Your eloquence tells us of a father who made a difference at NASA, and of a father who loved his family and certainly loved you. In a way, our parents who have passed away live as long as our memories of them do. While my own children never knew their grandfather, they grew up "knowing" him from the stories I told of an eventful life, one that ended too soon. You have done much the same here, @Surfguy, and we are better for having learned the little you've told us of your father's life and what he meant to you. Best wishes to you and your family at this sad time.
Sorry for your loss man. I know the pain of losing close ones oh too well. I'm in my early 30s and I lost both my grandma and uncle that raised me, along with a few other uncles and aunts that helped my grandma along the way in my teens and 20s. Its never easy, you always have them on your mind as you walk through life. It sounds like the love your pops had for you will allow his legacy to live on as you can share these stories with your other loved ones. Mourn and cry all you need to man, it's important to not suck it up trying to be strong. We all need to grieve in our own way, otherwise, it follows us around affecting our mental health.
Surfdude. Your dad sounds like he was pretty bad-ass. The fact you posted that and the way you worded what you did speaks volumes about how you felt about him. I can't say much to make you feel any differently, but it made me nod my head and say "cool" as I read what you typed. You did a good job remembering him to those who read it. RIP Surfdad.
Very sorry for your loss surfguy. It sounds like he was a wonderful father. I'm dreading the day I lose my pops.
Your dad sounds like a truly amazing man. I'm really sorry for your loss. My dad also worked for NASA. It's a pretty badass thing to have on a life's resume. . RIP to your dad my friend. You've got a lot of people on here that are willing to lend an ear anytime you need. Myself included.
Sorry for your loss. I can tell you guys have had a great relationship and you've been a wonderful son to him. Thanks for sharing your memories of him with us. Take care of yourself during this time.
That was a touching tribute to your Dad, @Surfguy. He sounds like a wonderful man and father who lived an extraordinary life. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Thanks so much, everyone, for the kind words. It definitely helps and ClutchFans has been therapeutic for me today. I was trying to nod off to sleep here but can’t stop from crying. I’m just so sad thinking about it. This is rough.
Very sorry for your loss. All the best for you and your family during this horrible time. It seems like his life had a very real impact.
Sorry to hear that. I lost my mother in July she had dementia she was “only” 68 when she passed away. I feel your pain @Surfguy and anyone else that lost love ones. This year can **** off I lost both of my parents this year March and July.
So sorry for you and anyone else that has struggled, or is struggling, with the loss of loved ones. I know I’m not alone.
Alzheimer's is bar none the most painful way to have a family member die, because it erases their mind slowly and far before their body goes. I lost my grandmother to it about 10 years ago. Her downward spiral took 10+ years. It wreaked absolute havoc on my mother, whom was her primary caregiver. I would not wish it on anyone. You have my deepest sympathies, Surf. Your dad sounds like an amazing dude who lived a hell of a life.
I just saw this and really and truly very sorry for your loss and right before Thanksgiving too. Your dad sounded like he lived an amazing life being at NASA during it's heyday. It's all the more painful to read how a man who's mind let him do great things ultimately betrayed him. One of my exe's mom died of Alzheimer's and another one of my exe's grandfather died of it too. I've seen how it can rob people and know what you mean when it feels like your dad died a few times. Good to hear that your family were able to be with him at the end and he died peacefully..
My ex told me that her grandfather would get up and wander around too. She also told me that he started thinking she was his wife who had passed away a few years before he did and that once he tried wandering into her room and sleeping with her.
Yea...it’s insanity. He called the cops on my Mom once because he didn’t recognize her and thought a stranger was controlling him. Mom had to explain to the cops his condition. Dad called me once claiming my Mom was dead when she was in the next room. Dad also physically attacked me once during one of his sundowning episodes. I had to restrain him. Well...I should say...not my Dad (mentally).
