|
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503
Location: Fayetteville, NC | talk about an unfortunate turn and unplesant trip. i leave in the morning to go to Tyler,Texas to see my father one last time before theyturn off his life support. He has had his ups and down since his heart surgury June 2nd, but the doctors have been unable to wean him off the respirator. as of 48 hours ago dad deeloped a severe bacterial infection in his lungs and is unable to get any nourishment from teh feeding tube. it appears to be sompley runnning throu hime and his body is holding nothing. just this past weekend he had a teriffic
weekend and was alert and appeaerd to communicate well by nodding his head or shaking his head in response. The doctors have said that the family is fighting a loosing battle the longer he lays in teh hospital bed. My heart is heavy..I'm not ready to let him go. i don't guess anyone ever is when it comes to a parent.
I just wanted my OFC family to know what was going on if you don'tr hear from me for a while. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Steve,
I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. It's always hard to let go of someone you love.
Wanted to let you know you and your family are in our prayers.
Today is the day I lost my Dad 14 years ago. I'm going to get out my Elite 12 string He gave me and play his favorite song.
God Bless. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | I feel for you Steve. It was a simular situation for my Father 10 years ago. And now when I meet with the nurses where my Mom is at the phrase "letting nature take it's course" is being used.
Look to your faith to help you through these times. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | Steve-
Thoughts, prayers and positive vibes headed your way. Fortunately, I haven't had to deal with the death of a parent. Yet. We lost a son, though, and I can't imagine your situation is any easier than that. Faith, family and friends.
Peace. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | He'll stay with you after he's gone, Steve. Good you can be with him at the end. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 863
Location: Central Florida | Steve,
My heart and prayers go out to you. I was in the same place you are just a year and a half ago. I was with my dad when he passed. As Mark said, he'll still be with you after he's gone. It's never easy to let go, and you never really stop missing them. But the memories grow sweeter and fonder every day. Safe travel, Steve, and peace to you and your family. God bless you. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 659
Location: Hiram, Georgia | Steve, thanks for sharing what you and your family are going thru. My dad passed away in very simular circumstances, 4 years ago. Much of what I do today is dedicated to his memory, He encouraged me in my faith and my playing (gave me my 1st & 2nd guitars). Sometimes I just miss him so much, but I know he's in heaven now cheering me on. I'm going to join Gospel Guitar Guy now and play one for my dad and yours. We're praying for you and your family, God Bless you. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | Steve, prayers for you and your family. I went through a similar situation with my mother 17 years ago.
Roger |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | Steve, I will be praying for you and all your family, too; we lost our dad a year ago this month, so I also know only too well this particularly difficult valley of the shadow. My dad always seemed so strong and invincible to me--he could fix absolutely anything; it was so hard to see him struggling with something he couldn't. As hard as it was to let him go, we were glad for his sake when the pain was finally over.
--Karen
The menagerie: G-1111-4, CE868-LX-4, Viper 1271 Natural, Maple Tornado, American Strat, Steinberger Spirit 5-string bass, Galiano mandolin, Vega 5-string banjo, fiddle of uncertain antecedents |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Be with him as much as you can.
Be strong. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2006
Posts: 140
| Lost my father-in-law 11 years ago. I can't begin to understand all the life support, since mind died from a suddn heat attack. Be with him as much as you can.Take care of yourself too, as this is a very trying and stressful time for you. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2005
Posts: 331
Location: San Angelo, Texas | Steve, you are in our prayers. Peace and safe travels to you and your family in this hard time. You know your dad was a man of God, and you will see him again!
Gregory |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 349
Location: Snellville, GA | Just celebrated with my brother and sisters, my Dad's life on his birthday this week and he's been gone 7 years. The memories we share are unforgetable, and there are plenty of smiles, laughter and tears. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2006
Posts: 149
Location: gods country..west virginia | steve, my familys prayers are with you and yours,we have been thru it before,be with him as much as posiable,you have to be strong,i know its hard but you have to for your family,he will be waiting for you in heaven everlasting..blessings and prayers from my family to yours. jason |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | Steve, You will be in our family's prayers. Losing a loved one is never easy. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | If people ever ask why I spend so much time reading on this forum. I'll tell them to read this post and other similar posts when a fellow member is going through a difficult time.
