My Dad... Ray Griffin, passed away this morning at 6:00 a.m. at NE medical hospital in Humble...born Dec. 28, 1927, He personified being old-fashioned...He loved the tugboats and doing what he felt was the right thing in life...One thing was certain was that he made a huge impression on anyone he met...He had me later in life when he was 44...I guess he had a long life, but I'm only 29 and wanted to do so much more...I am not sure why I am posting this, but I have cried my eyes out and grieved so much...My emotions have ranged from sadness, to guilt, to anger...My Dad was a partcular type of person that believed in no-nonsense and having a logical outlook in the things you do...My Dad's love of work only recently stopped when he fell off a portside boat 3 years ago...at first he was depressed. (he did'nt believe in "retirement"), but one thing that gave him real joy again was the birth of my daughters, Alyson (3), and Chelsie (1.5),...He was particularly fond of Alyson because they could interact...He remarked how she was the only one who gave him unconditional love despite being "old, ugly, and crippled" ...Last time I saw my father alive, I went to visit my parents house in Atascocita on the 21st and he said: "OK, Randy, you can go back now to your home (in Spring) and I'll bring her back next week...I said, "sure dad, but I'll have to bring chelsie too, we can't have favortism...", "Sure, but I really wouldn't mind having her for the week since your Mom is heading to Costa Rica for a few days"...(I didn't leave her, because I knew Alyson would be all over the place and acting wild, besides he had a hard time moving on his leg.)...As I said my Mom went to Costa Rica for 4 or 5 days with a friend (to relax, as she has had heart problems) and is due to get here at 9:05 tonight from Miami on a connecting flight... When I learned from a call my dad was in the hospital and it was serious, I rushed....at the room I saw a neighbor of my parents, and the owner of a donut shop my Dad frequents everyday...They broke the news and it was like a real, bad dream...! Apparently, he had felt a twinge in his heart early this morning around 3 a.m. and decided to call the lady of the donut shop he goes to since he figured she would be up (he said to her that he didn't want to bother his kids, me and my sister..) She found him sitting in his chair waiting outside for her , but couldn't get up, and complained of breathing problems...she then called 911,...and got some neighbors to help lay him inside and perform CPR as he was losing consciousness, as the paramedics came his heart had stopped for a while and was likely dead before getting at the hospital.... Now I am going with my sister and aunt to meet my Mom at the airport to give her the news,...I have to go now and all I ask is that you have my Mom in your prayers and hearts as we tell her...she already is not in the best of health and I am really, really scared about everything...I am typing fast, since I am leaving in a few minutes, but I wanted so much to have more time with my Dad, this just isn't fair Thanks Randy (ROXRAN)
I am so sorry to hear about your loss Randy. Your father sounds like a terrific man blessed with a great family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
