Author Topic: Lost My Best Friend. (Read 2455 times)

slimm50 · « **Reply #105 on:** September 25, 2006, 04:29:58 PM »

AW, I don't pop in here much anymore, so that's why I just now read this. Your dad sounds like quite a neat guy to grow up with. He lives through you, now. If you look close, you can see him in the little things you do: maybe a certain habit, or look, or tone of voice, or saying...could be a thousand little things. And I'm sure you'll pass on those things to your kid, along with oyur own unique characteristics.

Sorry to hear about your loss, but I'm sure you have some really good memories to look back on. Continue making some memories with Jake.

AWMac · « **Reply #106 on:** September 25, 2006, 05:42:44 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Hawco
AW, check your PM's

Hawco check your PMs.

mac

AWMac · « **Reply #107 on:** September 25, 2006, 05:44:48 PM »

Slimm50,

Thanks Bud.....

Never question an Eagle Scout!

<<>>

mac

AWMac · « **Reply #108 on:** September 25, 2006, 05:46:26 PM »

Scat,

Thanks Bro

~~mac~~

AWMac · « **Reply #109 on:** September 25, 2006, 05:49:05 PM »

Trying B@tfinkV, Lord knows I'm trying!!!!

~~mac~~

AWMac · « **Reply #110 on:** September 27, 2006, 05:29:11 PM »

Hate to keep bumping this thread, No one likes Death, Loss of a loved one or even grieving. Especially when they are untimed...as if there is a timing for such things.

But just want to keep those that supported me with kind words and prayers up to date.

My Father, Best Friend will be inturned at Arlington National Cemetery on October 3rd, 2006 at 0900 Hrs.

My Family, Wife, Youngest Daughter and Son will attend the inturnment. I have gone through as many preparations as an oldest Son can do. No help whatsoever from my Mother or Sister. Everything was dumped in my lap.

Flight, Hotel, Rental Car. Coordinated with the Funeral Home in Toledo, OH and with the Funeral Director at Arlington. Coordinated with the Naval Chaplain that will conduct the gravesite services. Recieved the ETickets for the flight, Confimation numbers for Hotel and Car. Last, but not least, contacted a recommended videographer to record the ceremony.

Don't know how I'm going to make it....so stressed.

mac

Rocket · « **Reply #111 on:** September 27, 2006, 07:50:23 PM »

Mac,

Hang in there. I don't think anyone will mind at all that you are coming here and keeping people up to date on everything. If spreading some of your grief out by talking here with your other family helps you get through this time then that is great. By taking a little of your shoulders and passing it along to us helps you heal and helps you manage the unmanagable.

It is hard to be a pillar to your family during this time when all you really want to be able to do is grieve, but the great man that you are taking care of now has done a great job in preparing you for this. He has helped shape you through the years and your family has the confidence that even when times are the toughest that you are the cornerstone that will weather the storm and not give out during the toughest of times. Wind and rain may weather the edges but that strong core that has been built will withstand.

Mac, please keep coming back and sharing with us and we will take the little pieces we can and help provide support and shoring for your cornerstone. You are a fine man and I am sure that your son will turn out the same way.

S!
Brandon
Rocket

AWMac · « **Reply #112 on:** October 01, 2006, 01:30:23 PM »

Well it's Sunday, day before the flight.

Been doing shots of Vodka talking with Dad. We used to do that before. It loosing up the heart and the lips. Heart to Heart.

I think I have everything covered...but you know how that is. Something is always missing.

Jake and I will be in Black suits, white shirts, black ties. Wifey and Renae will be in white skirts and black tops.

Tonight we will get all the crying out so we don't cry at the Funeral..make it respectable...Wredes never cry at Funerals. Weddings and Births are different.

I thought it was tough when my Brother died, and then later when his Daughter, Tessa got ran over by a car, but to lose your Father is the top of the Mountain. 3 Deaths in less than 3 years..just a bit too much.

I Thank you all that sent Prayers and Condolences...without you guys It would be more difficult to deal with.

Andy (Seagoon) Brother I thank you with all my heart.

PropMAW you and Family are still in our Prayers. Strenght and Comfort.

The next few days are going to be the hardest to deal with.

Again I want to Thank you all that have been supportive.

mac

AWMac · « **Reply #113 on:** October 04, 2006, 07:04:29 PM »

Back from Arlington Natl Cem. It was a long two days. But I finally got my Father (Pop) where he could Rest in Peace

The Naval Chaplain was Great. The "Old Guard" very Professional.

