Remembering my Dad today

It was 15 years ago today that my Dad passed away. Time certainly eases the pain of a loss, but I can still say that I think of him daily and miss his good counsel - strange how that as I get older his wisdom (which I doubted in my youth) becomes more apparent. I thought that he should be remembered today as I did 10 years ago in this post:


Let your parents know how much you appreciate them now Posted on 8/26/08 at 7:35 pm

I know that I'm one of the oldsters here and this post is not meant to be a whiney or poor me post. I guess I'm a bit nostalgic tonight, as it was 5 years ago today that my Dad died.

He was a great guy. He put himself through college and law school at night on the GI Bill after WWII, while working as an X-Ray technician during the day. He was in school until I was 4 and a brother and sister came after me before he graduated. Another sister and brother came along later.

He put us all through Catholic Grammar and High Schools; Colleges; and Law and Medical Schools. I still don't know how he did it, I had a hard enough time getting my one son through college. But he and my Mom sacrificed and put their kids first.

He was a well known attorney in NYC who tried a lot of cases and did very well for himself. But I do not remember him ever missing a dinner with the family, despite his obligations as an attorney.

He loved to build things and work with his hands. His pride and joy was a grandfather clock that was built in 1790 that he refurbished.

He suffered a major stroke on December 20, 1997 and was completely dependent on my Mom until his death on August 26, 2003. I told my Mom that she needed help, the fact that she had been a RN was not enough. Mom hadn't formally practiced nursing since I was born. But she always said, "It's my job to take care of your Father."

I always called the folks on Sunday evening. In my final conversation with him on Sunday, August 24, 2003 after a nice chat his last words to me were, "Keep your nose clean, that's my sermon for the day." He went into a coma on Monday and died on Tuesday.

While I am happy that he is no longer in any pain, not a day goes by that I do not miss him and miss talking with him. I'm glad that he knew, and my Mom knows, how very much I appreciate all that they did for me and my son.

Thanks for everything, I love you, Dad! R.I.P