I'm back, for now

I'm back with the time to more actively participate in the forum (hold down the boo's and disappointments, ok? )

We buried my Dad yesterday. He was diagnosed with lung cancer exactly 2 months before his death, given less than 6 months to live, but it progressed very quickly to his brain. His greatest fears were dying a lingering, painful death, and the burdens it would place on his family. We and he were blessed that he was able to say goodby to family and friends before getting too ill to receive them in his more natural state. He died painlessly and peacefully Sunday morning with only me by his side. He went so quickly, literally from one breath to another, there was no time to gather the rest of the family. I feel so blessed that I was able to be there at his leaving and could truthfully tell the rest of our family that he got his wish of how he wished to go. My dad was a quiet, gentle, giving man, a true WWII wounded hero, who never talked much about his experiences, but did open up to me in his last few weeks. If you have seen the HBO series "Pacific" this spring, you can get an idea of how his experience was. From New Guiena to the liberation of the Phillipines to waiting on a ship and training for an estimated 90% casualty assault on mainland Japan at wars end, with his outfit-the Bushmaster's- 158th Regimental Combat Team, his war years produced a man of iron will and tough determination. He spent the rest of his life as a hard working husband. father and friend. As each of this, the Greatest Generation dies, our country loses little pieces of what has made this country what it became, even today.

I apologize if this is off topic, or uncomfortable subject for some, but some of you guys have become better friends than any 'real life' friends I have, and I just wanted to post a little of my feelings and to share my pride and a little of my grief with you.

My mother will be moving to my sisters home to live, so some of the remaining worry and work involved has been reduced. Thanks for letting me vent... In the meantime, I am facing my 3 years PSA test in 2 weeks and for some reason, I am beginning to feel that testing fear. Oh well, it will be what it will be. Thanks for listening.

James, My peace be with you and your family. Thanks for letting us know. We have been thinking about you.

Cajun Jeff

James - I am new here but wanted to say that your message touched me deeply. I know what you mean about the greatest generation and what they mean to us and our country.

My FIL died of pancreatic cancer in 1997 and it was not until his last few months that he told us in any detail of his WWII experiences. He joined the Navy at age 18 in 1939 and served in the Pacific as a submariner until the war was over in 1945. His first sub was sunk, a Dutch freighter picked him and fellow sailors up and took them to an island in the Dutch West Indies to a hospital where they were bombed by the Japanese. The miracle of his & their survival is one that never made the history books. No doubt it is one of thousands that will never be told but is profoundly important. Certainly it was to me for he married in 1945 and my husband of 40 years was born in 1946. Just shortly before my FIL died, he and another vet who had been looking for 50 years for someone who had shared that Dutch West Indies experience with him found each other. Though they did not know each other at the time, what a time they had remembering....

My condolences on the loss of your father. I am glad you were with him and that his passing was peaceful. May God bless and comfort you at this time.

All of our best to you and your family, James.

It was 14 years ago while on our honeymoon that my step father was diagnosed with lung cancer and given 6 months to live. He hung on for 13 months and we watched the disease ravage his body, mind and our hearts. It took a lot out of my mother. When I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and I went through all three rounds of my therapies, it was just a few short months later that my mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She was determined to not let the disease do the same to her. Just two months later, she too was gone, too. It was a blessing I guess that she went quickly, but I sure regretted that I only got to see her 3 more times as we did not expect her to go so quickly. I didn't lived near her and between work and travel, it just didn't work out that I had the chance to say good bye. When things suddenly went awry we jumped into our car for the 4 hour drive and before we got out of Nevada she died.

I am so glad that you had the time with your father that you did. May peace be with you and the Lord's blessings come upon you...

Tony

Best to you James going through life is very trying at times as you just witnessed and so did Tony and some others at H.W. We all should reflect on the ones past and reflect on your own journey and realize you have more to be thankful about and enjoy day by day.

 

James, my heart goes out to you and your family with the loss of your dear father. I am glad he was that kind of man, and the kind of father that you can speak so openly and well above.

My father and I weren't even on speaking terms the last 2-3 years of his life. He died of a blood type cancer, mostly due to smoking in 1993. At the time, I was only glad in knowing that he could never physically or emotionally hurt me any more. That's the best I can say.

May the peace of the Lord be upon you, and your family, and may He mend your broken hearts. May your father rest in peace, to be in pain no more.

David in SC

Hi James,

Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father.

Wishing you all the best on your next PSA test.

Mag

Since diagnosis with PC, I have thought occasionally how I would like to go. We are all going to die someday, they say.

Your description of your dad's passing is what I could only hope for. A fairly quick ( but not too quick), relatively painless process, with the opportunity to tell my family and friends the things that I always wanted to, but maybe never did.

My condolences to you and your family.

PSA jitters should be a breeze after your recent problems. We look forward to having you back on the mouse and keypad.

James,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. It seems that the world has lost another fine man and father. It is truly wonderful that you were present with your dad when he breathed his last .......... having had the same experience with my mother I know that the comfort that being there at that particular time is immeasurable. He obviously was a man who made his mark.
Kindest regards,
Bill

James

Thoughts are with you. I too, buried my dad, part of the WWII generation and marveled at the life he lead. Just as your dad, they came of age during the depression, fought some of the most collosal battles in history, and then came home and became dads, buds, and workmen.  I often envy their lives and clarity of purpose.  While we are relieved as our parents pass as they wish, it does not diminish the pain of loss. Be kind to yourself. Take time for yourself. Love your loved ones and let yourself feel.

thanks so much for all you do

Paul

James,

I'm glad to see you back.

May you and your family find peace and comfort recalling good times with your Dad.

Barry

James, I lost my father last year to liver cancer,I love him and he was my best friend right now I have tears in my ayes

but I have many good memories of him and I feel that when ever I want to see him I look at them. I know you also have the same type of memories.

James sorry for your loss my familys prayers are for your family. My dad is 85 and thank God he is still going strong for a 85 year old drives any where he wants to go. Lives by his self the hole bit he is indenpent as blank
DEERHUNTER


















































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