I celebrate my father's life....

[zebraflavencs]

This morning I lost my father to a massive heart attack...
I'm not upset, just.... a bit lost. I guess I thought he would live forever... silly me.
At any rate.. I just wanted to share this, so everyone knows why I haven't been online the this week.

 

[li]

Hey Janie...just saw it on F.B. I didn't want to ask "how" on it. I am so sorry for your loss. I really do know what you are going through with such a sudden death. My mom also passed from a sudden heart attack. No warning, she was never sick. She was 59 so it was a complete shock.

If you ever need an ear, please feel free to let me know.

 

[SoleSky]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.

 

[beardielover17]

I'm sorry for your loss Janie. Your father was a great man. Even not having known him personally, he is half responsible for you being here today and being such a great person. *hugs*

 

[renich]

Janie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Find peace in the memories that you have with him and know that he will be with you forever, just not in the way you are used to being with him.

You and your family are in our thoughts.

 

[Craiger]

Oh geez.....this is the first I've seen of this, here, and on FB. I'm so sorry, Janie! Wow....honestly, I wish I knew what to say. Just know that we're sympathizing with you today. Please accept my condolences!

For the record, I love the thread title! It's so hard, but it really is how we should handle death.

 

[zebraflavencs]

Thanks everyone... It's hard.. I'm starting to feel the grief effects...
I appreciate your well wishes.
It's harder on my mother... They were married over 50 years. Their 52nd anniversary is the 21st.
Most of we kids made it into town ( 3 live in other states, NC, Al, Mn.) My older brother, David, and his family are currently snowed in at the airport in the Twin cities, and may not be able to make it in this weekend.

I could tell you all wonderful, warm and generous stories about my father. Yes, Candice, you are right on the money.. I suspect he had more than 1/2 a hand in my being here, in this forum.
I was adopted back in 63. David in 62. Kim, Alex, Tony, Billy and Phill were adopted in the early 90's to late 90's. That makes 9 of us.
I felt such a connection with my father. More than with any other member of the family. I feel I have lost not only a parent.. But my best friend.

Give me time... I'm strong and resilient. Like the Willow I shall bend... Like the oak.. I shall continue.
Once again.. my heartfelt thanks.
Most of you don't know me as other than a screen name, some of you I count as friends. Good friends..
It's times like this... one gathers not only family, but friends as/for support...

Remember... Live each day as if it was your last... No disagreement is worth a lifetime of anger/disillusionment.
Each sunrise is a new beginning.. Make the most of every one of them.

 

[li]

Janie...I know exactly what you mean when you say you lost your best friend. I was the same with my Mom. The first couple of weeks, although very very hard...many people were around still going through the grieving period with us. Then things settled down. That is when it got really hard. The hardest part is going through the milestones. First this, first that, kids birthdays, graduations. It took many years for me to be able to talk about my Mom without crying. Very hard times. Like I said, and I do mean it...I am hear if you need an ear.

You take care!

 

[Jiffy]

Janie, just wanted to drop in and let you know that I am still thinking about you. It is a really hard and tough time. He really does sound like he was a wonderful man.
Hugs

 

[zebraflavencs]

Thanks Jen... I appreciate that... He was... the best a man could be and be mortal...

 

[Craiger]

He sounds like somebody I would have really liked to have known. I've been thinking of you today, Janie. I lost one of my closest friends around this very time two years ago to liver disease....so I know how it can be this time of year with all the hooplah of the holidays. Everything just sort of takes a back seat to what you're experiencing.

I know you will....but I'll encourage you to keep strong anyway. That doesn't mean that you can't cry.....or mourn......as it's a normal process. By keeping strong, I mean within yourself. Some people tend to withdraw and become reclusive when it's times like this that we need the love of family and friends the most.

Take care, Janie. And like Lisa, I can be available if you need somebody to talk to.

 

[pscaulkins]

Wow, I haven't been on the net much due to health issues. I am so sorry for your loss Janie.

 

[Vesta]

So sorry Janie!! :'(

 

[zebraflavencs]

Thanks girls (since I already thanked others above). Sandy.. I know you aren't all that well.. no worries dear..
Vesta ............. Thank you !!!!!!!!!! ( )