My Father Died Today...and so it goes

[M.D. Holloway]

At 1:45AM, my Dad died in his sleep. He was 93. For the past several days he slept pretty much constantly not even waking to eat. Yesterday he was pretty unresponsive but 'alive'.

He never graduated High School but rather he enlisted in the Army during WWII. He was wounded in action and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart were he served the 102 Ozark. He joined so he could give his mother money and later took on the BAR as a weapon because it provide him an extra $6 a month to send home. Little did he realize that the Germans were not fans of 40 caliber machine gun being shot at them and during a particular battle shelled him were he was wounded and sent home.
After his discharge from the Army, he returned home to CT where he married my Mom who he knew all his life for she was his little sisters best friend. They were married for 57 years until her passing in 2005.

He was employed by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center until he retired in 1981. He then worked at a buddies car dealership basically walking around and talking to people and from time to time would buy old beaters that weren't good enough for a trade-in but he would offer a few hundred dollars for them then flip them a few months later for a very slight profit ($20 to $50).

He finally stopped 'working' to care for my Mom in 1998. She soon become too difficult to care for alone so he made the impossible decision to put her into a care home. He visited her every day for over 4 years. From 8AM till 9PM, feeding her, washing her, reading to her, rubbing lotion on her feet or hands. He did this every day even though there were care givers to help. There was a time when the flu shut the facility to outside visitors. I remember talking to him that night and he told me that she was pretty unresponsive for several days and he did what he said was the unimaginable - he prayed for God to finally take her, that she wouldn't want to be that way. She was too proud and while he would miss her terribly it was for the best. And it was one of only a few times I witnessed him cry. She died that night.

Active in civic affairs, president of the Lions Club, past Commander of the local VFW, a former president of the School PTA and a Cub Scout Pack leader. He also managed and coached various Minor League, Little League and Babe Ruth youth baseball teams. He was a Dad that all your friends would talk about with amazing memories and kind words. He left a positive impact were ever he was and an lasting impression of a Gentlemen and kind soul.

He attended all our games and performances and always smiled, never yelled aggressively but exuded a positive attitude always. He came from harsh conditions, his father was a raging drunk and his mother wasn't much better. Later on in life he shared stories of his childhood and the war which were horrific to say the least (which included being chased by his father with an axe to being the solders who came upon Gardelegan in Germany) but he always manged to end each story with 'but there are people that had it much worse then I did. I have a great life'. Later after my Mom died he would often tell me how he loved us and was proud of us.

He was a great Dad and I will miss him. I can only hope to be the fraction of a man he was. I love you Dad...

[manbridge 74]

Sorry to hear but sounds like he lived a full life.
We all must go; hopefully you'll see him in heaven.

[stomachmonkey]

Sorry Mike.

Been there.

It sucks.

[Don Ro]

Don't you have a son about whom you post frequently?
If you're the one...I'd say you're doing quite well.
.
Blessings!

[rusnak]

Wow, what a great story. He sounds like an amazing man. I'm sorry for your loss, but really you are so lucky to have had such a great man as your father.

I could not imagine marrying one of my little sister's friends. No way, I'd sooner take my own life. They were dumber than rocks and petty.

[pete3799]

Sounds like a great man. I'm sure he is proud of you as well.
My condolences.

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Wow, what a great story. He sounds like an amazing man. I'm sorry for your loss, but really you are so lucky to have had such a great man as your father.

I could not imagine marrying one of my little sister's friends. No way, I'd sooner take my own life. They were dumber than rocks and petty.

Ha! She always crushed on him. They both came from poverty - shanty Irish they would say. She was tough as nails and the oldest of 8. They married when she was 16 and they took in her three younger sisters who lived with them till they all married. They had my older brother and sister while the girls lived with them and 10 years after my sister was born they had my brother and me. They raised 3 generations.

I never witnessed them fight. Ever. I think they were both too tired to! But I do always remember them laughing and joking. Both had great senses of humor. The 7 kids never went without. They were in it together to make the children better off then they had it. They succeeded.

[Danimal16]

Sorry for your loss Mike.

[pavulon]

His life and your recountal are each admirable. You both have done well by each other. Condolences on your and ultimately everyone's loss.

[Ferraripete]

my sincere condolences m.d. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I went through it 5 years ago.

he lived a full life. I suspect he was a true gentleman and made his mark on his loved ones and friends.

god bless him and may he rest in peace

very best,

Peter

[R K T]

My condolences.

Great story about your Dad. Sounds very similar to my Dad that passed away in 2000.
From WWII to the Lions club to Little League.

The greatest generation is fading fast.

[id10t]

May you and yours find comfort, and may his memory be a blessing

[steveo12345]

Sorry for your loss. I lost my dad 17 years ago. I remember feeling alone in the world when he died. I miss him dearly and think of him daily and know that I am not alone. When life seems hard his wisdom is there telling me what to do and what choices to make. Keep him in your thoughts and you'll never feel alone.

[shadowjack1]

So very sorry for your loss. As we speak my mother is in a home and not doing very well.

[Bill Douglas]

Sorry for your loss Mike.

[cstreit]

What a perfect summary. I'm sorry for your loss. He sounds like the man we should also aspire to be.

[MBAtarga]

Mike, he sounds like he was a great dad to you - and husband to your mom. I'm sorry for your loss.

[billybek]

My sincere condolences to you and your family, Mike.

Sounds like he was an amazing father & husband.

[masraum]

My condolences, Mike. It's tough, very tough. I understand, my dad passed too young about 13 years ago.

At least you have lots of great memories of a great dad, husband and man.

[Baz]

Very sorry to hear, Mike....my sincerest deepest condolences.

Thank you for your tribute to your father. It's inspiring.

You have much to be proud of.

Your father left his legacy.....and what a legacy it is.

Much respect...your friend Baz