1924-2011

[gwyn]

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.

Comments

[thefourthvine]

Oh, Gwyn, I am so, so sorry.

*hugs*

[giandujakiss]

I'm so sorry.

[monanotlisa]

Gwyn. My sympathies.

[sakana17]

*hugs*

[musesfool]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[kass]

Oh, honey, I am so, so sorry for your loss.

I am sorry beyond words that you feel so alone. I hope there is some comfort in knowing that whatever suffering may have been involved with being 87, that suffering has now ended.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May his memory be a blessing. I send love your way.

[ratcreature]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[twistedchick]

I'm very sorry.

[klia]

I'm so sorry. *hugs*

[the_shoshanna]

Oh, Gwyn, I'm so sorry.

[cereta]

I'm so, so sorry for your loss.

[catwalksalone]

Oh, I am so sorry for your loss. *hugs and hugs and hugs*

[meri_oddities]

I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you right now. ::hugs::

[gattagrigia]

We're so very sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself, call if we can help.

[raine]

((hugs)) I know what it's like to lose a parent (both of mine died this year) so you have my sincerest condolences and sympathies.

[devilc]

I'm going to go home tonight, crack a good bottle of wine, and toast Dad_R.

Even when he made you frustrated, frightened, or cranky, your love for him and the reasons for that love glowed in the dark.

[arduinna]

Oh, Gwyn, I am so very sorry. I wish I was there to hug you. {{{{ }}}}

[rosaw]

I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.

[dorinda]

I'm so very sorry... I am thinking of you. I know we all are.

[leela_cat]

I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find blessings in your memories of him.

*hugs*

[batdina]

thinking about you from down south. take care of yourself.

[minim_calibre]

I am so very sorry, Gwyn.

[umbo]

Oh, Gwyn. I'm so, so sorry.

*tons of hugs*

[therienne]

I am so sorry Gwyn, this year is just shit from start to finish. Write, call, whatever you want if you need to talk.

[morgandawn]

xlorp and I are so very sad to hear your dad is gone. We'll be holding you close this week.