P.O.T.C. On Stranger Rides! The Missing Chapter,,Final Thoughts,, Preview Thoughts.

[yellowtink]

Yeah. I agree with everyone else on the issue. Sadly nebo, you can't get rid of us that easily. As was said before we are a community. I don't remembr much of my Grandmpa, except that afterwards wasn't fun. Well, until we went to WDW at the end of the year, but anyway...

 

[Sandy Mouse]

There have been some wonderfully well written comments on Smidgy's father's passing and your decision to stay. I agree with the sentiments and offer my condolences as well.
I'm still here and eagerly await the next chapter.

 

[pkondz]

Pkondz, when I read the update, I couldn't wait to read what you had to say. It was worth the wait. Thanks for telling Nebo, again, that no one is leaving this trippie.

Thanks Marie.

 

[jakeybake]

Hey Nebo.

I applaud you for sharing that with all of us and I think you made the only decision you could, given the circumstances. I know I would of done the same thing if put into the same situation.

Thank you for your honesty and for sharing what was obviously a very difficult time, with the rest of us.

Jay

 

[mblc14]

We all respect the decision that was made, I cannot even imagine how difficult those couple of days were for you guys. You did what you thought was best and I dont think you are going to find any criticism from any of us here. For as much fun that is had on your TRs, everyone respects each other a ton also. We all have to face difficult choices now and again, and you two made a choice that a lot of us hope we never have to make, and I honestly believe you guys made the right choice for what its worth...thanks for sharing that experience with us as well.

 

[mikamah]

My heart goes out to both of you for having to go through that, and make such a difficult decision. It is so hard to lose our parents, and we do the best we can at the time, and I truly believe that somehow they are there looking over us to help us through, and I am sure you did what was right for you and I hope you both have peace with that. It is noone's place to judge anyone else.
Big hugs to both of you.

 

[nebo]

I want to thank all of you who have responded, I'm sorry I
have brought back some sad memories for a lot of you.
I knew Danielle and Janet had been through similar experiences recently, but Cp'ersmom and Swisely and Kim, sorry you were put through it too.

Buzz,, Ponzi and the rest of you, thanks for the kind words. One thing I wanted to mention is that iit wasn't folks just judging us and deciding not to read anymore I wondered about, it's WHO THE HECK WANTS TO READ A DISNEY TRIP REPORT WHERE PEOPLE DIE?
Oh yeah, that sounds fun, would you talk about the nursing home too?

Thank you again. Just a few mentions here:

Very well said!

Nebo- I'm sure it must have been hard typing up the last chapter. Reliving what you had to go through has to be painful.

yeah, it wasn't much fun, now I'm looking forward to going back to being what i do best, a fool.

I'm very sorry you had to go through that and totally respect the decisions you guys made, I probably would have made the same ones. I don't think there would be anything you could say that would lose me as a reader. Loving the report (as always ) and I look forward to happier times ahead

Kris! Where ya been? Look at what she's written in her signature, can you believe we both picked the same dumb thing? I read that quote in an Uncle John's Bathroom Reader when I first joined the Dis, before that i never heard it before.

I'm still here and eagerly await the next chapter.

Now you're talkin'!

Oh, and hello to Caitlyn, nice to meet you and thanks for the nice words.

 

[Thumper_Man's Wife]

I wasn't going to comment much regarding this, but after thinking about it, I wanted to reiterate a few things. I had to go waaaaaaay back and find the posts from the middle of this TR...

just reading everything you folks say makes the trip worthwhile.

i just sat here, reading everything you guys wrote.. and laughed, and laughed!!!

Nebo went for a well deserved sleep....and I wanted to "play" and he deserves to read it... all on his own.


so. in summation: we are back.... it sucks, but my dad died., we dealt with it the best way we could.
and we dealt with it the best way my dad would want.

Smidgy, I think you said it best here when you said you dealt with it the best way your dad would have wanted...Please keep that in the back of your mind and know that.

