They say the first year is the hardest when you lose a loved one and I have to agree with that... On February 27th, 2002, my father passed away...as strange as it seemed, one thing that helped me cope on that day was sitting at this very computer and typing out my feelings...It was a way to express myself...For some reason, typing out my feelings was more theruputic than talking to friends or extended family...I wanted to cite that thread, but I couldn't since the search isn't working. I didn't expect the response I got, but it was almost overwhelming and indeed very moving...I still have a printed out copy of the thread and your words of support and response that I intend to keep...I cannot thank you guys enough!!! I still hope to be half the man my father was...You see my dad, Ray Griffin born on Dec. 28th, 1927 grew up during the depression...He lost his own father when he was just 9 years old...He told me often about going 1 or even 2 days without food...He had to get a job and got in the merchant marine coast guard a year before he was actually suppose to...He sent half his check to his mother and younger brothers at home...and he served in World War 2 during it's last 1 1/2 years... Though he didn't gather any special medals during that period, he is credited with 2 sniper-style kills including a top Japanese officer. After the war, my Dad worked as a tug boat captain till retirement visiting nearly every country imaginable and even being chosen to pull the space shuttle fuel tank on one of the largest barge platforms... It wasn't until he was 43 that he married my Mom, aged 21... I remember after school, I too wanted to be a "war hero" like my father and join the military,...and he had decided he wanted to talk about it with me...He told me taking life didn't make him a hero, but standing up for what you believe in with courage breeds true heroism...My Dad chuckled when I asked him about being a sniper, because he explained, he didn't use a scope...Beyond that, he never really got into it in detail...but he neither encouraged or disencouraged me. He simply said "think about what is important to you, Randy"...At that time, I felt I was deeply in love to this girlfriend (who I later broke up with - badly) and that no longer became part of my plans... But what did become part of my plans was spending time with my Dad...going shooting with him...(It wasn't until he was in his 70's that I could consistently out-shoot him...) working on the car...going fishing,...Not to mention Mom (can't forget her...) and eventually getting married in 1996... Shortly before he passed, I remember him strangely telling me, if anything happens to him,...he wants to make sure I don't leave my Mom alone...I made sure to keep my promise and my family has stayed with my Mom...It has been a good thing, my wife gets along well with her and the grandkids get sorta spoiled... A man of incredible humor, he would make fun of himself many times...such as when I said "How are you doing, Dad?", he would reply, Not bad for an old, ugly, crippled man... What I really wanted to say is that things have gotten better in time...steps taken to smile more and cry less started here...Thanks again BBS posters for hearing me...
I feel you ROXRAN, this site has helped me out to. I don't like to talk about my problems but whenever I don't want to talk to someone face to face, it is good to come here and just type about random things that Rockhead finds on the internet. I don't know you that well, but maybe one day we can meet. Let's have a toast to Clutch and the other Mod's for keeping this board kickin'.
ROXRAN, My condolences for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man. I know your dad would be very proud of the man you are today.
Here is the other thread, in case anyone is interested: http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29767 CK
Thanks for sharing that Roxran. It helps me to remember how people who have never met can still try to help each other. This board has helped me deal with some hard times, and I think that while we do joke around a bit, as well as bicker a lot, there is a sense of friendship on this board that is very safe and comforting. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God bless you ROXRAN and your father, the dearly departed. Its great you walked away from his unfortunate passing with affectionate memories and a new goal to stand by mother. Your father was an incredible person. Sometimes these types of anniversarys are good for the soul.
ROXRAN, I feel for you. I've watched RM95's Girl struggle with the horrible fact that she's going to lose her father due to the Alzheimer's he was diagnosed with at the ripe old age of 50. Even before that, I always felt that the worst thing that could ever happen to me would be to lose one of my parents. The thought has literally kept me up at night. To see how you've reacted to your tremendous loss is an inspiration to us all.
Thanks for sharing that. I will keep you and your family in my prayers at this difficult time. God Bless.
Wow. Your father sounds like he was a wise and wonderful person. I'm sorry for your loss, but am glad to see that time is easing the pain.
I'm sorry for you loss RoxRan. That was a very nice tribute, I hope that one day my son will speak of me that way. It always makes me sad when we lose one of "The Greatest Generation."
