary in Tacoma

 

[Beth]

I am so sorry Gary for the loss of your dad. Know that you are not alone; I am sending good thoughts your way. Take care of yourself and we can talk again when you get the chance. Sincerely, Beth

 

[tim114]

Gary,

My thoughts are with you.

 

[tampa24]

Dear Gary,

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. MHRIP It's never easy to lose a parent. You must feel overwhelmed by all of the responsibilities and loose ends to take care of. It's a shame that you don't have anyone with whom to share the burden. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

And it is very nice to have you back with us.

 

[Ms. Kianna]

Gary,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You are a much loved member of this forum, and there will be a lot of thoughts and prayers going out to you tonight.

 

[stowe1]

Gary,

I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Having lost both my parents and my only sibling, I can sympathize with what you're going through. You will be in my prayers.

As for your Dad, may his soul through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Sincerely,

stowe1


__________________

 

[JLipps4u]

Sincere condolences. It is never easy losing anyone you love, even more so when you must carry the burden alone. May you and your father both find peace in his passing.
God Bless.

 

[joeychuck2]

Im sorry too for your loss. I too have lost both parents and know how it is. Think of all the good times with your family it will get you through.

 

[mikeyank]

We are your extended family here Gary, as you have shared many good times, as well as challenging times with us, as well.

I too have gone through losing both of my parents, and it is never easy. I wish you my sincere condolences on your terrible loss.

You are a kind, sweet man Gary, who has never had a negative word to say about anyone, and I offer you all of my best wishes into the future.

 

[cum2me01]

May the Lord bless and keep you through this time of sorrow.

 

[slimvintage]

Gary, as you can see, the forum is here for you. Tacoma is a long way from where I am, but if there's anything I can do, let me know.

From the sound of it you have wonderful parents. Your father got a heroic style funeral which you were probably solely responsible for organizing. It's sad that your reason for being away from the forum was your dad's last illness, but it's wonderful to have you back.

Take some time for yourself mister, and let us hear from you often.

 

[tigerbaby56]

Sorry for your loss, too. As a couple of the others here, I too have lost both parents. Know that you are not alone at this time.

 

[david367]

Gary,
I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. I can understand what you are feeling as my father passed on Nov. the 7th 2 day before his 95th birthday. My consolation is he is at peace now..no more pain. I pray you too can find some peace in all this. david

 

[larkster]

Gary,
You sound like a wonderfully caring son. I lost my father when he was 57 and I was 19, I lost my mother when she was 95 and I was 57. The difference for me is that I had my Dad too short of time and my Mom, because she was miserable in her latter years too long a time. I don't know how old your father was, but be happy that you had time with him. I took care of my Mom the last seven years of her life, so I understand the difficulty you now face alone. My thoughts are with you. Love her, but try not to let guilt overwhelm your life. Peace.

 

[BrokeStraightBoys]

My condolences I'm sorry for your loss.

Hugs,
Mark

 

[gwr19569424]

Hey guys and guys: I'm back. Since the last time I posted, looks as if the forums format has changed a bit. Where and how do I start a new thread/post? It has been an extremely busy time since the passing of my father back in November. But have missed each and everyone of you folks out there in ForumLand. Hope this finds all doing well and healthy.

 

[joninliverton]

Hey guys and guys: I'm back. Since the last time I posted, looks as if the forums format has changed a bit. Where and how do I start a new thread/post? It has been an extremely busy time since the passing of my father back in November. But have missed each and everyone of you folks out there in ForumLand. Hope this finds all doing well and healthy.

Hi Gary, well first of all please accept my belated condolences, but I was away at the time. Regarding the new format then I suggest you look at some threads on the other side of the forum which assist people. Might be a good idea in popping up and saying hello on the new or returning members thread too. This thread doesn't seem an appropriate place if you get my drift. xx

 

[tampa24]

Hey Gary!

Welcome back! Yes. There is a whole new layout. You can even chose a white or black background if you wish. The new format caused even some of us longstanding members a couple days of consternation. But after that, we adjusted pretty quickly. To post a new thread you should click on the red forum button above, next to the red Member's Area. Assuming of course that you are using the black skin background as I am. In any case you want to be able to see the screen that gives you the different sections like "non site related posts" and "site related posts". Then you should see the prompt for "Start New Thread". I hope that helps.

 

[mikeyank]

Hey guys and guys: I'm back. Since the last time I posted, looks as if the forums format has changed a bit. Where and how do I start a new thread/post? It has been an extremely busy time since the passing of my father back in November. But have missed each and everyone of you folks out there in ForumLand. Hope this finds all doing well and healthy.

It is so nice to see you back here Gary. You have been missed. Without a doubt you are and always have been a total class act, and I had wondered if you were going to return.

BACK HOME GARY!