Connman
Zone Head
Posts: 506
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posted January 04, 2006 11:52 AM
Excellent post Mr. Hill.
Redelk, Sorry to hear of your Father's passing.
  
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osti33
Needs a job
Posts: 2973
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posted January 04, 2006 12:13 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
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posted January 04, 2006 12:56 PM
Again, thank you Vincent and all of you. I find a lot of strength coming here and reading your well wishes.
As most of you are also aware of, I have not served in the military, but those that have served our country do hold a very special place in my heart. That comes from my Dad who did serve in WWII. It was my father's pride in our military that was instilled into me at a very early age. To this very day, I still am not aware of my father's total service to our country, but I know that as I go through his belongings, more will come to light.
With the help of my son-in-law, who is also former Army, we will have a U.S. Army color guard to present the American flag that is currently flying over our nation's capitol as I type this. There will also be a military bugle player to play Taps.
In the early summer of 1944, he was with the 82d Airborne Division that were dropped near Ste. Mere-Eglise and Carentan. This would be the start of what we know as "D-Day"
He spent that winter in the forests of Ardennes. It would become known as the "Battle of the Bulge". He was wounded during that time and later received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
After recovering from his wounds, he was assigned to the 42nd Infantry (Rainbow Division) and was one of his regiment's youngest Sergeant Majors. On April 29, 1945, he stood next to the boxcars of Dachau as one of the first to arrive in the liberation of that camp.
He never spoke much of what actually happened, but he did not hesitate to show his pride in our country and for those that have served, both past and present. Set in concrete at the entrance of their driveway is a 36' flag pole. Atop this pole waves Old Glory and a spotlight attached to the side of the house that illuminates her though out the darkness of night.
It seemed that his brothers that died next to him were calling. In the last few months before his death, he would have nightmares of battles past fought. Mom said that while he tried sleep at night, he would be screaming out orders and cry over his fallen friends.
No need to cry now, Dad. All is well and safe. You are with your brothers in arms now.
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There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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boman
Expert Class
Posts: 410
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posted January 04, 2006 02:02 PM
sorry to hear about your dad redelk.............our prayers are with you and your family
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Don't hate me because I own a 10 Hate me because you cant ride it !
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CrotchRocket
Moderator
Bracket Racing with Betsy
Posts: 8038
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posted January 04, 2006 04:53 PM
Sorry to hear about your Dad Red  Sending prayers to you and your family!!!
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Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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frEEk
Administrator
ummm... yeah
Posts: 9660
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posted January 04, 2006 05:59 PM
wow redelk, this wasnt the lighthearted tale of frustration i expected when you said you had another redelk tale coming. very sorry to hear the news, especially such a frustrating passing which leaves you wondering how much longer he could have been around if not for a simple fall. my best wishes to you all and all others your father considered loved ones.
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ozzy
Needs a job
need guberment cheese
Posts: 3172
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posted January 04, 2006 06:27 PM
My condolences to you and your family.
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redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
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posted January 04, 2006 07:04 PM
frEEk, it would have such a tough call. His health had gotten pretty bad over the past six months. The frustrating part is that due to the pressure put on him by my mother, sister and myself, things were starting to turn around.
22 years ago, he had 1/2 of a lung removed due to smoking. He quite smoking right after that and over the years, seemed to have recovered from it very well. It wasn't until he lost a lot of weight (mentioned later) that he started having trouble breathing again. The broken ribs just compounded this problem.
He also had countless back surgeries since his WWII injuries. Because the pain was so bad, he was taking some serious pain killers. All the same, he really didn't like taking them and was always looking for alternatives. He had tried an experimental electrical implant, but it felt like it was burning all the time. He was scheduled to try a different kind of implant later this month.
He had several doctors that would prescribe different types of meds for various ailments. In the past, he would keep an updated list of all of his medications and made sure that all of his doctors had the most current list to avoid possible conflicts or creating a toxic reaction.
Part of reason behind the lists was several years ago, one of his doctor's tried a new drug on him and he had an almost immediate reaction. By the time Mom and I got him to the hospital, his BP was 70/30. Can we say "Coma"? Even though he keep the list updated for several years after that, last year, he stopped updating it for his doctors.
Because of all the pain medication he had taken over the years, it actually ended up paralyzing a part of his stomach and upper intestines. He was unable to digest food completely and had a difficult time going to the bathroom. When this was discovered, Dad almost totally stopped eating. He went from 150 to 115 pounds. Last month, all of us had finally had enough and started puttin' the screws to the ole man.
What I was most vocal about is a disorder that both he and I share. Its called Polycythemia Vera. Polycythemia Vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells. The increase in blood cells makes the blood more viscous (thick). The most common method of treatment is called a Phlebotomy. Basically, it is the same as giving blood at the Red Cross.