We're here with you guys when you're having fun and celebrating joyous occasions (like your son's wedding) and we are no less here with you when you are dealing with sad occasions such as this. Our thoughts and prayers with you both and your family.

pkondz

While we usually have a joking banter, there is just a ton of love for you and Nebo from everyone here. I imagine everyone who posts feels like they know you well, despite the fact that most of us haven't met you in person. It's like we are a family of sorts.

As others have said, we here with you both through the good times and bad.

I know that Ponzi, Buzz and a few others had the same theory back in the beginning, once we heard about your father's passing, that maybe we were being a bit too cavalier about things. We knew that this part of the TR was coming, and I hope you know that while we laugh and make fun, we really do see you as a huge part of our lives already, otherwise we wouldn't be here hanging on ever word waiting for the next installment. So know that when you laugh, we laugh, when you cry, in essence, so do we. What I'm trying to say, while taking the long winded train around it, is we care about you, and if you really think that you would lose readership over something like this, you have another thing coming...

I know that what I just said probably didn't make much sense, but in times like this, I turn to movies and music to say what I want to...There is a song that I remember that always makes me smile when I think of those that I've lost, I hope you don't mind me posting at least the chorus. I will edit if its too much.

"God only cries for the living
'Cause it's the living that are left to carry on
And all the angels up in Heaven
They're not grieving because they're gone
There's a smile on their faces
'Cause they're in a better place than, oh, they've ever known
God only cries for the living
'Cause it's the living that are so far from home
Yeah, we're so far from home, Mmmm, Mmmm"

~ Diamond Rio "God Only Cries"


what I'm really trying to say is...Don't ever feel that the decision you made was wrong. And please don't let anyone else make you feel that way either. You made the best decision based on your situation and after considering all your options. I believe your dad (and yes I say that to the both of you) wouldn't have wanted you to endanger your lives to see him when he couldn't see you and be there to enjoy it. The times you had with him before he left are memories that no one can take away. You are blessed to have those. And I for one feel blessed that you shared a little about him with us. Thank you.

~H
aka - Mrs. T

 

[hushupu]

Making a decision like this is a very personal thing. No one has the right to second guess your decision or your feelings for your loved one. I have had to make a similar decision on vacation and it hurt and there was no perfect answer but in the end a decision needed to be made. There is no need for apologies or explanations. The only one allowed to second guess your decision is you and in the end that doesn't change anything either, so stand by your decision and cherish your memories.
your friend,
Patrick

 

[KRIS10420]

Kris! Where ya been? Look at what she's written in her signature, can you believe we both picked the same dumb thing? I read that quote in an Uncle John's Bathroom Reader when I first joined the Dis, before that i never heard it before.

I've been here all along just a couple steps behind, so any time I've wanted to comment on something a few pages have gone by and I feel like I've missed the boat, so to speak.... I also forget that people can't read my mind and that I need to spell out what I'm thinking So be assured that I'm here just not always visible

***Great Minds Think Alike*** I had discovered that Dr. Seuss quote before I joined the Dis, the first time I read it I said to myself "OMG, this is my life motto!" (Although living by this has made my DH gasp and hide a few times)

 

[fsmith2845]

Steve and Diane

I feel for you and the decision you had to make.. and as others have mentioned, i know you two agonized at length as to what to do.. Having watched my mother deteriorate and succumb to cancer when i was a mere 21 and losing my grandfather to dementia.. i truly feel for you both.. Ii'm sure he is in a much better place (as are my mom and grandfather) and don't suffer any longer..

From what you described about him, I think you guys made the decision that he would have wanted you to make.. you spent times with him that he took with him to the Lord.. and quite honestly.. when he did, he most likely joined you guys down at WDW to make sure you did enjoy yourselves and celebrated his life not agonized his death..

You most certainly haven't lost me from the report.. and surely won't lose ANY of the loyal Nebo and Smidgey followers.

