My dad passed away on Friday...

[ChrizJen]

He was only 57 years old.
I'm lost right now, and if it weren't for planning and arranging things, I don't know what would keep me from going crazy.
There's a thread on the CB that gives more detail of the whole ordeal, and I'll post a link when I find it.
I feel like my dad and I were just starting to get to know each other. I am so proud of my dad and everything he went through to become the man that he was. I didn't tell him I loved him enough. I never found a way to tell him that he was my hero.
He's always been very passionate about things that matter to him, and he had recently taken on the cause of gay rights. It became important to him because of me. He surprised the heck out of me when he showed up to the No on Prop 8 protest last November. I wrote about it on these boards. It was a very powerful day for me. I also recently found out from my sister that he gave up his affiliation with the Catholic Church. He told her that he couldn't belong to a church that didn't include his entire family. My dad was truly an amazing man, and I wish with all of my heart that we had started getting to know each other sooner. It breaks my heart to think about it.

We spent 4 long days holding vigil for him in the waiting room of the ICU at Barnes Hospital here in St. Louis. Night and day, we waited and prayed. But he didn't make it. He passed away at 1:25 Friday afternoon. It was so sudden, and such a shock for us all. My heart is broken, and I don't know how I'm going to make it through these next few days. I know they say that it gets easier as time goes by, but I just don't know if I'm strong enough.

I'm sorry. I'm rambling. I need sleep. THanks for reading.
-Christal

ETA: Here's a link to my account of the weeklong ordeal in case you're interested: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2211853

 

[ktlm]

I am so sorry. I lost my Dad a few years ago. We were extremely close and it was horrible. You will get through this, even though it doesn't seem like it now. I found out it is not a matter of strong, it is a matter of not having a choice. People would tell me how strong I was, and it just made me want to laugh. You Dad sounds like an absolutely wonderful amazing man. Don't beat yourself up about not telling him he was your hero or that you loved him often enough. It sure sounds like he knew how much you loved him and that he loved you so very much too. Even if you didn't say it that often, he knew.

 

[redrosesix]

So sorry for your loss, and welcome to the club that you never wanted to join.

I lost my dad just over 5 years ago, and I can tell you that if it hadn't been for the funeral planning etc, I would have gone crazy (I was responsible for everything) The hard part is the next week -- you really need to take up your friends' invites and keep yourself busy for a while. Other people who knew your dad will want to talk to you about him -- it's helpful to know that you're not the only one who misses him.

And I feel that I need to also say, and any parent will tell you, we know how much our children love us and what they think of us (it inspires us to be better people) -- sure, it's nice to hear it from time to time, but we already know.

Good luck.

 

[rosiep]

Oh Christal!!

I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I remember reading that your Dad had shown up to protest for prop 8 and I remember thinking how much he must have loved you.

Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.

Come back and tell us more about your Dad when you feel ready. Share with us your memories when you are able.

Wish I had more to say to help with the grief.

Just know that we are here for you.

-Rosie

 

[npmommie]

I am so sorry to hear this, I read your thread on the CB, my heart goes out to you and your family.

 

[rpmdfw]

Condolences for your loss!

 

[wallyb]

Wow
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Sincerest condolences.

 

[DVCajun]

So, so sorry about your loss.

 

[f86sabjf]

condolences to you and your family in these hard times. we will keep you inour prayers.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I am so very sorry Christal

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I am so sorry for your loss.
Please know we are here for you. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your memories of the good times bring you through this difficult time.

 

[Krissy04]

So so so sorry to hear this sad news. Take comfort in knowing that he will always be with you. You and your family will make it through this tough time. Celebrate his life everyday. He sounds like a wonderful man, you are trly lucky to have known him, even though his time here was too short.

Krissy

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I remember your writing about your Dad being there for Prop 8. Your retelling of the event moved me to tears.

I am so very sorry that this has happened. We are here when you need a shoulder, or an ear.

 

[mikelan6]

I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[soulmates]

I'm so very sorry for your loss...I remember when you posted the story of your dad surpring you and showing up to the Prop 8 rally. I was so touched by his love for you...hugs from NC

 

[Disneydonnam]

I am very sorry for your loss.

 

[PghLybrt]

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[bubie2.5]

 

[Saxton]

Christal - I am so sorry. There are no words to help at a time like this. I remember your post when your Dad showed up at the prop 8 protest, that's a legacy you should be proud of. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.