My younger brother called shortly after noon today to report that our dad passed away in Florida.
Dad had been in rapidly-declining health for the past several weeks, not really telling any of us [three] kids how serious his condition had become. He’s had several health problems in recent years and we think that this time — with the discovery of a tumor constricting his esophagus — he decided that he’d had enough.
So here I am in front of a bunch of family photos — Dad’s in four of the photos hanging on the wall: far left with Mom in Newport, RI; far upper-right, at a restaurant in Florida; second-from-right with Mom, in the last photo I have of my mom; high school graduation photo third-from-left.
The last photo I have of Dad is actually a good one. Dad was an automotive design engineer for General Motors, so it’s appropriate that the last photo is him driving away in a new GM vehicle. I took it with my point-and-shoot on the occasion of his 81st birthday last August, http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-08-06
Rest in peace, Dad.
» The photos hanging on the wall? A “project” two summers ago.
» The bookcase? A “Lee McMeen” custom piece for Clare’s birthday this year.
Retired economics professor (“dismal scientist”). Married 40+ years to the love of my life; we have two grown daughters, both married, two granddaughters and a...
Thom, so sorry to hear of your loss. I am reminded of all the feelings associated with the loss of a loved one, as it has only been a little more than a year since I lost my Dad. It's a tough time, but the memories are healthy, and time does lessen the pain. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family during this time.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss Thom. I LOVE The picture of your dad in the car. I think that would be cute framed. To me is says, see you later, son. Praying for you and your family.
@glendq@digitalrn Thank you, both. I learned quite a bit about death and loss when my mom died nearly 22 years ago. Dad's passing will be different, I expect, but time will tell. Thanks for your kind thoughts and wishes.
@tara11 Thanks so much, Tara. It's been a difficult time, getting only partial information from him when all of us live far away. We didn't know how serious his condition was... I'm grateful for photographs and I think I'm getting an enlargement of the last one of him in his car to take to the funeral (and give copies to my brother and sister ... the facebook post notwithstanding!). Thanks for your prayers!
@danette Thank you, Danette. It was a hurry-up photo. I realized at 11:56 p.m. that I hadn't taken a shot all day. I hurried to set up the tripod and fumbled around the back of the camera trying to remember where the self-timer setting was. This was shot #2 and I hope it's still considered "valid" for 12/9 even though it was 6 minutes into the 10th...
![Sigh. [Travel-day]](https://media.365project.org/1/9428160_bfilmqru48_sq.jpg "Sigh. [Travel-day]")
![The Tinkerer [SOOC]](https://media.365project.org/1/9428628_ceghprwx59_sq.jpg "The Tinkerer [SOOC]")
![ER selfie [Travel day]](https://media.365project.org/1/9429058_cfhjkrwx05_sq.jpg "ER selfie [Travel day]")
life is fragile.
glad you have so many good memories.