I repeat my earlier post and pass along my thoughts and prayers to you and Diane and the rest of your family. . It was a hard chapter to read (surely even harder to experience and then relive).. i'm glad you didn't wait til the end to go through it.. it's all part of the trip...

 

[enandtsmom]

I've been lurking on your last two trip reports, and I am really sorry for your lost. Being so far away during difficult times is never easy and neither are the decisions that need to be made. You won't lose this reader.

Jenna

 

[Wis2InTink]

I am so sorry for the difficult decisions you had to make. When my mom was in the nursing home a few years ago, I told her to not go anywhere (heaven), because we were taking the kids and grandkids to Disney World. Well, she suddenly took a turn for the worse and we had her funeral just days before leaving for Disney. I really believe that she didn't want me to worry more. It was not the most fun trip, but I actually laughed watching Paul Revere & the Raiders one evening. It was good tonic. You did the best you could and your FIL knew that.

 

[Thumper_Man]

Steve and Diane.

I should take a trip to Chicago to slap you two upside the head. What makes you think you would lose some readers over your last post? As I mentioned, we're all here with you, good times and the bad. As Mrs. T said, we knew this part of the TR would come eventually. How you wanted to approach it was totally up to you. I can totally sympathize with you. I almost went through something similar myself. Although I didn't, I have a sense of what you went through.

My mom was a single parent raising me with the help of my grandparents. Since I didn't have a father figure in my life, my grandfather took over that role. Like your dad, he didn't have much to say, but when he talked, you listened. Like you, I saw a strong man dwindle down until his passing. About 5 years ago, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. A year after that he suffered a stroke. It took his ability to talk. Not too long after he developed heart problems and was moved to a nursing home. Several times he wasn't give much time, and several times he proved us wrong. So I know what it's like to go visit the man you once knew, and he is no longer able to carry on a conversation with you. This past April, Mrs. T and I went to San Diego; and once again my grandpa wasn't given much time. While we were on vacation I would often wonder if his time would come. If the good lord would call him home while we were there. We were fortunate we were able to go on vacation and nothing happened. A month later, my grandpa finally gave up the battle and the good lord did call him home.

I know this doesn't compare to your situation. You had a lot of tough decisions to make. You went hoping for the best. Maybe the way things happened were God's way of telling you, that him and your dad know how much you love your Disney trips; and your dad would want you to stay. Don't ever feel that the decisions you made were wrong. They happened that way for reason. You each had your safety to take into account. I'm sure we all know, had you been able to make it back, you would've.

So just know, you ain't getting rid of us that easy. I said it before and I'll say it again. We're all here with you through the good times and bad. As Ponzi said, who are we to judge. Not me. And yes, Dad can hear that Smidgy is still his little girl.

 

[pkondz]

I should take a trip to Chicago to slap you two upside the head.

I figure you're about a 22 hour drive from Chicago. It takes me 14 hours. So...

A lot of people are saying some pretty nice things about you and Smidgy, Nebo. Pay attention.

 

[nebo]

Cool Beans!
Nebo invited to old time friend he hadnt't seen in while
Nebo get's ride to old time friend's house by nudder old time friend who can still see usefullness from car's headlights at night.
Nebo finds out old time friend has ways of actually making bets on Breeders Cup races, from hiome.

Nebo knows better than to spend his money on all the Breeder's Cup races.
Nebo didn't arrive until there was only two races left.
That's why Nebo doesn't spend all his money on races.

Nebo bets 5 dollah to win on Gio Ponti.

Gio Ponti,,,,, still running, maybe looking for the Western Way bypass.
Gio Ponti have huge future with Elmer's Glue.

Nebo bets on Breeder's Cup Classic.

5 dollah on longshot Drosselmeyer, people laugh at Nebo.

79 dollah later, Nebo happy man.

Do I have to claim these winnings now with my wife?

I mean the IRS? Oh, yeah, right.

I wasn't going to comment much regarding this, but after thinking about it, I wanted to reiterate a few things. I had to go waaaaaaay back and find the posts from the middle of this TR...