Where as the Red Cross won't let you donate any sooner than 56 days, someone with Polycythemia Vera will need to go more often to have 500 cc's or more of blood drawn from them. I have 500 cc's taken every 30 to 35 days. Dad, being older and his being more severe, should have been going every three weeks. Complications from not getting Polycythemia Vera treated on a regular basis can include strokes, tissue and organ damage and clotting disorders... to name a few.
Well I had finally convinced Dad to get back to the "blood lettings" (as he and I call 'em). He had one a couple of weeks ago and was scheduled for another this week. Also, one of his doctors had discovered that one of the medications he was taking was causing serious appetite suppression. All of the family breathed a sigh of relieve knowing that several major aspects of his health were going to be "taken out of his hands" and put into ours in 2006.
The only thing is that we were a little too late. His breathing problem developed into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and he started getting fluid build up on the lungs. One of the problems that can cause ARDS is... you guessed it... blood clotting. Getting half of a lung whacked out didn't help matters.
When he was not recovering as quickly as the staff thought he should, they started running more tests. They discovered that he had several blood clots in his legs and suspected that there were possibly more elsewhere. The started giving him blood thinners, but it was too late. The damage had be done and the process of fluid build up had already started both on his weak lungs and heart.
It was only a matter of time. I can beat myself up over not being more forceful on getting him to go get a phlebotomy (we'd even go together sometimes)... but I know Dad would just be pissed at me for even thinking such. So I try not to.
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There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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zxlnt
Needs a job
Kawpuke Extraordinare
Posts: 2853
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posted January 04, 2006 08:03 PM
Gah, aw man, Sherman, sorry to hear that. I can only offer that he is in a better place than you and I are now. Someday we will both get to see our fathers again..
Tony..
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VincentHill
Needs a life
Posts: 6520
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posted January 04, 2006 08:08 PM
The more we are different, the more we are the same. Red, when I read the history of your dad, The fustration really came through with everyone. We found out that when my dad had a heart attack from putting a new roof on the house working in 100+ degree days, that he had a previous heart attack may years ago but the "Doctor" Decided not to tell him or us. SInce he kept that small bit of information, no one knew to have him take it a little bit easier. Hence the hard work which eventually Killed him. Everyone here knows how I can go after people. Well by that time the "Doctor" was in his 80's and it would not bring my Dad back. FOr the First time in my life, I let something go and walked away from it mentally and physically. The #1 thing I did to help me do that was realize that even being my Dad, when it is time to go you will go no matter what! We cannot over rule the Lord
PS: I think I am finally over my Crying, it had been a long time since I went through this and I think it was building up for a very long time. I am just sorry that we had to lose your Dad to bring this on. Hang in there my Friend!!
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Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
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kz2zx
Pro
Nobody in Particular
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posted January 05, 2006 05:23 AM
My condolences.
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zeta xray
Expert Class
Posts: 416
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posted January 05, 2006 04:36 PM
I would like to extend my condolences. But no words can relieve the pain of the loss of a loved one, especially a parent. May God bless you and your family in this time of grief.
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It is good to be green.
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Zammy
Expert Class
Posts: 411
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posted January 05, 2006 06:08 PM
Man ,I'm so sorry. I lost my dad a few years ago. It's such a sick feeling. Stay close to your friends and family.That's about the only thing that can help with the pain.
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blitzkrieg
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Road kill = Free lunch.
Posts: 2044
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posted January 05, 2006 07:54 PM
Sorry to hear Red.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
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"BTW....You need to get a girlfriend who's last name isn't .jpg"
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Ra12r
Zone Head
Posts: 919
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posted January 05, 2006 09:36 PM
Life is a short and interesting journey. For others to move away without us, always leaves a time of emptyness. It is this emptyness that I extend my support to you Red Elk. I am glad that you were a part of your Fathers life as we often take relationships for granted. I am sure that your arrival was as amazing as his forward travel. I rejoice in the fullness of a life lived and pray for the fullness of his son's life that is currently being lived. God Bless you and your family Red Elk.
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All must bow to the "Ra Supremecy"...
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ikezixxer
Expert Class
Posts: 268
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posted January 05, 2006 11:14 PM
i am in the same boat...my grandfather is in the hospital after a stroke...he is doing good but very sad to see him. I flew up to Canada the day after I got the call. I feel for you, it is so stressful dealing with lifes stray bullets. I am very close to my grandfather, even closer then my own father. Yeah, whoever said it is a sick feeling got it right, just makes you sick to your stomach knowing the guy who...well had everything to do with everything in your life, you know what i mean...
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redelk
Moderator
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Posts: 3212
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posted January 06, 2006 01:15 AM
The funeral is in 13 hours.
I left my mother's home a few hours ago after visiting with my sisters, in-laws, my own son and daughter, nieces and nephews and their children.
While in her home, I found it strangely beautiful. We were all gathered due to death, but every room was filled with life. Small children ran around screaming, babies cried and adults laughed. Memories were shared and futures planned.
