The Price of Freedom is Visible Here.
Safe passage Dad...
Saturday, February 28, 2009 by messiah1 | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
I've been away for awhile if you haven't noticed. The title of this post is taken from a sign at the entrance of Bath National Cemetery located in Bath, NY. My father was buried there with full Military honors on February 23rd, 2009. He was 61. Over the past month, my Dad had been suffering from the effects of liver cancer (we know he'd been sick much longer now). He passed away on February 19th, 10 months to the day that my Grandfather passed. It's been real rough lately for my family, but we are strong and we will persevere. My Dad and I were separated when I was only 8 years old and for the next 16 years we never spoke. So my memories of him are very limited. But I'm finding out that he was quite a guy.
My Dad served in Vietnam from 1968 until the end of the conflict. First with the Air Force and then as an Army Ranger. In that time, he shed much blood and earned a chest full of medals, most notably the 4 Purple Hearts for wounds he suffered during combat. The stories I've heard in the last two weeks about my Dad have made me very proud to be his Son and sad that my early views of him were poisioned by the opinions of others. I'm glad I got to spend some time with him before he went.
I'm also so thankful for all the kind folks at the Canandaigua, NY Veterans Hospital who made my Dads last couple of days as comfortable as possible for him. They and anyone that works with Veterans are truely gifted human beings in my opinion.
I've found that it's hard to watch a hero die.
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Reply #2 Saturday, February 28, 2009 3:17 PM
My condolences, m1. Feel the same about my own late father.
Your hero did not die. Not the part that made him immortal. Check the mirror for that. Look at your siblings, your children and theirs.
When my wife passed I was left with many feelings I couldn't cope with. I still find it hard at times, but with the help and advice of friends like Mark and Ed I am learning day by day.
You'll find that the severity and suddenness of the attacks of raw grief will become less frquent with time. Let that happen. No one can tell you how to grieve. The best to hope for is friends who'll listen when you speak and just be there.
Just give it time. That sounds hackneed but it's true...believe me...I've lost both my parents. Be grateful for the times you had, without regrets (I doubt he'd count anything against you), and that you had the time to say "Goodbye".
Have faith, for the part of him that G-d gave him returned to it's maker: as all do.
Love to you m1, and an easing of the suffering. Rest easy: His passage was eased by The Shepherd.
Seth
Reply #3 Saturday, February 28, 2009 3:21 PM
After reading this, I'm just proud to know this man's Son!
Reply #4 Saturday, February 28, 2009 4:17 PM
I sorry to hear about your loss, good thoughts to you and your family.
Reply #5 Saturday, February 28, 2009 4:21 PM
As always, at a loss for words, but both Doc and Cp said it perfectly. Really very glad you were given the time you needed to know and understand your Father, not everyone gets that chance. 
*hugs*
Reply #6 Saturday, February 28, 2009 6:03 PM
My thoughts go out to you and your family in this difficult time. My deepest condolences, messiah
Reply #7 Saturday, February 28, 2009 6:30 PM
It never seems that the right words can be found at these times. Know that your Father will alwsys be remembered by and for the lives he touched.
Each generation will always have thier Heros and your Father was truly one. Those that have served through the years, as myself, and I'm sure your Father would have gladly given whatever it would take to try and insure that those that followed us would never have to do so.
If only the current and next generations would learn that from History.
My sincere and deepest condolencences to you and your family.
Reply #9 Saturday, February 28, 2009 6:45 PM
your situation is similar to mine, both our dads fought in nam and we both didnt know our dad's very well either, but I do know that hearing stories about your dad from the people that knew him best are always good to hear..... i DO feel your pain, i know what its like.....you will still miss him every single day of your life.....im glad your proud of him.
*a hug for you monkey face*
vamp xx
Reply #10 Saturday, February 28, 2009 7:15 PM
so sorry messiah....thanks for sharing a little about him with us.....
Reply #12 Saturday, February 28, 2009 7:32 PM
Very sorry to hear of your loss. It's tough when you lose a father.
With the way you speak of him, it sounds like he was a great man.
You have my condolences.
Reply #13 Saturday, February 28, 2009 8:17 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you, man. I lost my Dad to cancer that started as prostate, ended up in his throat, bones, lungs. My sister to pancreatic cancer, my Mom to breast cancer. The latter 2 just a year ago, within a week of each other. God bless.
Reply #16 Saturday, February 28, 2009 9:38 PM
Memorial Day
Of every year
The little valiant
Flags appear
On every fallen
Soldier's grave--
Symbol of what
Each died to save.
And we who see
And still have breath--
Are we no wiser
For their death?---Unknown
Reply #17 Sunday, March 1, 2009 10:41 AM
My friend, as long as he is remembered he lives. Celebrate his life and emulate his character, then you do him the greatest service. My sympathies for you and yours.
Reply #18 Sunday, March 1, 2009 11:59 AM
I'm very sorry for your loss, messiah. My condolences to you and your family.
Reply #19 Sunday, March 1, 2009 12:30 PM
Sorry for your loss, messiah. It sounds like a great loss for his country as well.
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Reply #1 Saturday, February 28, 2009 3:16 PM
messiah, my thought's are with you hon, this year it's been 10 years since Dad died, and it's lonely, as he was my best friend, so I truly 'do' know how you feel... and your Dad was a wonderful man.
You, and your family, have my deepest sympathies, and I'm here if you ever want to drop me a line..