You guys and gals are great. :) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 2178
Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Steve,My heart is sad for the pain you're feeling now.....I lost my father so very long ago when I was only 10 yrs old. (I'm 53 now) Be glad and cherish the many years you've shared with him and the love of music the two of you enjoyed!
Have a safe trip and my prayers are with you and your family tonight..... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503
Location: Fayetteville, NC | Just wanted to let all know that my Dad Passed away today at 2:15pm Central Time. NO LIFE SUPPORT WAS REMOVED HE SIMPLY WENT his own way.
his kidneys shut down -blood pressure and heart rate dropped until it all just stopped. THOUGH MY HEART IS BREAKING...HE IS AT Peace and no longer in pain...thanks forbeing there guys...I will miss him. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | My Condolences, Steve. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Sympathies to you and your family. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Steve,
My sympathies also for you and the rest of your family. Thanks for letting us know. It had to be difficult for you to post. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 2178
Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | My sympathies for the loss of your father.
Take all the time you need to heal.....I know it hurts. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 1180
Location: Vermont USA | Steve I pray that God's love and comfort will be with you and your family, as you go through this time of great difficulty.
Paul |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 1445
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada | My condolences Steve...I think I will give my Dad a hug tomorrow.
Wayne |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 370
Location: Isle of Man, UK | Thinking of you and yours Steve.
JB |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2003
Posts: 1792
Location: Rego Park, NY, | Sorry for your loss. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | I'm so sorry.
You take care, alright. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Steve,
I've followed the story, and you and your family have been in my prayers. I am sorry for this news.
My sympathy to you and yours. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | Oh, Steve--I will keep you and your family in my prayers. For comfort, for strength, for peace--and for joy, as you remember your dad.
--Karen
The menagerie: Gertrude, Jewel, Blanca, "Nonnie," Ivory, Sugar, Plink, Twang and Shriek |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 286
Location: North Idaho | Steve,
Sorry to hear the news. May you have many good, long lasting memories. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3411
Location: GA USA | Very sorry. Thanks for sharing this with us. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503
Location: Fayetteville, NC | Thanks so much for the comfort.
If any of the Texas Ofc members or those.
in close proximity to Tyler
The Funeral arrangements for Gerald Chapman are as follows:
Funeral arrangements are by Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler Texas..
Family visitation is Thursday night from 6-8CT
Funeral at 1:30pm in the Funeral Home Chapel
On Friday
Burial will follow after the service at Cathedral of The pines cemetary in Tyler Texas.
Some of the memebers who are within driving distance are welcome to come..My dad loved Music and was impressed when I showed him this site several times.
Paul Wag From Ft. Worth and Craig(Hizzoner)in Converse are off the top of my head, i"m sure theres more.
Thank you for all the support..i really need it right now. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 383
Location: Indiana | I am sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is. I have lost both parents. They were both in very poor health before they passed, but it was still hard to let them go.I still miss both dearly even after 12(dad) and 2(mom) years.Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Bill Payne |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 349
Location: Snellville, GA | My heart goes out for you and your family. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Steve, I'm very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503
Location: Fayetteville, NC | Heres the link to my Dad's Obit
Just wanted to share it..
Any OFC members in within driving distance to Tyler, Texas are welcome.
http://www.legacy.com/TylerPaper/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&Pers... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | Thanks Cuz....
He looks like someone I wish I could have known.
BTW, my brother Dan's son is also named Kevin.... curious clan, these Chapmans! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503
Location: Fayetteville, NC | Got back home to NC last night. My wife was able to fly down and be with me. I tried to be strong for my mom and my sister as my Brother had tried. We all pretty much lost it at the funeral.
There is this emptiness in teh pit of my soul.
I guess it's all part of teh greiveing process.
Some of the last things we talked about were My love for music taht was pretty much passed on from him. Though he played guitar a little, he stuck over the last 15 years or so to playing piano. They had just completed a new addition to their home in Tyler in december. A room addition to the front of teh house , complte with a Petroff Baby Grand Piano. He always wanted one.
we talked of my hope to get a 6 string Ovation to match my 12 string O, He always said, maybe i can help you to do that,..he also knew that i had wished several times that i had been able to replace the Glen Campbell 12 string that he helped me buy in High School. We looked at teh reissues, and again he said once you have your job situation iorned out, maybe I can help you get one. Understand thatit wasn't because he wanted to help me get more ovations that i loved him,..It was his unconditional love and moral suppoprt. And his willingness to always Pray for me.
