In rememberance.

[Carl East]

I wanted to start a thread dedicated to Jeff, simply because I know what he's going through. But the trouble is, I don't know Jeff well enough to comment on his life.

I do know that I like him, and I also know that he will find what he's looking for eventually. So I decided to share my own sad moment in time, when my father died, in the hope that Jeff will know he is not alone in his grief.

I hope that you all will say something, just to let him know we are thinking about him, and that this is all part of life.

My Father was a good man, his chosen profession was that of a hairdresser, he learned that trade in the army. He was fifty eight years young when he died in my arms, a day I'm sure you will all realise, will stay in my memory for a long time to come.

My father suffered from Angina, and was told to take things easy, so he decided to have a holiday. He'd invited me and my second wife to go to a popular holiday camp, over here in England. We had been swimming and generally having a good time, when he suddenly clutched his chest, saying it's never been this bad before Carl.

I caught him as he fell, laying him down gently on the floor, but not knowing CPR I quickly got one of the life guards to help. They were great, the camp doctor was there in minutes, to take over from the life guard, and he did all he could.

I think I knew in the ambulance, that he'd gone, but my mind wouldn't accept it. It wasn't until we were in the hospital and the doctor was telling me it was too late, that I had to face the fact he was gone.

I was in shock right up until the funeral, because I never truly let go of my emotions. It took me weeks to get back into some sort of routine, and it was very hard. Of all the things that happened that day, the one that sticks out in my mind the most, was the fact my fathers last word was my name.

I could offer you advice Jeff, but we all handle these things in our own way. The one thing I will tell you, is that it does get better, and the pain will go away.

Thinking of you

Carl.

 

[Skitten]

Carl that was a very touching moment you just shared with Jeff and all of us. And we thank you for being able to relive that and also help Jeff out in the same moment.

Jeff I do agree with Carl and everyone handles grief in their own way my sympathies are out there for you and your loved ones. And I hope you will be ok soon. Take care.

 

[teresafannin]

What a thoughtful idea. I don't know much about Jeff either, but he seems like a very nice young man. I still have my both my parents, but lost my teenage son last year.I just want to let Jeff know that I am thinking about him & his sister during this time. I truly believe that the people we love are always with us. We may not be able to see them or touch them, but as long we hold them in our hearts, they will never truly die. Carl is right, everyone deals with this in their own way. I have learned in the last year that there is no timetable to grieve. So if Jeff sees this, I just want to let him know I am sending lots of prayers & good thoughts his way.

Carl, please accept my sympathy in the loss of your father. I take hope from your message that the pain goes away. It is almost a year for me & I still don't totally believe it is real. Take care.

 

[CreamyLady]

A beautiful post, Carl.

My own father died five years ago, of Alzheimer's. He hadn't known any of us for almost eight years, and it was incredibly painful for all of us.

I hope Jeff and his sister are holding up, and you, too.

 

[Bonnie Wee Lassie]

That was beautiful and I would write more but it is hard to type through the tears. Carl your a great guy. Thank you for what you have done here.

 

[Isabella Thorne]

<big hugs Carl dear> Your story brought tears to my eyes ... it reminded me so much of my father's death too ..

While I was reading your post .. well it's strange because when you wrote the part about: "he suddenly clutched his chest, saying it's never been this bad before Carl" ... well I felt the great sorrow in those words, especially your name, before i read your explanation at the end.

<big hugs Jeff dear> Time heals .. you will too, darling.

My sincere condolences to you both.