My condolences Ron. Religion aside I firmly believe that there is a link between us and our parents. A link that cannot be broken even though it doesn't always feel that way. I can't explain it because I think it is different for everyone. I've had too many experiences with this to not embrace it as a truth for me. Some piece of your Dad is going to be with you forever. Heck, every time I set out on some event that I'm not entirely certain that I can handle I take a moment and say "OK Pop one more time please". I know he hears me. I believe your Dad hears you.

So sorry for your loss, Ron...

my family sends condolences.

Sorry to hear Ron. You likely were a good son and it takes a while to heal.

Sorry to hear about your pops, Ron. :(

In time, the hurt becomes less.

Sincerest condolences, my friend.

A big hug and lot's of love your way.

Your heart will guide you through the days ahead. Be true to yourself and your father.

Stay strong for those who cannot.

All the best, Baz

Sorry to hear of your loss.

My condolences.

My condolences as well Ron....RIP.

In addition to a heartfelt thanks for all the feedback, I wanted to write as a quick update to this thread. Last week, my dad was buried in a quick and small burial. It was organized by my dad's new wife, who took care of him for the last couple of years.

Although I had arranged some words, I never spoke them. The service, as brief as it was, interestingly covered the same bases I would have covered. My message would have been redundant. The weather was brutal. People stayed in their cars to the last minute, only to return to the cars when the service was over. There were members of the funeral staff at all four corners of the tent holding it down with all their might, trying to keep the tent from blowing away, and even so, it lifted them occasionally as they struggled. It was if my dad himself, uncomfortable as he was with funerals, was not wanting the attention, and trying to get it over with for everyone's benefit.

As I was with him on the day he died, it was very clear he was suffering and tormented. Seeing him at the viewing was a relief, for he was at peace.
edit- In rereading my post I had mentioned he had died "peacefully"in an earlier post. Only after seeing him at the viewing did I realize what peace actually was. Peaceful or not- a weight had been lifted off his shoulders once he passed.


In the coming weeks, I will need help in tending to his belongings. He was a "packrat" of sorts, and his collections included everything from spoons, to garden tractors, to porsches. There is a chance I will have as many as four rusted p-cars coming to me soon, as well as several engines and such. That's not even including his three older mercedes wagons, and five or so garden tractors. All basketcases. All neglected. I am going to need help in figuring out what to do with all this stuff. Once I have the items, I will start a new thread about them.

Final edit- The day after my dad died was a bright spring day. I took my daughter to a store and she asked me what it was. Since she is learning to read, I told her I would pull out away from the store so she could read the sign herself from a good vantagepoint.

"Harbor Freight" she gleamed as we walked through the parking lot.
"This was your granddad's favorite store. It's one of mine too. A lot of cheap chinese junk. Just don't buy anything that plugs in or takes gas and you should be fine."

I’m sorry for your loss, Ron. I appreciate your courage sharing your thoughts and emotions during this difficult time. I pray for your comfort in mourning the loss of your father and wisdom in handling his affairs.

So sorry for your loss. I've lost both parents in the last few years and it sucks but we're supposed to outlive them. Sounds like he was an interesting guy and you were a good son. My condolences and prayers.

Ron, your enthusiasm and support you’ve given me in my cycling and ensuing life crisis have been invaluable

I don’t have a lot going on right now, so if you need any help moving things I’ll head down your way and buy you that beer you promised me

Deeply sorry for your loss
Wayne

Thanks!
I was hiking a short stretch on the Appalachian trail today with my daughter and thought- "Damn- With all the S#$ going on in my life, I might just need to hike this whole thing, or even buy a BMW bike and go hit Alaska!":D

Living in a tent on the road for 45 days has its benefits. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Go easy on yourself and treat yourself well...

Time to walk in a peaceful beautiful world and reflect and just ponder.
What a concept.

Your thread is timely in that my dad died on Thursday. He will be cremated and his ashes will eventually mixed with my mom’s and their favorite child Jake’s..an Airedale (it sounds odd but so what).

And we all move up another spot...

My condolences to you also....my turn will come to walk in the shoes you guys are I'm afraid.

I hope I'm up to it....

Be well all...sometimes the circle of life just sucks...