Funny how things work out sometimes. I came back from the pig roast to Tenn to recharge and head somewhere else. I decided to go see my Father sort of a spur of he moment thing. He didn't know I was coming. I surprised him Monday night late. He was happy to see me. We spent 2 days together mostly talking. He told me things I had no idea about his life as a kid, our family, some pretty personal stuff. He also said that he would not be coming off the operating table today as he had had enough. His health has been failing, his worse fear was lingering away like so many of his friends had. He had outlived all his friends and most relitives. There is a particular cousin that dad said he wanted to outlive so he could p on his grave but finally admitted it didn't look like that was going to happen, you had to know my dad. There's a book and show coming out called S#@t my father says. My Dad could have written that book 20 times over with his wit..... well wit may not be the right word. mostly he was known as the big grouch on the end of a dead end street. Archie Bunker rated x for content other than nudity if you know what I mean. He had a opinion about everything that was pretty colorful and NOT politically correct in any way shape or form.
Dad showed me all his paperwork, legal stuff, what he wanted done and how. I told him he'd be ok they were going to fix him right up. He said no I'm going to be with your Mother and Sister this afternoon that is my plan.
Prior to this he had a 90% blockage in his heart but couldn't find a dr that would operate due to his age 94, size 340 lbs and general poor health. He still drove everyday, Ate steak red meat, cheese anything he wanted saying at his age why change. up until a few years ago he drank a case of beer, a qt of whiskey and smoked half a box of cigars [20-25]a day, inhaleing of course every drag . Said he was never sick a day in his life until he quit drinking. :D
He raised us 3 kids alone, my Mom died having my little brother 53 years ago. dad raised 3 kids including a new born, 3 year old [me] and a 6 year old my Sister. Sister was killed in 2003 by a car. He worked 50 years in a factory as a machinest. He was a only child so his child raising skills were weak at best but we made it. His was more sergeant punishment than corperal. it was definatly a notch above.
Today before I took him to the hospital he told me where the safety deposit key was, the safe combo, and where all the paperwork I would need was kept. I said Dad you are coming back, his reply no Billy I'm going to be with my girls [my Mom and Sister], they are waiting for me it's time.
As they wheeled him into the cath lab I said I love you Dad thanks. I don't remember ever saying that before to him. He said I love you Billy take care of your family.
About 20 minutes into the procedure they called a code 99 cath lab over the pa system and I knew dad had got his wish. They worked on him for 45 minutes but I knew Dad had passed.
The Dr came out with a Nurse holding a box of tissue. It was over. Time 219 pm. There is a thread here somewhere about strange things, in it I describe the number 219 and how it has affected me over the years. Weird here it is again.
My Dad, WW2 veteran of Burma, Bronze Star with V, a member of The Greatest generation, father of 3, Grand Father of 3 and Great Grandfather of 4 that will never know him decided that today was the day he was going to die. Planned the whole event knowing he woul d not survive the procedure got his wish.
He told me yesterday that the song Amazing Grace was one of his favorite songs I never would have guessed that. Tonight I read a thread about a Members last post [Hay Trader]being a rendition of Amazing Grace. I listened to it and cried wishing my dad got to hear it to. Maybe he did I dunno. I do know that that version will be played at his funeral.
So now I sit in the time capsule house I grew up in wondeing what am I going to do with all this stuff and a house many states away from both FLorida and Tenn.
Tomorrow I go to the undertakers and maybe the attorney to make arrangements and see what's next. Then I have to start going through all his stuff.
tonight I sit in my Dad's living room drinking beer thinking about Dad, how I miss him, wishing I had been a better Son.
We had a saying in the Navy, The only easy day was yesterday.
Oh and by the way this morning He p'd on a mason jar, handed it to me and said Billy you know what you have to do when the time comes for my cousin.
Bill, that is a very moving tribute. I am very sorry to hear of your loss.
Don't beat yourself up, you were the best son you knew how to be. You both made mistakes, we all do. Parents and kids don't come with manuals so we wing it and do the best we can. Just remember the good times, say a prayer for him and make sure you mend any fences with your own brood while you can.