The Ceremony was great. They say timing is everything but there were somethings that was beyond just simple timing. The Cemetery in within the flight path of Reagan Intl Airport. We we seated, the Chaplain spoke and we stood in prayer. Before the prayer, 23rd Psalm was over a jetliner flew over, couldn't see it but the sound was there, as if it was a fly over... just coincidental I know.

Then the 3 volleys of rounds fired from 7 "Old Guard" Sailors, 21 gun Salute. TAPS was completed and far off in the distance a Church sounded it's Bells... it couldn't have been timed any better.

Then the remains bearers, that have been holding the flag over my Fathers urn, folded the flag. Precision and very Professional, the flag turned over to the Chaplain, a slow salute and then the flag was presented to me with words from the Chaplain. The Lady Representative of Arlington then presented her condolences and cards from the Ladies Auxliary.

Once the Old Guard had marched off I carried my Father for the last time to his final burial site. Never new an urn could feel so heavy, I worried about tripping and dropping my Dad. Made it with no Problems. Placed him at the spot, Washington Monument in the far background.

Then it was Family time to say things to my Dad over the urn...I went down on one knee and my hand over his urn, head down I said my words...did all my crying days ago so I was trying to be the strong one. My wifes turn and she is sobbing hard... got my nose running. Next my Youngest Daughter turn, Pop Pops favorite Granddaughter and she was sobbing.... next my Son, Pop Pops first Grandson..he went down on one knee and cried. Had me now reaching for my nose wiper.

All was good. Later I went to the Columbaruim and found when my Uncle John, Dads younger Brother, was inturned took pictures. Then found where PropMAWs Dad was inturned, took pics and will send to him. Funny thing is PropMAWs Dad is right around the bend from my Uncle. Small World.

Got with a few today, Lambo, Major, MVJester a few more and me. tried a fly by for my Dad in the Late War Arena but too may N00bs don't have an Idea what a Flyover is... so we went to Mid War Arena and did one. Lambo commanded the Naval fiters, Major was did a perfect missing Pilot and I dropped troops on a Port. All together as if it had been practiced for Months... Thanks guys. <<>>

I know my Dad had to have seen this... it was perfect.

Thanks guys and Thanks to all that seen me thru this crisis... Seagoon thanks Andy. Thanks to all those in this thread that offered condolences and words of strength, encourgment and Prayers.

God Bless,

Mac

AWMac · « **Reply #114 on:** October 04, 2006, 07:14:48 PM »

Can't wait to meet you guys at the next CON.

Until then <<>> Blue Skies and Tail Winds.

Mac

Maverick · « **Reply #115 on:** October 04, 2006, 10:44:32 PM »

Mac,

One chapter closes, another opens. Job well done.

Drive on. Time to get busy now.

AWMac · « **Reply #116 on:** October 05, 2006, 03:38:58 AM »

Rgr that Mav <<>>

Mac

lambo522 · « **Reply #117 on:** October 05, 2006, 02:44:40 PM »

Mac, he sounded like a great man, and I truly appreciate you allowing me to lead the missing man formation we flew in his memory. Hope we looked good enough to impress your dad who I'm sure was watching from heaven. <<~~>> NAVY~~

Brenjen · « **Reply #118 on:** October 05, 2006, 03:01:31 PM »

I hate to hear that; maybe there is a better place that we go on to & he went there.

Seagoon · « **Reply #119 on:** October 05, 2006, 10:37:05 PM »

Hi Mac,

Thanks for letting us know how things went, I'm glad it went well. As I mentioned, my Father-in-law's John "Jack" Moore's remains are also in the Columbarium (Army Air Corps, Bombardier B-17s/B-29s WW2 era). I did the graveside service for him there, and I will freely admit that despite having done military funerals elsewhere that was undoubtedly the most moving as well as the most flawlessly executed.

Anyway brother, you were blessed to have had a father whose life was worthy of being honored, the best way you can do that now is by striving by grace to be a good and godly father and husband, the kind that every decent father hopes his son will be. You cannot do that in your own strength, no man can, but as God assured Paul - "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

Give me a call in a little while so that I can know how you're doing and how I can continue to pray for and with you.

Your Servant and Friend,

Andy aka Seagoon