Smidgy, I think you said it best here when you said you dealt with it the best way your dad would have wanted...Please keep that in the back of your mind and know that.


I know that Ponzi, Buzz and a few others had the same theory back in the beginning, once we heard about your father's passing, that maybe we were being a bit too cavalier about things. We knew that this part of the TR was coming, and I hope you know that while we laugh and make fun, we really do see you as a huge part of our lives already, otherwise we wouldn't be here hanging on ever word waiting for the next installment. So know that when you laugh, we laugh, when you cry, in essence, so do we. What I'm trying to say, while taking the long winded train around it, is we care about you, and if you really think that you would lose readership over something like this, you have another thing coming...

I know that what I just said probably didn't make much sense, but in times like this, I turn to movies and music to say what I want to...There is a song that I remember that always makes me smile when I think of those that I've lost, I hope you don't mind me posting at least the chorus. I will edit if its too much.

"God only cries for the living
'Cause it's the living that are left to carry on
And all the angels up in Heaven
They're not grieving because they're gone
There's a smile on their faces
'Cause they're in a better place than, oh, they've ever known
God only cries for the living
'Cause it's the living that are so far from home
Yeah, we're so far from home, Mmmm, Mmmm"

~ Diamond Rio "God Only Cries"


what I'm really trying to say is...Don't ever feel that the decision you made was wrong. And please don't let anyone else make you feel that way either. You made the best decision based on your situation and after considering all your options. I believe your dad (and yes I say that to the both of you) wouldn't have wanted you to endanger your lives to see him when he couldn't see you and be there to enjoy it. The times you had with him before he left are memories that no one can take away. You are blessed to have those. And I for one feel blessed that you shared a little about him with us. Thank you.

~H
aka - Mrs. T

Mrs. T, I usually shorten the quotes for space reasons, but I dared not touch your post. That was just wonderful what you wrote, thank you very much, no, I never heard that song before and I'll have to ask Smidgy if she did when she gets home.

***Great Minds Think Alike*** I had discovered that Dr. Seuss quote before I joined the Dis, the first time I read it I said to myself "OMG, this is my life motto!" (Although living by this has made my DH gasp and hide a few times)

It's a great quote. Great way to think, great way to live!

Steve and Diane

I feel for you and the decision you had to make.. and as others have mentioned, i know you two agonized at length as to what to do.. Having watched my mother deteriorate and succumb to cancer when i was a mere 21 and losing my grandfather to dementia.. i truly feel for you both.. Ii'm sure he is in a much better place (as are my mom and grandfather) and don't suffer any longer..

From what you described about him, I think you guys made the decision that he would have wanted you to make.. you spent times with him that he took with him to the Lord.. and quite honestly.. when he did, he most likely joined you guys down at WDW to make sure you did enjoy yourselves and celebrated his life not agonized his death..

You most certainly haven't lost me from the report.. and surely won't lose ANY of the loyal Nebo and Smidgey followers.

I repeat my earlier post and pass along my thoughts and prayers to you and Diane and the rest of your family. . It was a hard chapter to read (surely even harder to experience and then relive).. i'm glad you didn't wait til the end to go through it.. it's all part of the trip...

Thanks Frank, I'm already feeling better knowing that I can move on now and go back to critiquing Disney World in the hard hitting, no holds barred way that I alwaays have.

I've been lurking on your last two trip reports, and I am really sorry for your lost. Being so far away during difficult times is never easy and neither are the decisions that need to be made. You won't lose this reader.

Jenna

Hey, new kid. Uh oh, new kid with cryptic name,,,,Jenna, ya know I'm gonna have to come up with something for that name. But I do thank you for the nice post, please come back more often.

I am so sorry for the difficult decisions you had to make. When my mom was in the nursing home a few years ago, I told her to not go anywhere (heaven), because we were taking the kids and grandkids to Disney World. Well, she suddenly took a turn for the worse and we had her funeral just days before leaving for Disney. I really believe that she didn't want me to worry more. It was not the most fun trip, but I actually laughed watching Paul Revere & the Raiders one evening. It was good tonic. You did the best you could and your FIL knew that.

