Loss of an example

[tidefan]

BIGSHOVEL i have been doing so well...then I read your post and it struck a nerve, I broke down. The last thing we said to each other was "I love You". I too watched this iron man lose little battles with age and I knew this time would come, but the loss I feel is massive. I come here walk around looking for comfort that can't be found. I surf the net, walk out to the barn, play with the dogs and everything I do just floods my mind with memories. He never understood my love of knives. He ALWAYS carried a pocket knife-an Old Timer 34OT- and the main blade was always broken at the tip. I have that knife in my pocket now...man it hurts.

I find myself saying things and thinking, "That sounded like something Daddy would say". He was always right too...man that pissed me off when I was a teenager! Didn't he get the memo that I was all knowing?? He wasn't perfect and he fought his demons, but they never came between us. He never raised his hand to a woman and God forbid if someone cursed around my mom or step mom. He would let them know real quick that a lady was in the room and to show respect. He taught me how to be a dad to my 5 daughters and I never let a day go by without saying I love you.

My brother and I are going down to the pond and he'll start a fire with flint and steel-he's good at that- and I'll make some cowboy coffee and we'll raise a glass to Dad. I hope he was half as proud of me as I am of him. I am indeed honored to be called his son...Jim

 

[pig sticker140]

My heart goes out to all of you who have suffered such losses, it truly does. I'm lucky to have my Mom and Dad still with me. You all have made me pause for a moment and not take my time with them for granted. For me, I work shift work and a lot of overtime to make ends meet. This keeps me from spending time with those I love. This is a wake up call to realize what is really important. The mortgage and assorted bills will always be there, Mom and Dad will not. Thanks for sharing you personal stories and feelings. I wish you peace and and many happy memories. Continue to live your lives with the values instilled in you by lost loved ones. I believe that is truly a way to memorialize your Dad and keep his memory alive....