Pop passed

[Doc Nock]

Whew...funeral is finally set and arranged for Wednesday afternoon! Geeze, they run ya so ragged, you don't have time to grieve for a week or so I bet!  :(

next hurdle will be the finances and getting funds rolled around to pay his bills... hoo boy.

I do so appreciate everyone's caring sentiments.

I'd not find a shortcut thru the grief if I could find one...Dad deserves to be grieved.

He leaves a hole...

[Keefer]

Doc,
 You will find right now it seems everything is a blurr but after all the arrangements are met and you are home alone you will have the time to grieve and we are here as your support group brother...I also wished we didn't live so far away so we can sit with you for awhile and talk..I found when my Mom passed that was the most comforting thing was having my friends stop by for a few hours...Try to get some rest and if ya need us here to chat with then chat away....While I'm here what was your favorite memory of Pop and you? Did you have a hunt or anything that really comes to mind that you will always cherrish? Have at it when you get a break  ! Praying every day for you...God Bless Dave...
                        Keefers <><

[Stone Knife]

Sounds like he went to be with the Lord, Prayers for the comfort for the family and praise Jesus for eternal life.

[Killdeer]

"next hurdle will be the finances and getting funds rolled around to pay his bills... hoo boy."

That's the part I'm dreading. I dunno how long my dad will be cranking along, and my brain glazes over when it encounters finances, insurance, taxes, etc.

Be careful throwing out old magazines.   :eek:
Killdeer

[bayoulongbowman]

Buddy, my thoughts and prayers are with you...mark

[lunatic11]

Deepest condolences...prayers sent for strength and comfort.

[snakebit40]

Praying for you brother!

[Doc Nock]

thanks again to all for prayers, posts and emails!

I've been well supported.  Won't prevent some sad moments, but tears are part of living --- and dying. I'd have it no other way.  

I gave Dad to God and said "Lord, when you're ready to take Dad home, I'm ready to let him go!"

That was months ago when things started going South big time...

All is at peace now... and after tomorrow's funeral, I can focus on dealing with all his "stuff" and moving on.

Thank you all again!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

David,

Sorry I didn't stop in sooner.

Please accept my deepest condolences.

I know you have a lot on your plate and as Keefer mentioned, when you get back to grieving, we are here for you.

When you are ready to be a little selfish for a change, let me know! You deserve it.

PM me if you need to talk in private, I can and will send my number.

Charlie

[Doc Nock]

Kinda came to me this AM...this funeral day is like a final exam in college.

*Final in that it's my last parent
*Final in that I've prepared the best I can but don't really know what to expect
*Final in that when this exam is over, then I can get on to the business of grieving my Dad and saying good bye in my own time and way.

I like that. God provides the strength for all things to endure...He didn't promise we'd like it.

 

This too shall pass...in about 5 hrs it will be all said and done. Amen.

[lpcjon2]

Stay Strong and God is with both of you.

[GRAYBEARD]

Dave,
I am sad for you and glad for Dad. Your great faith gives you a leg up in facing this, knowing your father is in Divine comfort.
Such events are like losing an anchor in one's life. I wish you peace.
Jed.

[Doc Nock]

Thanks all.

Dad was given a proper send off...many attendees for the service at the retirement village where he and mom lived to which the nursing home is attached where he lived the past 2 years and died.

Met some of the Hospice people I didn't know who cared for dad during the day... saw many people I'd not seen who are older who went to Dad's home church.

Graveside was amazing...gentle rain and the military part with taps and folding the flag had me bawling... some just for our country and where she's headed and looking at all the old gents from all the branches honoring my father.

All in all, a joyous day with periods of predictable tears!

They gave you a just and fine send-off, Pop. Peace!

[BenBow]

God's best and warmest.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Lost but never forgotten.

May he rest in peace, and your healing process go as best as possible.  

we are here for you if you need anything.... but you knew that....

   

[Keefer]

Doc,
 You have been in the valley for a few years now watching Pop and caring for him and I know you were getting worn down..Now take a deep breath and be still for awhile and soak in some of those good days remembering Pop and you will begin the climb back up to the hilltop...I am still praying for ya buddy...Keefers <><

[ARCHER2]

Prayers for ya Doc, God Bless You & Yours.
Charlie

[Nosight]

Prayers to you Doc...

[motormouth]

Doc,
Words cannot express. I ache for you brother. i cried a little tonight when i prayed for your dad. and for you. you have been a good friend to me and if your dad is anything like you, i know he would have been a blast. prayers sent your way big brother. if there is anything i can do, let me know.

Brother in christ,
MM

[Doc Nock]

Thanks, All!

Thanks, Matt!

I'm at peace with it all.  I thank God that Dad is no longer suffering. I thank God that I am not there daily watching his decline, sitting by his side...him unable to stay awake, let alone converse when he was, just holding his hand and watching stupid TV which was his constant companion, asleep or awake.

I'm still finding peace realizing that I'm the last of our family around here.  Not frightened, but there is a change that happens in our cognitive view of life when our "buffer to immortality" (parents) are gone.  All of a sudden, there are not the "assumed" endless tomorrows to do, get it right, fix things in our life and 'get around to it'.

Not frightening. Just sobering.

I'd say I'm coping extremely well, but quickly add not by my own devices but thru God's grace and the love and prayer support of folks just like all of you here!

Thank you! If we are born, we will loose parents and other loved ones. Always be sure you share that love you have, regardless of momentary hurts or minor offenses, before you lay your head for the night. Tomorrow is never promised!

Tell them. Show them. Live like tomorrow you may be in heaven-- Or they may. Then there can not be regrets.

Do I wish I could have said more? Done more for Dad? Sure! But...I'm human and I will never get it right on this blue marble. Not completely.

Do the best you can... but don't put off till tomorrow what can be done today.  The "Present" is always a gift! Treat it as such.

Matt, my brother-of-another-mother, there is ONE thing you can do! Continue to fight hard that demon you've allowed to share your body and bring forth that impish, loveable, young snot who had the world by the tail (and still does but lost his focus for a moment) and grab life in the Big Sky by the horns and enjoy it with gusto... without the "miller time".  

Thank you all. I'm doing well with your prayers and support. Now lets get to praying off the needs of others.

Doc Nock is smiling now...