Hi new person, I love to meet new people.
I also really believe that you are right and that's what she wanted. C'mon, if it was you or me, wouldn't we feel and tell our family and kids to not make changes in their plans just cuz I died?
But I'm too tired right now to come up with a clever name for you, geesh, you make it so hard with that screen name.
What? DId they have a special at Wallmart on Ouija Boards?

And if you are talking about Paul Revere during the Flower and Garden Festivalm,,,,, believe me, they could not have been worse than the Association were a few years ago.

 

[Thumper_Man]

Mrs. T, I usually shorten the quotes for space reasons, but I dared not touch your post. That was just wonderful what you wrote, thank you very much, no, I never heard that song before and I'll have to ask Smidgy if she did when she gets home.

You can listen to it on YouTube. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtXH4xllwk0

 

[smidgy]

my heart is just so full with all the love, I think it's going to burst! thank you all.

yes, it was a tough decision.. even going on the trip itself was tough. we knew there was a chance of daddy' going home while we were gone, but I really didn't think it would happen then. we planned the trip before his fall, before his going into the nursing home.
we went to see him often.. It was a nice home (my grandma actually was there). they have a nice courtyard with tables, flowers, a foutnain, and I used to take him outside as much as I could.
I actually look very much like my dad, same long nose , same overbite. he still, at age 87, was not totally grey, must be the cherokee blood.
he served our country proudly in the navy during WW2, he was actually a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. (our ancestor, cprl. james Thompson, fought out of virginia in the Revolutionary war.) my maiden name is Cheely, and my ancestor, Thomas Cheely passed away in Virginia in the 1600's, so I guess we've been here awhile (and sometime in there, "met up with" some Cherokees, I guess!)
most importantly, my dad (George Williams Cheely, who went by the name Bill) was a Christian. he believed that Jesus died on the cross for his sins, and trusted that and nothing else (not good works, going to church, trying hard, etc etc,)for his salvation, so I KNOW he is in heaven right now with Jesus.
I don't think I will ever respect anyone as much as I did my dad. he was good, kind, fair, thoughtful(often volunteered, planting flowers at church, mowing the lawn, shoveing the snow there, fund raisers, helping out neighbors, driving them al over the place.) helped ME out more times than I could count.. never judgemental.
I NEVER heard him use a racial slur. he would flinch if he heard someone else use one. Didn't curse either. didn't yell or shout, or belittle anyone. only had nice things to say about anyone.

ok, eulogy over. but, remember, I didn't get to give a eulogy....

I know we did the right thing, the only thing we could.. it just felt weird.. esp. since both our sons were pallbearers. It was weird not to be there for them, too.

I just will always remember him the last day I spent with him. sitting by the fountain.. it was a nice day ... telling him some of the old stories he used to tell me, and he had a BIG smile (with our overbite, it's a big smile) and his eyes get squinty just like mine do when he smiles.
I can't wait till I see him again, ....
thank you all SO much for your kind words that thoughts. I love you all. your words have helped a lot, made me feel a lot better about how we handled things. I am glad to have such a large family!!!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Always great to have friends

Marita

 

[Millie12591]

Steve and Diane.....I don't envy the decision you had to make. I can't imagine in all my ways of trying to think of what I would do....have done anything different than what you did. As someone else on here said, funerals are for the living to celebrate the deceased and you all did your celebrating before he left this earth. Diane, your daddy knows you love him, he knew that loooooong before he went into the home and he still knows you love him. There's not any reason for you either one to be ashamed for your decisions, you did the best you could, you made the best decisions for the circumstances and to heck with those who say anything different.
As I'm all to aware (after just getting the news my mom has breast cancer) spending the time with your loved one's as they are here is far more important and loving than being there when they are gone.

Your not losing this reader!