The passing of a great man

[rev-jaholbrook]

Last night my family laid to rest one of the greatest men I have every had the pleasure of meeting and knowing.   My Father in law was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gerhig's disease) not more than three months ago.  It was a rough last two months for us watching the man we knew that would help he elderly folks in his neighborhood by taking care their lawns and shoveling snow, and the same man that hand made knives and hunted, deteriorate before our eyes.  In two months we watched him go from walking and working with his hands to wheelchair bound and unable to move.  He is missed so much and loved more than he can know.   Its so hard watching your spouse grieve over their father for such an extended period of time. 

[wuliheron]

Bummer dude, my own step-father is one of the greatest men I've ever known. The dude is so humble he's the first one to tell you he's not that bright, but he is so wise and loving you would have to fight off everyone in the family if you tried to attack him. He's our very own "divine fool" and you just don't mess with him or else.

[Havazhyol]

May he find his way to the Force (people may take this as a joke, but I seriously mean it).

We all have to go when we are told to. The path and age of the departure, though, can be a great grief for the relatives. It seems that he was a good man, so try to think of him as in a better place, whatever you believe in (heaven, heavens, valhala,...).
This thought helped me, ten years ago, when my father and grandfather went back to the Force.
Long story short, he was in a wheelchair since he was 10ish, due to a bad lumbar punction. I always knew him this way so I never compared him, and it helped me seeing people and things by myself, to take care of my opinion.
He died of a nosocomial infection after a kidney removal, due to cancer, 9 month after his father (aka my grandfather). Pretty hard time, it was indeed.

This grand father, who I think of as a dude now, 'cuz on his dead bed, 6 hours before taking the ship over the Styx, told me with a tired smile :
"Life goes on..."

So, dude, mourn him, remember him, and help healing the pain, but life goes on for the livings.

Hope I helped a bit, and if I did not, I hope I did not angried you. Anyway, bottom up for him.

[Judd Dude]

Sorry for your loss man. Take comfort in that he's no longer in pain or suffering, and that his spirit now has become a tumbling tumbleweed...

[DigitalBuddha]

rev-jaholbrook, we feel your pain, dude. Positive vibes your way and to your family. Very sorry to hear of your loss. 

[rev-jaholbrook]

Thanks dudes.  The man was a personal hero of mine.  He never fought a war and didn't champion for civil rights.   He did something greater.  He was a great father not only to his daughter and step daughters but also to me as a son inlaw.