An Update on Seahawk

[SeahawkJR]

Hello everyone!

Daughter here. I had made my account a few days ago preparing for this post, but with the new thread and a text from Richard, I wanted to update you all on my father in a more timely fashion WITH time to share.

My father had a decently routine surgery to remove a mass on his colon. He came home, and was doing well. We caught up on the new survivor season and just hung out. A few days later after I left my mother and father, he experienced a number of major unpredictable complications, one of which was a major internal infection. My mother immediately thought to take him to the emergency room, buying us the most valuable gift we were able to receive in this: time. He was in the ICU for over 40 days, days we will genuinely cherish full of conversations, laughter and more. After a conversation this past Friday, he decided it was time to come home in SC to start the beginning of the end as he could not overcome the original infection. He fought incredibly hard every step of the way, and was a favorite among the nurses and doctors.

We’re not sure how much time we have left, and you all have been in our thoughts on how to best notify you - and his request was wait a bit while he was in ICU. However, seeing the thread made me realize I can send him all of your thoughts which I know he will love. Feel free to share a memory if you have one! Please know we are filled with gratitude and love. We are all doing great.

On behalf of our family - thank you for being our friends. I have met many of you and I know he delighted in you all (most of you anyway!!!). AND - I have kept an eye on you all over the years too… just to make sure my Dads “internet car friends” were a good bunch - and you all are. The dog thread is a particular favorite. I’ll continue to post here every once in a while.
Thank you all for this wonderful community. ALSO- someone revive the Christmas swap! We always looked forward to see what was in the box. We’ll participate if it lives on.

If you want to share anything here or privately, please do so! I’ll get it to him. Additionally - I will share any updates along the way here.

[oldE]

Seahawk! If you just wanted to check out for a while, this is a bit extreme.
This is an incredibly hard step to take. You carry with you the respect and I will say, the love of many.
Mission accomplished, Sailor.

[70SATMan]

Really, really gutted to hear this.. From another Old Navy Guy, you can tell him I said "Skids Up!"

The only other thing I can add is that comfort in terrible times often comes from some of the least expected places. I wish you all well!

[Evans, Marv]

This is reallly devastating. Please keep us posted.

[Skip Newsom]

Thank you sooo much for the update, not anywhere near what I had thought might be happening.

Its an absolute gut punch and I'm glad he is surrounded by loving caring people.

I always enjoyed hearing from him via this forum, let him know is is loved and appreciated by this community too.

Sorry for what you are going through,
Personally losses have come in waves at times, wish I had a way to make it less painful


Take care of yourselves!

[masraum]

Oh no! I'm glad that you've had lots of good time with him. I'm sorry that he's having these health issues. Prayers for a miracle!

Paul, we're all pulling for you buddy!

[Chocaholic]

Life is a crazy thing. This turn of events is hard to understand. Your explanation is appreciated, incredibly helpful and it must have been hard for you to hit “send”. I met your dad in the foyer of our home several years ago when he came to pick up his burgundy 560SL.

A wonderful man who we all grew to know and respect. We commiserated about SC as my wife and I moved to the upstate (SC) last year. Like him, our son is a helicopter pilot too and I’ve told him about my friend from Pelican many times.

Our thoughts and prayers are with him and who knows, miracles happen. In any case, the old boy is fortunate to have a close and loving family by his side as you all navigate the road ahead. I never read the book, but may now…”Why do bad things happen to good people”?

Please send him our love and wishes for strength and peace.

[billybek]

I hope that he is able to turn this thing around and get it back on the deck.
Very sorry to hear of this. He is one of the people that makes this place what it is.
Wishing strength and healing for you Paul and your family.

[gsxrken]

My wife just asked what was wrong when I read this post… I let go an “Oh no!” and then began tearing up as I tried to explain who Paul is. I am such a big fan of your father, as we all are here. His posts about Curtis, Jack’s career path change, his USMA Old Grad father and the regard he had for him- he is a special man. He has a rare ability to genuinely compliment another man and I will cherish the PMs and posts we did dialogue on. I’m sorry we never met in person but I came to know him here over several decades.
Fair winds and following seas, my good man. Well done.
Ken

[A930Rocket]

Oh snap! Thank you for letting us know. Best wishes to Paul and family during this trying time. I’ve never met Paul or many of my Pelican mates, but it’s a gut punch to hear when a Pelican friend is down. Paul always has a great sea story to tell, and he’s one of the ones I look forward to his posts.

All of us Pelicans are rooting for a fast recovery! 🙌🏽 🙏🏼

[Cajundaddy]

Aaak, man down! Thank you for your update on Paul's situation. There have been many folks I have hung out with on the net but never met in person. At the top of this list is Paul as we shared similar interests and perspectives on many things. You have a big ol' dose of common sense that is not so common and I am sure your family has benefitted from this calm, confident, outlook immensely. Best wishes as you face the challenges in the days ahead. I will forever call you friend.

[unclebilly]

I’m sorry to learn this about Paul.

I have really enjoyed his perspective over the years, I will always remember his explanation of why people join the military and this changed my perspective.

Paul - I hope you pull through but it sounds like you have made your peace with either outcome. I respect your strength.

Paul is an amazing man and loved by everyone in this virtual coffee crowd.

Here’s an obligatory dog pic of Keenan…

[RANDY P]

EDIT. I'm sorry Seahawk.

It's coming around. Mom in hospital, GF next room over in hospital co worker's husband (friend), lost another friend all in last month- now this (it's even after us online,) it seems like the world is falling apart around me/us.


rjp

[Alan A]

Tragic news.
Hoping for a miracle turnaround, but regardless, being home beats the icu.
Just be sure they give you the good stuff to take home with you.

Another dog pic. We all like dogs…

[Crowbob]

Hey there, Seahawk!

My payers are with you, sir.

PM on the way.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Paul, Becki, and your entire family will continue to be in our prayers. God bless you all, he’s a special man. I’ve always enjoyed our time together and hope to see him again. In this life or the next.

[MBAtarga]

I really have appreciated Paul's input and his stories. This is really devastating even though I've never met him in person I've always considered him one of my Pelican brotherhood friends!
I hope by some miracle he is able to overcome this complication!

[Baz]

My heart hurts for my good & RESPECTED friend....and his loved ones.

Talk about a life well-lived though. MUCH to be proud of and grateful for.

Sending prayers and pawsitive vibes......love you, Paul!

I no longer have dogs so here's a pic of Koko-Nut.....

[Reiver]

I always enjoyed the sage comments of your Dad.

Sent a pm.

[fanaudical]

Thank you for the update. I lurk here more than I converse; Paul is one of my favorite people on the board. I hope you pull through and kick this.