OT: Memories of my Father, 2/15/06

One year ago 2/15/06, my father, age 78, passed away from Esophageul Cancer. My eldest sister & Mom were at his side, and I was at work - when I felt in my heart something terribly wrong, called home, and Mom said "we just lost Dad". Within minutes, I was on my way home. I would like to share an excerpt from his obituary, that was not only in the Alpena News, but the Detroit Free Press on February 21, 2006: (my apologies for the caps, it is on a Word Doc and I can only copy/paste) "HE SPENT 25 YEARS IN POLICE WORK AND DURING THAT TIME BECAME ONE OF THE HIGHEST DECORATED OFFICERS IN THE METROPOLITAN DETROIT AREA. HE RECEIVED THE MEDAL OF VALOR, THE TRUE DETECTIVE MAGAZINE NATIONAL DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD AS WELL AS NUMEROUS DEPARTMENTAL CITATIONS AND COMMENDATIONS. HE WAS AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED PISTOL EXPERT AWARD AND WAS THE RECORD-HOLDER OF SEVERAL SHOOTING AWARDS FOR MACHINE GUNS AND PISTOLS. HE WAS CERTIFIED AS AN EXPERT IN COURT IN FINGERPRINTS, PHOTOGRAPHY, UNDERWATER SALVAGE, FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND POLICE ADMINISTRATION. BILL'S CAREER INCLUDED SERVICE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS OF ST. CLAIR SHORES, HARPER WOODS AND FRASER, WHERE HE RETIRED AS A DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY IN 1972. " With that said, I now wish to share my Memory Page: http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w55/michiris/memory300.jpg I request your thoughts and prayers, positive vibes for my Mom first and foremost, to my family, Jan, Ed, Lauren, Alex, Grayson & Virginia, and myself. This is a very hard time for all of us, and my Mom is presently in Mazatlan Mexico (where lately the temps are in the 80's)........without any family there to console her. She is in the company of friends, however. I thank you for letting me share this most private memory and I can only thank you now and in advance for your thoughts, prayers and positive vibes at this hard time for my family and myself. Thank you.......... Stacey W

(((((((((((((( Stacey )))))))))))))) Thoughts and prayers for you and your family during such a difficult time of the year for you all.... Shawn M.

Thanks Shawn, I'm doing pretty good, but I fear my Mom is not. That's why I did this, to hope that the good wishes and vibes I receive somehow travel down to the west coast of Mexico and comfort her on the day she will dread the most. She said in an email that "Time does not heal her wounds". I know in my heart her heart is breaking. Thanks so much ((((((((((((((SHAWN))))))))))))))))) Stacey W

You and your mom are in my thoughts.. Shannon

Stacey, You know I am thinking about you too. If you talk to your mom, tell her she is in thoughts and prayers. Hugs, phyllis

Hey there Phyllis....I wanted to send a wave at ya. I have been real busy with school. Had my head in my schoolbook and forgot about our last meeting. I realized it two hours later. I seen Dr. T and Dr. M for my one year. My labs are great and I feel so good. My weight is sticking between 110-115 pretty much no matter if I eat more or even if I eat less. Granted more is still way less than before the surgery. I hope all is well with you and maybe I will see you at the end of this month. Positive vibes Megan

Stacey, I wish you and your family the best. I know how difficult it can be. I'm an only child, who's single, and I've lost both my parents. I was extrememly close to both of them and I miss them every day of my life. But I was truly blessed to have had the great relationships I had with them. I could go on forever about this topic, but, just know that you're in my thoughts.---Patty

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and to your family.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today.... Hugs Judy

Sincere thanks to all of you....it's been a hard day. I tried to call my Mother in Mexico and no answer. (jokingly, I bet she's at the bar drinking Tequila!) I did talk to my sister, and we shared a story. Then I chose to wear one of Dad's shirts that I took and also the gold chain Mom gave me that is an Eagle pendant he use to wear when they were in Mexico. I had taken also his bomber jacket and scarf, and took it out of the closet today....could smell him. I cried so hard. It was the first time I've cried that hard since the day after he passed. I've spoken to some friends today and that has indeed made me feel better. Again, warmest thanks for your thoughts and prayers today. I will keep trying to get ahold of my Mom even though it is difficult. I do know how to ask them to speak in English though ........."se habla english?" Stacey W