Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, the bear, DerekL, alicefoeller Reply
2012-08-23 8:09 AM

User image

Pro
4313
20002000100100100
McKinney, TX
Subject: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

Today is the one year anniversary of my dad's passing due to cancer. I can still remember the receiving the call at 6:30am from my mom, giving me the news. While it was a blow, it was also a relief that he wasn't suffering any more.

My dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 (Lungs, Liver, Spine, Adrenile glands) in July of last year.....after showing no signs of anything. In fact, he only went to the doctor because he thought he contracted walking pnumonia. He had just returned from two trips last summer. One to Yellowstone for a Military reunion and another out to DC to volunteer at the Marine Corp Museum to assit in archiving (he was a 2 tour vet in Vietnam and a History professor....yeah...he knew his stuff).

My dad was the type that was stern but fair....with everyone. And, if you didn't like him (for whatever reason) that means that there was a problem with you.

He had 3 National Defense Medals, 2 Purple Hearts, and a Commindation Medal with V (which he only told me that he received those for "stupidity") - he never talked about his heroism but I was able to meet one of the men that he saved and heard part of the story.

I still find myself wanting to call him to ask him about stuff I see on the History Channel....or just to BS with him. He always had a story or a joke....or a rant.

If you are still able....hug your dad today....or call him. if anything, for me.






(100_1652-1.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
100_1652-1.JPG (64KB - 4 downloads)


2012-08-23 8:21 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Master
2264
20001001002525
Sunbury, Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary
It's not a downer when we recall fondly those whom we have loved and lost. Cancer sucks. The life he had did not. That's clear through your love and remembrance. 
2012-08-23 8:34 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Melon Presser
52116
50005000500050005000500050005000500050002000100
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

My dad is *really* not the huggy kissy type, but I'll go knock on his door and see if he answers from within.

My dad, when he's human, sounds a lot like yours. WWII/Indonesian Revolution vet, knows more about world history and politics than anyone I know (he'll pop stuff out and expect me to have an intelligent discussion about ... oh, I don't know, Vanuatu, Liechtenstein, or Guinea Bissau, those are the latest I can think of that he's brought up) ... and if you don't take them seriously, even his rants are funny.

Thanks for the wonderful reminder to appreciate the best about him and that he is still here for a little while. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult anniversary as well as the exciting times to come for you.

{MELON PRESS}

2012-08-23 8:57 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Pro
6191
50001000100252525
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

Sorry for your loss. *hugs*

Before my grandfather (on my mom's side) passed away, he told me that I'd never find a man to make me happy, because I could never find someone as good as my father.

I see my dad in a week. I can't wait. I'll call him today to wish him safe travels!

2012-08-23 8:58 AM
in reply to: #4376467

User image

Champion
6056
500010002525
Menomonee Falls, WI
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary
Sorry for your loss.

I also lost my Dad to cancer eleven years ago (and my Mom five years before that). Not a day goes by that I do not think of them both.

Life is precious and short. Take the time to tell the ones you love how you feel about them. Make a point of spending quality time together. And make the most of every moment.

You never know what life may bring. Don't put off doing what you want to with whom you want to do it.

2012-08-23 9:04 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Pro
5761
50005001001002525
Bartlett, TN
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

wrong thread title. You are never a Debbie Downer remembering the great things about a lost loved one, it would be a debbie downer thread to know that no one ever thought of them again!

Embrace the good times!



2012-08-23 9:29 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Master
2277
2000100100252525
Lake Norman, NC
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

Nothing "down" about it!  He sounds like a great guy and an awesome father.  Back in July we had the 17-year yartzeit (anniversary) of Bigfuzzydad's death.  I still miss him - a lot and we talk about how much fun he would be having with his grandchildren if he were still around.  Keeping his memory alive like this just prolongs the love and that's a cool thing.

And you can still pseudo-hug him...  http://pillowmob.com/    It can be neat for the kids... or a little creepy.

 

2012-08-23 9:40 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Master
1730
100050010010025
Straight outta Compton
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

I echo the sentiment that it's hardly a down moment when you fondly remember someone you love. I'd like to think that your Dad is smiling down on you from above, watching you live your life and remembering  him fondly.

I lost both my Grandparents to cancer last year.  My Grandmother was diagnosed with brain cancer on April 14th, she died on June 21st.  My Grandfather fought colon cancer for 6 years before dying on Christmas Eve.  They both raised me and made me into the person I am today.  Every day I live my life guided by the lessons they taught me. 

