my sympathies in the passing of your father . u will always have good memories, in the future, to reflect on .. hang in there, my friend ..
Rick, I couldn't have said it better. I suddenly and unexpectedly lost my dad just three months ago on Labor Day. My dad was a great guy as well as a best friend. I know what you are going through. I'd like to extend my heartfelt condolences.
Another sad note Rick,Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I too remember the early days of you racing your car(in the original color!)+your Dad going along.He really enjoyed going racing with you(especially the burnouts!).Take care old friend of Buicks. (I've been absent from the board because of a "frame off" complete home improvement project and trying to finish up before Christmas or I'll have to set up the tree in the garage and be on my familys' S-list).
I just got back home briefly to get a change of clothes and check mail and e-mail etc.today since shooting out the door on Friday night. I'll be staying with my mother a few days getting everything in order, while my wife and kids will be back home later today. I'll tell you for those that have not gone through this, it's like being on a runaway train, the days blur by. The hard part is when the train stops and you have time to think. I want to thank everyone. You all have been great with your kind words and support. I have to mention that he went quietly and suddenly, but in a way I even hope to go. After spending an entire day out with my mother (his wife of 54 years) shopping, having lunch etc. at night they attended a Big Band Concert with their seniors group. I was told my father was up and dancing being extremely active having a great time. He never once complained of pains, shortness of breath any ailments at all. On their way home at 10pm with my mother driving she noticed his head just slumped down while he was in the car seat. No complaints, no clutching of the chest, no gasps, nothing. Just as if you would fall asleep. She tried to wake him saw something was wrong and remembered she was less than a mile from an ambulance station. She rushed there laying on the horn and the guys came out and started working on him and continued on the way to the hospital. The entire time they were not able to bring him back. God called his number, it was his time. He had recently told me, that he had a strange dream, though he never told me of what, he did say that he was going to contact his brothers and sister. He only told me that he wants to be at peace. He contacted them all, two of his three brothers, he didn't get along with, one who he hasn't talk to for over 30 years. Afterwards he told me he was happy now and at peace with himself. Also that he was happy that his kids are doing good along with their kids. I'm not a really religious type of a person, but it really makes you think when you hear of stories when people know their time is coming. He never did tell me what his dream was about. As I am here typing this I'm telling you this is true what had happened. At his services his 3 brothers and sister with their families attended, and like I mentioned it was the first time in over 30 years his entire family had gotten together. He had a send off that he would have never believed. But I know he was watching with a smile on his face. Anyway, he was a great and fair man, cared for his family. I had a ton of fond memories even some real funny ones, when he use to come with me to the GS Nationals back in the '80s. He was not only a great father for me, he was a great friend as well. Thanks again to all of you for your wishes and support.