Dad's are missed.
There has been a hand guiding you to where you are now. Enjoy it, and the memories.
Bill , you have my deepest sympathy. It has been a while since I have shed a tear and burst out laughing reading a post , I don't know if I should thank you or not for that , but I do know I would of loved to sit with your dad a spell.
MArcel :'(
Bill, you were there at this moment when your dad needed you. You were a good son. May your dad rest in peace. And may you have peace here and now.
Hey Bill, I'm SO sorry to hear of your loss, sounds like your Dad had a heart of Gold, just like his Son.
I really enjoyed getting to know you at the Piggy Roast and am only sorry we didn't have more chattin' time, I sure know if I ever get to the USA again that'll be high on my list of things to do. Of course you could always come here...
Please pass my thoughts on to your family, I'm sure he's in peace now.
And don't you lose that Mason Jar, willya!??!?!
Larysa.
Bill, the obituary you have shared with us, speaks volumes of the great American your dad was. You will always cherish the final days going out of your way to spend time with him. I won't get all religious on you, yet that is what my preacher calls a "God Moment." Saying that seems almost hollow, having not lost a parent, nothing I write could ease the pain. My prayers are with you my friend.
My condolences to you and your family!
Bill, that was a fine tribute to your Dad. My condolences.
Mark
What a moving tribute to your Dad. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
When I pass on I can only hope for such a fitting tribute Bill, your Dad is proud of you. :)
That was a awesome tribute to your dad, I am sorry for your loss. You were there at the right time and he will be with you in your heart always. He is and was proud of you.
Karen
Bill, my condolences to you,That is some obit. If I remember correctly you are in New York? If I can help in any way just give me a shout.
I'm sorry for your loss, Bill.
Sounds alot like My Father.But when he died he did not like lawyers and kinda left a mess for me to straighten out.Glad he opened up to you before he left this place.
Sorry to hear about your loss, my condolences to you
Hey Bill, I just told Steph and she asked me to pass on her wishes to you too...
L.
Glad I met you at the roast Bill, your dad didn't do too bad with ya. Your a class act. ;) Sorry for your loss, your dad got his wish, time to reflect some and heal.
See ya at another piggy roast I hope. :)
Bill, while reading your post, I was remembering the last day that I spent with my Dad. That was his last day also. We talked and joked, but he kept telling me that he was a dead man. I didn't want to listen or believe it, but sometimes people know. Just as your Dad, he also knew. You were placed in the right place at the right time.
Condolences and strength to you during the upcoming difficult times, but you also have the good memories of your Dad.
Well written, Bill. Condolences to you and yours.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Bill.
Oh Bill, aren't you glad you took the time and effort to go to him? You are truly a good son, and your dad knows this. Peace be with you, now, as you go through the motions these next few days. And then go home and give your child a hug.
Thanks, Bill, for sharing this with us. Your Dad sounds like a man worth knowing and you sound like a chip off the old block. You will always be able to look back and thank God for putting you at your Dad's side and for the closeness that you experienced on his last day on earth.
It sounds like your Dad had a good "How-to-be-a-Dad" book. Keep your eyes open as you go through his things. You might find it. What a treasure that would be?
If there is one thing I've discovered, it's that a man must have good children to be a good Dad. I don't care how much praise or criticism a man garnishes for his efforts, If his children aren't receptive, he'll not have succeeded. So, as you admire your Dad and revere his life, don't forget to look into the mirror, because, as much as you admire him for loving you, the reflection is of the son that made it possible.
Bill,
I am sorry for your loss. I had a similar last day with my dad. I will always cherish it.
Bill,
Spending those last days with your Dad and having those mature conversations were just what he needed from you. You were with him at the end, and that is very special. I know that you will miss him, but smile when you think about his life and all that he accomplished in the face of adversity. I honor him in your honor. May he rest in peace and may you carry forward in his memory.
Bill, I cannot say any more than what has been said, Sue and I were pleased to meet you at the piggy roast, and seems like we would have enjoyed knowing your dad, sounds a little/lot like my dad. And who ever said it is right, we don't get instruction books with kids, but some how they turn our all right.