I hope your healing process is going well.

Matt

2012-08-23 9:49 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Champion
12759
5000500020005001001002525
Chicago
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

If I could I would, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.

Great big kiss abd hug!!! 

2012-08-23 11:35 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

Your dad looks and sounds like he was a super sweet, interesting guy.  Here's your {{hug}}.  Continue to remember him fondly and keep his memory alive with your kids (I am guessing the little one in the pic is yours).

And yeah, cancer sucks.

2012-08-23 11:39 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Pro
4277
20002000100100252525
Parker, CO
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

Sorry for you loss. 

My parents are still living but just a couple weeks ago my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I know what's ahead. it's difficult but I am spending more time with both of them.  Cancer sucks!



2012-08-23 12:09 PM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Expert
1416
1000100100100100
San Luis Obispo, CA
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

A "Semper Fi" to your father Brad.  Having worn the same emblems he has on his cap, I can tell you those "V"'s are true honor.  Loss of a loved one is never easy.  My heart goes out to you!

My four mile run today will be for him.

2012-08-24 11:29 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Extreme Veteran
1648
100050010025
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary
Hugs!This makes me feel better about just ditching work and flying across the country to be with my dad in the hospital! He's out and doing better, but I'm so glad I got to spend the time with him. Thanks for sharing. Your dad sounds like great guy.
2012-08-24 2:27 PM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Extreme Veteran
801
500100100100
Ballston Spa, NY
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

Focusing on something other than the loss of a great man.  But our country lost a great soldier.

I was born during Nam so I'm too young to relate to that.  But I'm not too young to be appreciative of his service for the country that I live in.  

Thankful for his service for my freedom.

2012-08-24 2:36 PM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Pro
4313
20002000100100100
McKinney, TX
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary


Thank you all for the thoughts and kind words. Y'all are right....it shouldn't be a "Debbie Downer".

My mom is in Hawaii right now on a trip that they were going to take (a little ironic based on the timing) but it was for the 2/3 Marines Reunion. Last night, I got a call from her and we chatted and then she put some Marines on the phone (some who served with him and others who were in 2/3 at a different time but knew him from the reunions). They all said that it wasn't the same with out "Big Jim".

He made me who I am....and any f**k ups I've had/done in life were becuase I didn't take his advice.

Again....thank you all!

2012-08-24 5:47 PM
in reply to: #4379040

User image

Austin, Texas or Jupiter, Florida
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary
Brad,A hearty Hoorah to your pops and your family. The Marines Hymn ends with the words:If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines!This is good to read too: http://www.skygod.com/quotes/greatsantini.html.


2012-08-24 9:50 PM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Royal(PITA)
14270
50005000200020001001002525
West Chester, Ohio
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

What beautiful memories yo have of your father.  Cherish them.

My father also died of cancer and this month was the 6th anniversary of his death My mother hasn't taken his message off her cell phone, it brings her comfort.  The rest of the family finds it odd and is more than a bit wigged out over it.  I chalk it up to it brings her comfort and let it go.  There are a lot of times I want to talk to him still......

My nephew bought the house I grew up in, even redecorated I walk in and can mentally hear him yelling for something or another from any other part of the house.

2012-08-25 9:21 AM
in reply to: #4376434

Iron Donkey
38643
50005000500050005000500050002000100050010025
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

I'm very sorry to know that it's been a year since your dear Dad's death.  Thanks for letting us know of the great service he did - a true American hero!  Thanks, Bradley!

2012-08-26 7:22 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary

Not a downer but a tribute to a man that changed lives and touched people. 

My father is actively dying from stage 4 small intestine cancer.  My strong and compassionate Dad failing is hard to see but he is dying with the grace and quiet compassion he had in life with concern for others. He fought to live to help my Mom while she passed away in May from heart failure.

Thanks for this post!

Hugs for all Dads today!

2012-08-26 11:36 AM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Coach
9167
5000200020001002525
Stairway to Seven
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary
THanks for Sharing!
2012-08-27 9:49 PM
in reply to: #4376434

User image

Expert
1053
10002525
Culpeper, VA
Subject: RE: Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary
Going to call my grandfather tomorrow...


New Thread
Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Debbie Downer Post....One Year Anniversary Rss Feed