Author Topic: Lost My Best Friend. (Read 2431 times)

AWMac · « **on:** August 31, 2006, 02:54:53 AM »

I was born 1958 in Toledo, Ohio. Had the bestest friend ever.
He taught me how to fish, taught me how to hunt. I still remember the day we pulled up to school and he said "Do ya wanna go to school or fish?" That day I out fished him on BlueGills. Fell into the river and ended up getting my first Levi's... 3 sizes to big, I was in Kindergarden at the time.

Told the best jokes that I've ever heard. Taught me everything from tearing down a bicycle and putting it back together again to splicing electrical wiring. Even building my own worm farm, I had bait for Months on end. He was a wiz at HVAC..if it had to do with airconditioning, pumps, feed tubes and outlets he mastered all of that.

He joined the Navy back in '51 and did a tour during the Korean War, him and his Twin. He left the Navy and worked at Libbey Glass for awhile...all the time biitching that he was wanting to be back on the sea. Well he worked the Great Lakes on the Edmund Fitzgerald as a boilers mate... still not satisfied he rejoined the Navy. We traveled from Ohio to California while he sailed 2 tours to Nam '66 ~ '68. He was on the DD 762 Ingersoll then... I remember hearing the phone ring so late at night and tears. Tonkin Gulf.

Then off to Washington State to where he was a plank owner on a new Destroyer Escort Class, DE1052 Knox as a Machinist Mate...home based in Pearl Harbour. It was great, he taught me how to snorkle and the beauty of the sea below. No Fear.

He Retired after 28 years in the Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer with Gold Stripes...I looked up to him with pride. I was in the Army by then and the Army/Navy Game ran up both our phone bills. He'd visit me and we'd sit and fish and hunt, talking about the good times.

Yesterday, Aug 29th, 2006 3:30 EST, I lost my best friend to congestive heart failure. He died alone in a nursing home room. GOD I wish I was there for him.

Dad, I love you and will miss you always! I'll raise Jake as you did me.

Thank you Dad for making me a Man.

mac

He will be interned at Arlington Natl Cem in the next week or so.. I'll be there for him. He will be there with his Twin and younger Brother.

Slash27 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:09:47 AM »

Very, very sorry to hear Mac. Sounds like a great man.

Nilsen · « **Reply #2 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:14:35 AM »

Sorry for your loss Mac

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

I lost my mother but still have my father. Its always hard to find enough time for them, but later you wish you had. After my mother passed I have made an effort to spend more time with my dad, and Ive been with him for many weeks (including now) at the summer house this summer.

Take good care of your mother if she is still around, she will need it, and you will too.

AWMac · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:14:52 AM »

Thanks Slash. He was a great Father.

I can't sleep, have frog eyes now.

Might just sit in a Tower in MA and get drunk.

I have so much to do today and don't know where to start.

mac

AWMac · « **Reply #4 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:16:19 AM »

Thanks Nilsen... I'm just in a fog right now.

mac

Nilsen · « **Reply #5 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:23:27 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by AWMac
Thanks Nilsen... I'm just in a fog right now.

mac

Dont worry about all the practical things you need to do. Im sure someone will give you a hand with those. Some like to get started right away to keep busy, but that just delayes the process.

Take all the help you can get and think about yourself and your kids. Allow them to comfort you if they wish to, there is no need to be the strong parent if you see that they are up to it. It can help them as much as it helps you if you let them.

rpm · « **Reply #6 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:24:35 AM »

Sorry to hear about your Dad, Mac. My deepest condolences.

I lost mine about 10 years ago. I swear Hank's Dad on "King of the Hill" was based on my father.

AWMac · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:26:46 AM »

My kids took it hard...I tried like hell not to be emotional...that didn't last long. As soon as my Son started crying it was all hugs and tears.

mac

AWMac · « **Reply #8 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:28:45 AM »

Thanks RPM... it was not a thing of if it was gonna happen, but when. My Family has a knack for bad timing.

mac

Furball · « **Reply #9 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:29:08 AM »

Mac, so sorry to hear that.

You are having a tough time lately my friend

Nilsen · « **Reply #10 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:31:02 AM »

Dont worry about falling apart Mac. It shows the kids that its ok to do so. Staying too strong in this situation can be counter productive..

Stay off the booze tho. Doesnt help a bit.

AWMac · « **Reply #11 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:32:32 AM »

Furball in 3 1/2 Years I lost my Brother, a Niece and now my Dad...

GOD says he never gives you more than you can handle but I feel as though my plate runneth over a bit.

mac

AWMac · « **Reply #12 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:37:02 AM »

You know it's bad when you can't tell is it's tears or snot running down your face.....

mac

Nilsen · « **Reply #13 on:** August 31, 2006, 03:46:05 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by AWMac
You know it's bad when you can't tell is it's tears or snot running down your face.....

mac

If you are not sure I dont recomend the taste test. Find some tissues

AWMac · « **Reply #14 on:** August 31, 2006, 04:02:06 AM »

Naw it's Vodka....

mac