Proud to know you, Bill.
That was an awesome tribute to what sounded like a great Dad. It's funny how thing all line up and work out ain't it?
My Dad died when I was 6 months old. My Grandfather filled that void for me. He passed when I was 18. I just happened to stop by and see him the day before he died.
Meeting you at the roast was a great experience for me and now that you have shared this most personal side with us I respect you even more. My condolences go out to you and your family.
I hope you can spend some time celebrating his 94 year legacy.
Steve
Well written Bill, Thank you for sharing. Our fathers live on through their children. I can't tell you how many times I will be talking to one of my brothers and he will do something just like Dad and I'll say, "Just like our Father" giving us both a laugh.
My thoughts are with you.
Feel free to call me if you want to talk about fathers, or whatever.
Jon
Bill,
That was a great tribute to your father. Our thoughts are with you.
you have my condolences and deepest sympathy. pc
Your post about your father is one of the most impressive I have read anywhere and he as you have described was his own man and did not have the tradicional ring in his nose to be led by others and could have made it anywhere in the world.
The world needs more people with that attitude and live by it.
They are few and far between and you have reason to be proud.
Bill- Sorry to hear about your Dad. It sounds like he had a good run, and checked out on his own terms. We should all be so lucky! It's a fitting tribute you wrote, obviously from the heart. It may have been spur-of-the-moment, but it's no mistake you were with him at the end.
I think you need to get on that bike and ride, feel the wind in your hair and let his Spirit be with you. That is about all I can muster right now.
It's great you went up to surprise your Dad. I bet that meant a lot to him.
I guess he sorta had a surprise for you also and probably many more to come as you go thru his 94 years of collecting stuff. You gotta hand it to the ol man for choosing his wishes and sticking with the plan. He's a happy man right now. The cousin you speak of must be a Politician. You can send him a picture of the Mason Jar. ;)
That was a magnificent tribute to your Dad, Bill. Thank you for sharing that poignent glimpse into his remarkable life. I'm sorry for your loss.
Bill, you will be in our thoughts and prayers here for many days to come. A very eloquent tribute to your father if there ever was.
Bill,
Sorry to here about your dad. Him and my father were part of the greatest generation and they will be missed.
Bruce
Hey Bill, sorry to hear about your dad. He got his wish though didn't he. You were fortunate to spend that last day with him. Most of us will never get that "just right time of the day". My condolences to you.
Don
You words show just how much of a man your father was.
Every time you look in the mirror you will see what he left behind. He will live as long as your memories and those of the lives he influenced have a tale to tell.
I know what I would do with the jar he left. I would do it just to feel his smile and sparkle one more time.
And the relative probably deserves it if the truth was known. ;)
Wow Bill what a story. You got me all choked up. I read it at work and I had too avoid people seeing me for a bit. That was no coincidence that you were drawn to go see your Dad. You were being pulled. I'm very sorry that your Dad passed. I will include you in my prayers. That last visit could be made into a movie. Hang in there. I think you will cherish this memory for the rest of your life.
Bill aka (wood monger)
A great tribute and time well spent. You have our sympathy.
Thanks so very much for sharing your Dad with us. It's great that he was so positive about where he was going and who was waiting for him.
Bill I am really sorry for your lose. It was a great story and really made me cry. I am glad you got to spend time with him before he got his last wish. It was great seeing you at the roast and this kinda touches a part of me and where my dad stands in my life. My dad is one amazing man and I guess it isn't until you get a bit older that you finally realize that you can't take all things for granted in life. I hold my dad closer to my heart every day. We may not see eye to eye but he is one amazing man and am proud to call him my father! I LOVE YOU DAD!! :-* :-*
Sorry again for your lose Bill.
Stacy
Bill our prayers are with you and your family. I lost my dad in 1999 on Father Day to Cancer. He was an amazing father and friend. He is greatly missed but I know he is in a much better place and free of pain. Thanks for sharing that amazing story.Your dad sounded like a very interesting dad I am glad you got to share is last day. You are a very special person and your dad knew that.
Jeff and Tammy
Hearts and good wishes to you and yours...