My Dad was a Godly Man, with a terrific sense of humor...I miss him More with each passing day.
he wanted to come with me to tour the factory at the next ofc tour,..i know he'll always be with me and always be a part of me..but i just wish i could've made one more walk with him so we could talk, and so i coudl give him one last hug.
If i can leave you guys with one thought it's this.....Love your parents while they are here and always let them know how much you love them. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | Last year I lost my grandma, Mom, my mom-in-law and Dad in the course of five months. I have to echo what Steve has said; if you still have your folks, enjoy them while you can. And Steve, you and your family are still in my prayers--the grief is like swimming in the ocean: just about the time you feel the undertow under your feet, you're roiled up onto the beach without a clue as to how you got there. So, you brush off the sand, shake the seawater from your eyes and jump back in. Grace and peace, my brother.
Karen |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 175
Location: Eugene, Oregon | Sending up extra prayers for you and your family, Steve. I lost my Mother last year and I can understand your pain.
(((Hugs))) Pokey |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Originally posted by Stevechapman:
If i can leave you guys with one thought it's this.....Love your parents while they are here and always let them know how much you love them. AMEN. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503
Location: Fayetteville, NC | Well Here's some good news though somewhat bittersweet. I now have a full time Radio job once again. I started Monday working for the Contemporary Christian Music station in Town.
The enviroment will be good for me, especially now after loosing Daddy. The work is definately a welcome distraction.It will take a whil eto get the financial situation iorned out..but hopefully this will help get us back on top eventually. Guess maybe Daddy's looking out for me afterall..maybe he's my gaurdian angel..who knows.. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 2178
Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Well that is good news Steve!! Glad you're getting back into something you enjoy.
Hang in there and good luck with the new job.... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 20
Location: Rauenberg, Germany | My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Steve. I am new to the board, but reading about you and your Dad really touched me. I'm praying for you, brother, and I hope your new job works out well. I lost my step Dad last June. He was a professional musician all his life -- drums and vibes. While he and I were close in a lot of ways we did not share a bond with music like you and your Dad. I wish we had, but for so many years our tastes seemed so different. I have a video of us playing guitar and keyboards together about 8 months before he passed.
In any case, I am rambling when I only wanted to wish you well and tell you how sorry I am. Feel like I know ya already. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Steve,nothing but good thoughts from here to You & Family ,They Will Need Your Strength ,Be Strong Brother , ya hear..You tuck that belt under Your Heart ,and You Keep on Going ,there are those Who Need You ,Strength and Courage !! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | Steve - condolences to you and your family.
Mike |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | steve you and your family have my condolences. my heart goes out to you. you spoke of loving them while they are here,i havnt seen or spoke to my mother in 15yrs for various personal reasons but i called her just now to tell her i still love her..best wishes to you steve..jason&family |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | My sincerest sympathy Steve
I read your Dad's obituary, as I read them every day here looking for friends and relatives who have passed away.
I will try to speak from your dad's side as I am of the same generation. My younger and very close brother, a great fiddle player who had played with many country stars, died a few years ago from cancer, and I talked to him a few days before he died. There was a combination of fear and yet some anticipation in his outlook. A desire to be free of the pain and suffering, but a fear of the final breath and, maybe, darkness. I am sure he found a fiddle in his hand and it was the Stradivarious that he had sought all his life in every pawn shop and music store during his life.
Point is, at some point, a good memory from your kids and relatives is better than the suffering of the things that afflict us when we are old. Dying is not the disaster that you see when you are young. The greatest fear is dying with no legacy, that is where you kids can help and preserve your Dad's memory.
You are doing that, your Dad would be proud.
Bailey |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Amen |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503
Location: Fayetteville, NC | Thanks again for the support. I have been trying to stay busy with the full-time job. Even though it's going to take a while to catch up financially.
Tomorrow would've been daddy's 69th Birthday, So there is an added sadness in our family right now.But we will get through this.
God is Good and his blessings endure even when we fail to sometimes fail to realize it.
Didn't mean to throw religion in anyones face, but i think everyone knows what I mean.
Thansk for the prayers and support. |
|
| |
OT: unfortunate turn of events