Though I spent most of my time yapping away, I couldn't help but occasionally pause and look around to what seem to embrace me like a warm blanket. For in every face I saw, every smile given me, every set of set of eyes I looked into.... I saw my father.
I realized that indeed, my father is immortal. Not only am I a part of this great man, but so is my son, my nephew, my grand daughter, my niece's son... the whole room was filled with him. The sounds, the smells... the warmth... the love.
What is strange to some is that now as I sit in my own home, where there is darkness and silence... there still is a glow. A warmth that still make my heart swell. Though it is just a light from a laptop screen, it is also a light of compassion and caring of friends.
Mumbling bullshit? Probably. But it is still as sincere as every post that has prefaced this one.
Many here will do what ever they possible can to help me if needed. Why is that? Does no one ever wonder why? Why one would offer a total stranger condolences and prayers? No one here has met my father. Why the caring? Why the compassion? Where does it come from?
I do know the answer to my own questions... and so does each and every one of you. The answer is rather simple. I can tell you where you will find the answers of all this great caring. Tomorrow, when you wake up in the morning, walk into your bathroom. Turn on the light... and look in the mirror ...
There is where you'll find where it all comes from.
It is all about family. Thank you.
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There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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D
Needs a job
Posts: 3365
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posted January 06, 2006 08:02 AM
Wow - no mumbling BS there brother.
That was a truly moving piece, eloquent for lack of a better term.
Don't be hard on yerself for what yer Dad would or wouldn't do, I can imagine that he would not be the type to take orders anyway - guess that would be "charachter"(not a bad thing).
Ultimately, it would seem that his departure likely saved him quite a bit of pain in treatments and such where quality of life would have been an even greater concern for the family.
I'm glad you've found some inner peace/warmth and hope that your writings here are some good therapy for ya.
The mirror - if only more people would start off the day lookin into it....
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DaveInDaytona
Pro
Posts: 1696
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posted January 06, 2006 09:29 AM
 Edited By: DaveInDaytona on 6 Jan 2006 09:30
Sherman,
Your experience today is what was happening to me in December of 1998 with the loss of my father. Reading what your going through takes me back to that time. My father, like yours a WWII vet , and a hard working quiet man that raised a family with pride. I am realizing that more and more as I "grow up".
As good as you may think you are today this experience will make you better tomorrow because it makes you realize the role your father played and what role his passing will make you play going forward.
For me it made me a better son to my mother, a better brother to my sisters, with the loss of my two brothers a better uncle to their children, a better partner to my girlfriend, and most importantly a better father to my daughters.
You're right, it is all about family.
Stay proud,
Dave
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DaytonaSportbikes Forum
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VincentHill
Needs a life
Posts: 6520
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posted January 06, 2006 10:28 AM
The Best people I have ever met are on this board. Red, you are seeing it now! The #1 thing you are starting to realize ia that it takes "THAT" many people pulling for you just to get through that 1 day. It takes less and less as time goes on, but we (Your Family) are all here and 100% for you.
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Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
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Otis
Needs a job
Captain Kickstand
Posts: 3028
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posted January 06, 2006 01:22 PM
We're with you Sherm, and we're not strangers, I've seen your ass remember!
Sorry, just hoping to make you laugh a bit during this tough time. Love you brother.
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catd11r
Expert Class
Posts: 206
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posted January 06, 2006 06:22 PM
Sorry to hear of your loss, anything I could do to help, just let me know,
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Life's Been Good to Me!!!!!!!!!
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Ninjaman12R
Needs a job
as a Deal's Gap tour guide.
Posts: 4767
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posted January 06, 2006 06:25 PM
quote:
The Best people I have ever met are on this board. Red, you are seeing it now! The #1 thing you are starting to realize ia that it takes "THAT" many people pulling for you just to get through that 1 day. It takes less and less as time goes on, but we (Your Family) are all here and 100% for you.
+1
Well put vincent, very well put. Hang in there Sherman, you are not alone my brother.
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What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
Sheriff Buford T. Justice of TEXAS
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blitzkrieg
Needs a job
Road kill = Free lunch.
Posts: 2044
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posted January 06, 2006 07:16 PM
Man, I gotta tell you.
I re-read this entire thread again tonight and this has to be one of the most touching threads I have ever read on a board anywhere.
Vincent - that was definitely a cool post. Kudos man.
Red - you speak with heart and compassion, man. We learn compassion or anger from our parents and it seems to me that your parents did very well with the compassion. That is the greatest legacy your Dad could leave behind.
It makes me proud that I am a member of this site.
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"BTW....You need to get a girlfriend who's last name isn't .jpg"
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redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
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posted January 06, 2006 08:06 PM
Edited By: redelk on 7 Jan 2006 02:45
quote:
The Best people I have ever met are on this board. Red, you are seeing it now!
Nothing new here. Something I've known for years. (re: my brother's death, dg1, etc.)
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There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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