Bill,
I'm sorry to hear that your Dad has passed but it is a real blessing to know that you got the chance to spend that last day with him. And though his time on this side has ended, I believe he'll be watching over you from the other side.
Take care and know you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
Herb
Sorry to hear that Bill . But also glad your dad could live to 94 . My dad made it to 93
Dang! That was a good but tough read, choked me up until the Mason jar then I was laughing. Great tribute and an excellent reflection on you.
No matter how old we are when we lose our parents, it's still hard. Your Dad sounds like a guy I'd like to have smoked a cigar with and had a drink too. What a character! Those old folks who lived during some very tough times are special people, not that they would think so. I think it's great that he knew exactly what he wanted and was ready for it. What's even better is that you had that time with him. How many people ever have that chance? One of these days when we finally are able to get together, we'll share a few stories about our Dad's and I'm sure have a few laughs over a beer.
You have my condolences on the loss of your Dad.
Chuck
Bill,
That was a great tribute to your dad. Thanks for sharing your story. Next time I see my dad I'm gonna give him a hug and tell him I love him.
Thanks.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad,Bill.
Jim
Raider Bill,
There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said. My dad died 22 years ago so I have an idea of what you are going through. Our thoughts are with you.
-Old Doug in Utah <g>
Bill, sorry to hear about your dad. I lost mine about a year and a half ago at 92 years old. Even though he lived a good and long life, it was hard to lose him.
My dad was actually considering heart surgery just before he passed and even had an appointment with the surgeon scheduled for about a week after he died. I know he was not planning on the surgery to be the end, but knew his odds of surviving with his heart condition were not good.
But I also heard my mother and father arguing over who was going to "get" to go first and I guess dad won or lost the argument, depending on how you look at it. My mother is now in an assisted living home and somewhat unhappy that she did not get to live her last days at home like dad did. ::)
Sorry I didn't get to the pig roast this year and meet you. Sounds like it was a good time. Maybe next year and we can lift one for our dad's.
I shead a tear with you...and I'm known for being an ornery ole cuss...I lost my dad to a tractor accident in 74 when I was 18, and I still miss him...Your account helps me rember the man he was...hang in there...and ride that bike , if you wind up in North Miss. you got a bed to sleep on...Tim
Bill, it has been a few days now and I am sure you have been riding a roller-coaster of emotions as you sort through material and non-material things.
Thank-you for sharing your last days with your dad with us. I am glad I got to meet you at the pig roast because it brought your story to life just that much more.
You will be in my thoughts for some time. Ride free and keep living the good life.
I believe that the service is tomorrow, so keep Raider in your thoughts.
Bill,
I am so happy you got to spend some with your father. He sure had a good long run and it sounds like he was a great man.
I love the part about the Mason jar. Just be sure to label it! ;D
Thanks everyone. Everythings been going along somewhat smoothly, the wake and burial was nice. The 10th Mountain Division sent a Burial detail from Ft Drum NY which would have made Dad happy.
Dad wasn't a church goer at all. He gave me list of preachers to ask to do his service the first 2 declined. the 3rd one a brand new 27 year old female with a nose ring had just replaced a named one. She agreed not knowing anything about dad. Her church now gets $33k the first 2 got a call from me outlining the terms of his will in that aspect. Both said that had they known about the "donation" they would have made arrangements. Sorry dudes.
For those of you that wondered yes the Cousin is a politicition. A friend of my dad said he was surprised the cousin never came to confirm Dad had really passed if nothing more than to know he won't be called out in the grocery store anymore. :D Dad would do his very best to embarrass this guy anytime anywhere and in a very loud manner.
Going through at least a century of papers and picture really was a eye opener but that's another story.
Anyway thanks everyone.
Oh, played Hay Traders Amazing grace at the service.
Bill, good seeing you back here. I appreciate you giving us a glimpse into the life of you and your dad.
My Dad died in 1970 but I remember him calling out people too.
He was known as a no nonsense kinda person. Maybe we're related. :D
Glad to see you back. :)
OMG! I'm absolutely stunned that a preacher, ANY preacher, would refuse to bury someone.
