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Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 28th, 2010, 9:43 pm
by devildeac
I promise I'll post happier stuff after this, especially on a night like this and this one won't be all negative either. And I am gonna make this kinda stream of consciousness and will not proofread this perfectly so here goes.

Today marks the one year anniversary of my Dad's death and although we have gotten through it for the most part, this week, and today especially, was kinda tough. There were many happy and sad memories that stirred me over the last several days, culminating in a visit with flowers to the gravesite today with our 2 older children. We recalled several Grandpa-isms and many memories of his good deeds and generosity over the last couple decades in particular. He saw our children grow up and he went to HS and college and Master's graduation ceremonies and shared many happy moments in our lives. He died last year while we were visiting my brother and his family in Oregon and probably had been dead for 2 days before friends, neighbors and family figured it out and before our older daughter and his lady friend found him dead in his favorite chair watching TV. He had just finished his dinner as a half eaten granola bar was on the floor and an empty bowl of soup was on his end table. I am almost certain he was watching our regional semi-final game last year as 'nova beat the crap out of his and our beloved Devils. So I will always tell folks that the terrible downturn in the financial world and the Blue Devils killed my father. Only a Duke fan could really appreciate that :(( :(( .

Well, that was on top of Claire's broken foot and 2 surgeries, her auto accident, both our kids losing their jobs, our daughter moving back in with us and surgery for both Joy and me last year. 2009 really, really sucked.

Last year would not have been bearable however if we did not have the prayers, thoughts, vibes, well wishes of our many family members, neighbors, church friends, and of course, all the truly great folks, friends and fellow PWs here at CT. The origin of this site can be traced back to Ima's need for support and for our needs and the fabulous efforts of CB&B who got it up and running. Y'all are great. Thank you with all the sincerity that I possess.

Fast forward to tonight. The memories of Dad are very positive and warm and we all appreciate what he meant to all of us in so many ways. He left us a house and some investments which have recovered to some degree but I'd trade them all back in if he could spend one more day with us. I would have a special beer with him tonight to celebrate the victory, thank him once again for all his memories, gifts and sacrifices for us and join him in just one more chorus of:

GO TO HELL, CAROLINA, GO TO HELL!

Here's another salute to you, Dad. We love you.

Thank you for reading and,

Respectfully, proudly and tearfully submitted as post #6000,

devildeac

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 28th, 2010, 9:57 pm
by DukeUsul
:ymhug:

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 28th, 2010, 10:13 pm
by ArkieDukie
:ymhug: Your 5999th post made me think this must be the anniversary of your father's death. Truly a bittersweet day for you and your family. Vibes and hugs to all of you, and congrats on the milestone post.
:ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard:

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 28th, 2010, 10:16 pm
by CathyCA
What a beautiful tribute to your dad!

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 28th, 2010, 10:19 pm
by rockymtn devil
Thanks for the post!

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 28th, 2010, 10:49 pm
by OZZIE4DUKE
I brought one of his Buds with me to Florida. It's in my mom's fridge. I'll have it in his honor tonight when I get there.
:ymhug:

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 28th, 2010, 11:03 pm
by devildeac
DukeUsul wrote::ymhug:
:ymhug:

Right back at ya.

Thanks.

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 28th, 2010, 11:04 pm
by devildeac
ArkieDukie wrote::ymhug: Your 5999th post made me think this must be the anniversary of your father's death. Truly a bittersweet day for you and your family. Vibes and hugs to all of you, and congrats on the milestone post.
:ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard: :ymhug: :wizard:
Thank you kindly with many :ymhug: in return.

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 28th, 2010, 11:06 pm
by devildeac
CathyCA wrote:What a beautiful tribute to your dad!
That was primarily from my family to Dad but it was also meant to express tons of thanks to all the folks who supported us through a very difficult year, especially the folks here.

More :ymhug: .

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 28th, 2010, 11:07 pm
by devildeac
rockymtn devil wrote:Thanks for the post!
You are welcome. Hoist a fine ale tonight or tomorrow (or both!) for us and for my Dad. Glad we could meet you earlier this month.

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 28th, 2010, 11:08 pm
by devildeac
OZZIE4DUKE wrote:I brought one of his Buds with me to Florida. It's in my mom's fridge. I'll have it in his honor tonight when I get there.
:ymhug:
He would sincerely appreciate that. Thanks.

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 29th, 2010, 6:24 am
by Lavabe
devildeac wrote:
rockymtn devil wrote:Thanks for the post!
You are welcome. Hoist a fine ale tonight or tomorrow (or both!) for us and for my Dad. Glad we could meet you earlier this month.
At 9PM tonight, I will lift a Maison CB&B in your dad's honor. ^:)^ When done with it, I will give a loud version of GTHC, GTH. :-BD
Best wishes,
Lavabe

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 29th, 2010, 8:07 am
by YmoBeThere
Your father had the lifelong benefit of having a great son.

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 29th, 2010, 8:15 am
by TillyGalore
Devild***, you've been in my thoughts this weekend.

:ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug:

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 29th, 2010, 8:19 am
by Very Duke Blue
I can only imagine what a wonderful father and grandfather your dad was. You and your family were truly blessed to have him. I know he was also blessed to have all of you. Good memories are wonderful :ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug:

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 29th, 2010, 8:21 am
by shereec
DD - what a wonderful tribute to your Dad. It's been 14 years since my own Dad passed away and 7 since we lost Mom - both of them were die-hard Duke fans and brought us up to be proper Dukies. In fact, Mom passed away (after a month in the hospital) in the middle of the 2003 ACC Championship game; we are all convinced that she went straight to Heaven and helped the Blue Devils turn that game around to beat NCSU! I still miss them both so much, but have found that the memories provide many more smiles and wonderful, warm feelings than sadness. May your good memories and love for your Dad help sustain you. I'm sorry I missed this post yesterday, but will hoist one to you and your Dad's memory this evening.
:ymhug:

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 29th, 2010, 8:26 am
by CameronBornAndBred
I'm sure he was looking down last night with a huge smile. A hug and vibes for good memories. :ymhug: :wizard:

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 29th, 2010, 8:41 am
by bluebeer
Thanks for sharing such a touching post..You and your father were both blessed to have each other...I missed this last night but will be thinking of both of you over a special beer tonight..

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 29th, 2010, 8:56 am
by devildeac
YmoBeThere wrote:Your father had the lifelong benefit of having a great son.
A sincere thank you.

Re: Sad Anniversary

Posted: March 29th, 2010, 8:56 am
by devildeac
TillyGalore wrote:Devild***, you've been in my thoughts this weekend.

:ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug: :ymhug:
Hugs returned. Thank you.