gwyn: (stitch)
gwyn ([personal profile] gwyn) wrote2011-12-19 11:05 am
Entry tags:

1924-2011

Dad died last night. His birthday was coming soon, on the 27th, and he would have been 87, which is how I'm going to think of him in terms of age. Until last Christmas, he did not act like an 86-year-old -- he was still picking me up at the airport when I traveled, taking care of me with financial planning advice, that sort of thing. It's been a hard year for him, and for me. Now I'm all alone and it feels really empty. Even when he drove me out of my mind, he was my dad, and I had family.

Apparently he coded right after I left the ER to take care of the menagerie at home. Every time they thought they stabilized him, he coded again. I still don't understand why they sent him home the first time when you could see how bad off he was.

I don't think I can answer comments, but I guess I won't turn them off right now. But I'll take it as given, and you're not obliged to comment. Instead I'd refer you to this post about how he earned a bronze star in WWII, as well as a couple other posts of things he wrote to me about his service. I think they paint a better picture of him than anything I could say.

[identity profile] ixchel55.livejournal.com 2011-12-19 11:26 pm (UTC)(link)
I remember reading about your father's bronze star and being quite impressed. I'm so sorry for your loss, my dear. *hugs*
sweetestdrain: Princess Leia about to kiss C-3PO. (Backstage pic.) (Default)

[personal profile] sweetestdrain 2011-12-19 11:38 pm (UTC)(link)
*hugs you*
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[personal profile] carbonel 2011-12-20 12:05 am (UTC)(link)
*hugs*

I know it's been a tough time, and I hope you can keep hanging in.

[identity profile] wolffire.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 12:07 am (UTC)(link)
Just a note to say I read this. I'm thinking of you. I'm hoping you have someone who can and will look in on you this week. {{{hugs}}}

[identity profile] brynnmck.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 12:09 am (UTC)(link)
Gah, I'm so very sorry to hear this. Sending you much love.

[identity profile] dine.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
*hugs* I'm so sorry to hear this - your dad was one of the good guys and I know he'll be much missed.

I'm thinking of you and wish I were closer
ext_29896: Lilacs in grandmother's vase on my piano (candle)

[identity profile] glinda-w.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 12:32 am (UTC)(link)
Oh ghods, I am so sorry. (I'm sure this is not the time, but some day we can share rants/stories about ERs/hospitals sending people home when they, in a sane world, shouldn't, and the consequences of that.)

GoodThoughts for you to get through this...

[identity profile] vchrusch.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 12:37 am (UTC)(link)
My sincerest condolences on your loss.

[identity profile] jarrow.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, sweetie. I am so, so sorry. I'm sending you hugs from afar.
ext_9648: (bangles)

[identity profile] spasticat.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 01:06 am (UTC)(link)
Much hugs to you.

[identity profile] talitha78.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
I'm so, so sorry.
ext_6749: (Family)

[identity profile] kirbyfest.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
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[identity profile] varina8.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
My deepest sympathy, Gwyn.

[identity profile] avidrosette.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
I'm so sorry to hear this. Your father sounds like a remarkable person who lived through an unimaginably harrowing time and kept his sense of humor. I know you must miss him terribly, both for who he was and for who he was to you. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[identity profile] przed.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 03:03 am (UTC)(link)
I'm so very sorry to hear this. ::hugs::

[identity profile] chelletoo.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 03:19 am (UTC)(link)
I'm sorry for your loss.

[identity profile] barkley.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 03:37 am (UTC)(link)
I am so sorry for your loss.
ext_15084: (stars)

[identity profile] mackiemesser.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 04:08 am (UTC)(link)
My condolences, Gwyn. I'm so very sorry.

[identity profile] mockerbee.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a remarkable man. Truly, one of the "greatest generation".

[identity profile] sisabet.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 05:23 am (UTC)(link)
You are in my thoughts. I am so sorry for your loss.

[identity profile] queenofattolia.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 09:32 am (UTC)(link)
I'm so sorry for your loss. As agonizing as it is going through the ups and downs of a parent's declining health, the end is always a shock and so strange and heartbreaking.

Please take care of yourself. Please call on your friends to help you. Again, my condolences.

[identity profile] taverymate.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 09:56 am (UTC)(link)
I'm sorry for your loss. But I'm glad that until this past year your dad was active and engaged, and that you had a chance to hear some of his stories first-hand. I hope in time those good memories will predominate. Take care of yourself.

[identity profile] greenpear.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 01:11 pm (UTC)(link)
I prefer to remember my dad by what he did in his life. Not how he died in bed from MS.

Take care...

[identity profile] vagabondage.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 01:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Hugs and love, honey.

((((((((((gwyn)))))))))))

[identity profile] anoel.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)
*hugs* I am so, so sorry.

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