OK, I admit, it's a lot of years since I belonged to a church, but, I would have thought that any "man of God" asked to perform this kind of service would do so out of the goodness of their Christian Heart... I just can't get over the refusal. I also can't get over them ADMITTING They would have answered differently had they known about the money. I sure hope some of their parishioners find out about their refusal. I'd sure as heck HATE to be working my butt off raising funds for a church to do repairs or whatever (there's always something that wants doing) knowing my preacher's prejudice just cost us over $30k!
Anyway, sounds like the one who said yes would have suited your dad best anyway.
When are you looking at getting home? Are you going to be there a while sorting things out?
asy :D
Take care Bill. Thanks for the update. It is odd for a preacher to decline a service and if it's about money, they aren't much.
Was just thinking about you today Bill hoping things were ok.
Those 1st two preachers need a lesson with the good book smacked upside their head.
I have never heard of any such thing. Maybe they need to read that book a little closer.
Sorry for the loss Bill.
It sounds like your ol' Daddy left a legacy of life lessons for more than just the few of us, Bill. :D Now what I've been wondering is, did he specifically state that you had to wait until the cousin is in the ground before applying the contents of that Mason jar? ;D
I agree with Dang and suggest you research the details of timing on mason jar. You might also check into saving a little bit in the jar for the two preachers.
I specially like that you let them know afterwards, good on them for not wanting to perform a service that is called apon them to do. Save the contance of the jar for what it was intended to do , Make your own for them. ;D
Not to disagree with letting the preachers know the end result of their turning down the service, but preachers are not public servants. That seems to be implied here in some responses.
They usually have significant responsibility to the members of their church and denomination. Also, depending on the size of the Church they are responsible to, they are very busy with their job ( I have a SIL who is a pastor and he misses a lot of family functions due to parishoners dying, facing life situations, and keeping up with his many responsibilities).
I know they reach out when they can to care for requests and have to make some tough decisions. Planning ahead would be the best way. IMO
QuoteDad wasn't a church goer at all
Maybe Dad had some late remorse or heavenly feelings that were hard to express any other way. But I don't think buying ones way in will work. :)
The first one a Monsenignor flat out declined. Said even though he knew Dad well, Dad never went to church so he wouldn't do his funeral. They used to be pretty good friends. Dunno what happened but I do know Dads question about religion was did god create man or did man create god. It always sparked a good debate
Number 2 cited a prior commitment ok that's cool.
When number 3 showed up at the house I asked her were her Dad was cause she was so young and I might add quite pretty.
As far as leaving the money he told me in case his religious beliefs have been wrong all these years he was hedging his bet. Cracked me up
The first preacher missed a great opportunity to show the love and forgiveness Christ preached and answer your dad's question. Maybe God didn't think he deserved the money. :D :D The second guy had a legit excuse.
Ms. Pastor nose ring might have experienced one of the highlights of her career.
One question.....did she ride with you on the Road King? ;)
Well after they found out about the terms they would of made arrangements .. ha ... collect the liquide and use it .
Quote from: fishpharmer on August 29, 2010, 06:21:50 PM
One question.....did she ride with you on the Road King? ;)
Funny you should ask that. ;D I offered but my daughter reminded me that she was older than the preacher chick. My Son just rolled his eyes but later agreed she was a cutie.shame we would have made a good pair too in my opinion. Irish girl. Had a lot of fire and brimstone in her sermon I didn't see that coming, surprised me actually. She had a swig of Tenn frezzer water I had on hand without batting a eye lash. May have been the irish blood.
Some things are just meant to be, Bill, and I think this was one of those times. ;)
She seems to be the perfect answer to your dad's funeral. You did good, Bill. :)
Well I'm back in Florida. Been here a couple days but have been playing catch up at work.
Got to spend some time in Tenn with my Son for a few days alone after we left NY that was real nice considering the circumstances.
Thanks for all the nice thoughts everyone.
