WAY OT Father dying

[John Gilham/Patsy Scott]

I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and learned heaps from this NG. It has made me proud to call myself a woodworker and I guess that pride wore off on my Dad. My Dad was one of those guys that was lucky if he hit the nail 1 more time than he hit the wood around it. But when he saw the various pieces of furniture that I made for myself, my wife and especially him, his eyes brightened up to say the least. Well, less than 3 weeks ago he was told he had cancer, and as he came into the shop, I knew he was in trouble. I was busy finishing up a couple of horse swings and he knew I was busy. He just motioned for my to continue and I finished them up. It was common for him to drop by and just look around...I think he took all of it in and just said to himself, "My little boy makes this." Well after a couple of bad weeks, we brought my Dad home to die. The doctor said, "maybe 3 weeks" As he lays in a bed, he turns his head and shows that drawn, weary face. Instead of complaining about dying, he tells me..." Don't worry about me...you've got children waiting for their toys...better get out to the shop..."

Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had never been in a hospital as a patient....

Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our loved ones.

Cheers John

[js]

Sorry to hear of your father's condition. He sounds like a very giving man, and I can tell you feel blessed to have him as your father.

All my best.

[Noons]

Ditto.

Amen!

[Charlie Self]

A fortunate man, and fortunate in his son, too.

Charlie Self "Bore, n.: A person who talks when you wish him to listen." Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

[Quadindad2]

John, I'm sorry to her about your dad. I'm in that very same situation. I found out about 2 months ago that my dad has cancer of the esophagus. He's been fighting it with radiation and chemo, but its not looking good. He went into the hospital yesterday. When I found out about the cancer, I decided to start building a cradle for my brother's first child. We built it together. It's almost done, just sanding, but his condition is to the point where he can't help me anymore. John

[Trent©]

Sorry to hear about your Dad, John. There's no doubt that he's very proud of you...and you of him.

We'll keep both of you in our prayers.

Have a nice week...

Trent©

Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed!

[Thomas H. Bunetta]

I share your grief, my dad went from cancer as well. Tom

[Pounds on Wood]

Not off topic at all John. Every woodworker here will face this circumstance, from one perspective or another. My thoughts are with both of you.

[Fly-by-Night CC]

My thoughts are with you.

[J Masters]

John,

Having lurked here for a few years as well, ask your dad if he'd like you to make a coffin for him. I can't think of a better way for you to express your love for him, and for him to be able to honor such a gift as yours (both in talent and in love).

Just an idea.

Just> I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and learned

[Mark L.]

[patriarch]

"John Gilham/Patsy Scott" wrote in news:stFtc.11289$ [e-mail]:

Treasure the memories you have, and, see what you can do with him for now...

This weekend is Memorial Day in the United States, with many attendant feelings in that regard. Wednesday, we drove a couple of hours to visit my dad, and to try to fix his computer. Fixing the computer was a total failure, by the way. I'll turn that job over to one of my sons.

My mother passed away last fall, and my dad asked my wife to go through her quilting stash and books, and see what treasures there were to be used. While he did that, he pulled out a box from a high shelf, where it had been placed over a decade ago, when her parents place was sold, after their passing. Dad handed it all to me, a box of hand tools, the newest of which must have been 60 years old. I got teary for more than an hour, looking through the gift. An old, but serviceable draw knife. Farrier's tools. Several braces, whose workings I'll have to study for a while. Files, rasps, small frame saws. An ice pick, with the name of 'San Jose Ice Company, San Jose California. Tel number 65'

Had I received that gift when my grandfather passed away, it would have not had near the meaning it has today. Now, I know how to use a drawknife, and had been considering making a greenwood chair. Now, I guess I'll have to rig a shave horse, and do it sooner.

Dutch passed away in 1992. I don't think there's a week goes by I don't think about someting he and Grandma taught me. Nor does a day go by when I don't think of my folks, in one way or another. A friend told me today, again, how much of a blessing my parents had been to my family, and to their community.

I suspect, from the tone of your post, the same could be said for your family. Remember the blessings, and pass them on.

Patriarch

[SteveC1280]

John, I am truly sorry to hear about your father. I lurk on and off this site also. I have a similar story, but from the perspective of your father. I am a father of two college age kids. In January those kids found out there father was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I had about 3 months to live if the surgery wasn't successful. The fact that I am writing this message is a testement to the talent of my surgeon. The whole experience was devastating to my family. I survived and we are a much close family becasue of it. When I fully recover, I hope to get back to woodworking with my son. Steve

Remove the 'remove' in my address to e:mail me.

[philski]

John, Our prayers are with you and yours. As a cancer survivor, I can relate to your feelings and know what you and your family must be going through. Hang in there....

As always, Philski

[Glen Duff]

John,

My prayers are with you, your dad and family. As your dad contemplates his end on this earth I know he will be reassured by your woodworking accomplishments and feel very proud of you.

Also, your message will make my day much more meaningful as I will try to regain the perspective of my own mortality and that of my family and grasp a better sense of the most important things in life.

God bless you all.

Glen Duff

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John Gilham/Patsy Scott wrote:

[Bob G.]

I lost my Mother in 2000, My younger Brother and my Father in 2001

BUT I still see and talk to all of them EVERY evening... I just walk outside and look up and pick the 3 brightest stars in the heavens and start the conversation....

The first overcast night did cause me a lot of greif however...

Seriously I really do this and BELIEVE ME it helps...

My Family still is very very close...

Bob Griffiths

[John Gilham/Patsy Scott]

Thank you all for your comments. Things here are tough but we are all bearing up. My Dad is comfortable and still not in pain. Even my dog stays with him. And I'm just now going out to the shop. Just going to putter...

Thanks again.