Welcome back Bill :)
I'd like to extend my sympathy to you about your dad, I'm very sorry for your loss. Sounds like you dad lived his life on his terms and got to go out on his terms, my favorite grandma got her wish as well, she wanted to be have her mind and know everyone up to the end and take care of herself the whole time and slip away in her sleep peacefully. We had just seen her in the morning and she had dinner and laid down and slept away. Sometimes its hard to say goodbye but knowing they got what they wanted makes it easier and it helps to appreciate what you have and who you have even the more. Glad your back and thanks for sharing your dad with us, honor his wishes about the mason jar no matter what it takes.
Fine tribute and well done. Handle up on that jar!
Great tribute to your father !
I got this in the mail this afternoon from Norm. Thanks Brother!! I have been working on Dad's estate today which made me sad.
This has not been my best Christmas. Putting Dad's flag in this holder today that a Forestry Forum Member made is a good thing. I played Haytraders Amazing grace again.
Maybe tomorrow I'm going to start a thread about a scholarship related to dads estate. Need some collage grads advise.
Just noticed I need to refold the flag as the stars don't line up right.
Beer time.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14445/1150/IMG_4581.jpg) Grads advise.
Have one for me for him . ;)
[/quote]
Quote from: Raider Bill on December 28, 2010, 06:40:55 PM
Just noticed I need to refold the flag as the stars don't line up right.
Beer time.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14445/1150/IMG_4581.jpg)
Raider Bill,
Go here. http://www.united-states-flag.com/folding-flag.html
Norm
A flag case with "character", a perfect fit for your dad.
Bill your Dad is proud of you, the stars are aligned just right. :)
Say...That turned out nice didn't it?
Good job Norm and Hat's off to your Dad Bill ;) ;)
Turned out real nice!
Bill-
Just digested this thread. WOW. A great tribute to you and your dad. Lost mine 11 years ago and still think of him every day. Not in a sad, loss kinda way, but in a chuckling "look at the mess I'm in now and where are you?" sorta way. The thread reads like the apple's not far from the tree in your family.
Scholarship funding can be tricky. Many schools insist on the funds going to the "general fund", which means it may go toward expenses that may not have been in the wishes of your dad's ideals, or to a scholarship named after him with no other strings attached. Have a very specific foundation for what and to whom this scholarship should support. (Male/female,area of study, earned after major declared versus as a support for tuition from the start, etc., etc. There are tons of variables.) It's a great idea, but I suggest talking to the school only after you have determined the theme and scope of the scholarship. It is wonderful that you would honor your father while helping those that need it at the same time. Like to shake your hand and tip my glass to you. Doctorb
Bill, think about a scholarship for graduating high school seniors. A shot to get them in college, trade school, shoot, barber college if that is what they want. That one step up for a youngster may be all that is needed to make he/she rise to the top.
Good advice from doctorb. Definitely talk to the appropriate schools before you set up anything. Mother in law left the bulk of her estate to 3 colleges, but they can only be used for tuition toward a degree in primary education. She was an elementary school teacher for 40 years. We usually get a thank you note from the selected students every fall. Get a lawyer to set it all up, otherwise as doctorb says, it will likely wind up in the general fund.
I just read your Tribute to Your Dad and it Touched My Heart... so Much.
I lost my Dad a few months after your's (Dec., 12th, 09) and can share some of your thought's and feeling's.
My Dad was WW2 Navy, Submariner and quite a Man's Man. It appears that many (most) of our Dad's from this time are the Real Men Type. My Dad died a horrbile death and suffered for 28 days in the hospital. He starved to death and had Hospic Nurse's there at the home and didn't see a thing wrong. My Mother had dementia and stopped feeding him. The team's of doctor's came to me and reported that my Dad's organ's were fine and this happened at two different hospitals. I really felt stupid when they asked me why he was in the Hospic Program. However, he was very weak and had a hemoglobin value of zero. They did not know if he'd be able to regain his strength and was high risk to infection, etc . , I'll stop here because this post is about your Dad. Closing, I will say that I have a real problem with the Health Care he received at home and stop here.
My Deepest Sympathy and Wet Eyes in Regard to the Loss of Your Father. I know that this Xmass had some or many Thought's about your Dad and Family, and (perhaps) some Smile's were able to come through during your mourning of him.
From the Heart,
Avery Baker
I'm not a woodworker at all. I always tell folks my skills are more along the lines of a 2x4 and an air hammer. :D
I read up on what piney told me and then watched a couple of online videos on how to make one. Well let me say that the wood stove did not lack for heat after my first couple of attempts. :D
Sure made me feel good to honor a WWII Veteran. Thanks for the kind words Bill. :)
Being a machinist for 50 years Dad always went to hand made over store bought. I was going to buy a flag case then Norm offered to build us one. Worked out real good!
Funny story...............
At my Sisters funeral the "Cousin" along with many other NYS Assemblymen, Senators and politicians were in attendance with New York State Troopers as a honor guard for her casket and body guarding some of them.
The "Cousin" said something out loud to the LT Governor that Dad heard so Dad hobbled across the funeral home in front of hundreds with his huge tree trunk cane he used to walk with yelling out that there was nothing he hated more that a Politician and even worse a crooked one and that he had had enough and was going to brain the "cousin" in front of God and everyone to put a end to his lies. Dad was 340 lbs and over 6'. Watching the Politicians head for the door in a rush and Dad dragging a couple Troopers across the floor was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. But the best part was when they came over to me with him in tow and asked what they should do with him. I laughed because growing up more than once the Cops brought me home and asked Dad the same question. Of course my answer was the same as Dad's "put him in jail and throw away the key" ;D ;D
Good story, Bill. I would have loved to know your dad, he sounds like a cool dude. I have a feeling his son is much like him. :)
By the way....in case you have not refolded that flag yet....
At my dad's funeral two young men came to do the tributes and fold the flag. They struggled with the folds, redoing it a few times. Not a sound was heard as they tried to get it done correctly. I felt so sorry for them, sweat was running down their faces, they were so intense. When Piney made the flag case for my dad, the stars on our flag did not line up correctly, just like yours, but then I thought back to those two young soldiers, working so intently, and decided the flag looked just fine the way it was. ;)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14445/3308/255656_215260655163608_100000390258198_724685_6284077_n%281%29.jpg)
My Brother just got this attached to Dad's headstone! Pretty Dang Cool!
Norm, I decided to keep the flag the way it is as the 2 Soldiers that folded it were just back from Afganland and told me that doing it for the first time at a funeral in front of a crowd was almost as bad as going over seas. They sweated and worked hard at it.
Still working through the scholarship legal issues but have cashed in all the life insurance polices he set up to fund it plus what we already had. Some High School kids are going to be very happy for awhile. I'll go over to the scholarship thread we had to describe what I'm doing later.
A nice tribute. It is cool.
Very nice Bill, thanks for sharing that with us.
Those young men would be proud to know you cared enough to make that decision. :)
Thanks Bill, good call on keeping the flag as it is in the case candle_smiley
Ah, a First Seargent, sounds like a few I new.
That is real neat Bill. I know you are very proud of your dad, as you should be. He was a hero. ;)
I too am glad you are not refolding the flag. It was folded by soldiers for a soldier, and that is as good as it gets.
Quote from: Texas Ranger on May 27, 2011, 12:00:43 PM
Ah, a First Seargent, sounds like a few I new.
Actually Don he was a Tech Sgt 3 up 2 down with a T in the middle. The pix makes it look like 1st Sgt. Although I think they have the same amount of stripes.
Patty,
My Son and I were going to refold it then got talking about how hard they worked and in full dress uniforms on a HOT August day. We decided Dad would have appreciated it that way.
Many have commented on the flag case Norm made! We all love it! Thanks again Norm!
Bill, I'm not sure how I missed this thread before now but thank you for sharing such great insight about your Dad. He truly sounds like a very cool guy, and they way that you related his story really brought him alive for me.
Take care pardner.
Scott
Good show Bill. You always know in your heart when you do the right thing. You did on all counts.
A fitting tribute.
I have enjoyed this story many times and still do.
What a thread.
You have done a great job telling us about your Father.I had to go through the whole thread again. I enjoyed it the first time and I enjoyed it this time.
Bill, met techs like that, as well.