FATHERS DAY 2009 -
For those of you who have lost your father in recent years, my heart goes out to you. I guess this Fathers Day is more special to me, because I have been blessed to be able to spend another father's day with my dad. And Google even did a nice job, expressing this special day. Considering that we have been spending the last 6 years down at the shore as a family. But probably not this year. The reason why later....
Some of you might be thinking, what am I talking about. I'll get to that in a minute. I just went back and read what I wrote about my dad a year ago. An Open Letter to my Dad on Fathers Day - A Father, a Friend, and a Confidant
This was about how much my dad sacrificed for me and our family. My mom and I talked about this last week, while we were in the hospital. Which gets me to the current status of my dad.
A little over 2 weeks ago, my dad fell down the stairs. We are pretty sure it had nothing to do with age, considering that he is only 66, but that it was one of those silly accidents. He had a few headaches during the course of the week and by last Saturday, we were worried about him. He started to have slurred speech and more headaches. My mom was originally going to take him into see his doctor on Monday, but decided to go to the hospital that Saturday evening. She just told me that it was routine and that she would keep me posted. Well, I received a phone call at 1 am on the 14th, telling me that he needed emergency surgery. I rushed to the hospital to be with my mom and got to see my dad before he went into surgery.... just hoping and praying that all would go well. He had bleeding outside the brain.
Overall, the good news is that it was a successful surgey. He is able to talk and walk, but gets very tired at times. But he was able to come home late Friday afternoon. The sad part is that he can't drive for about 3 months, because he is on seisure medication. Which he had at the hospital late that night, while doing cat scans. And he can't play golf for the next several months. Hey, we all know that the biggest thing is that he is alive... that not only can we still be with him and enjoy his company, but that my nieces and nephews can still get to know their grandfather and be with him.
Now onto Father's Day.... that we can't play golf with my dad, my brother-in-law and myself. Yes, we usually try to do this most Father's Days of the past, but that has been the least on my mind. Just being with him, that he is alive, and that we sometimes take this for granted. I still can remember being in the hospital, with all the "what ifs" running through my mind. When I get back home tonight, I will insert an older picture from on the golf course with my dad. Something that I still hold dear to my heart.
In any case, some of you knew this from recent conversations or from my Facebook updates. I just wanted to give some of you an update. It's been tiresome, because I am a thinker and worrier, even when sleeping. I even woke up at 4:30 am this morning and just couldn't get back to sleep. I just wanted to thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers. And thanking those of you that have dropped of care packages for my mom and dad, since it's hard to cook and shop at this moment. But as I stated, I will be enjoying the U.S. Open with my dad today, another day with him. .... being very thankful and blessed. And asking for continued thoughts & prayers. thanks
PS... Happy Fathers Day to all you fathers out there...
And here is a nice trubute to a friend of mine's dad, Jason Sardi - Hey Dad, I love you
GOLF JOKE - from Matt Listro's blog - but it was for members only and I wanted to share it with everyone.
A man and a friend are playing golf one day.
One of the guys is about to chip onto the green when he sees a long funeral procession on the road next to the course. He stops in mid-swing, takes off his golf cap, closes his eyes, and bows down in prayer.
His friend says: 'Wow that is the most thoughtful and touching thing I have ever seen. You are truly a kind man.'
The man then replies: "Yeah, well, we were married 35 years."
PPS... ladies, don't shoot the messenger on this one.. ;o)
Enjoy your day. It will not be long till you are all on the course again!
Heartfelt post Jeff - and glad to hear dad is doing well after the surgery.
All we have is time my friend - so enjoy the day with dad !
Cheers mate
Sheldon
GARY... . I will... thanks and I more worried about him, because I am sure he has been thinking about this a lot already. He was golfing like 2 times a week, so it will be a huge adjustment for now.
SHELDON.... . thanks... and I will.... I just need to find time to get some shut eye now, since I have been up sine 4:15 am. Is this what it's like when having a baby? ;o) thanks again and talk later..
Thanks for sharing your story and feeling Jeff. All the best to your dad and have a Happy Father's Day.
Jeff, I'm glad your father is doing well. Big hug, and I know you'll have him out on the golf course soon! Big hug.
Jeff-A heartfelt post indeed. My dad had died at the age of 67, back in 1993. I wish he could of been here to see my kids. Anyways my wife and I had planned on a family BBQ for fathers day and to also celebrate my daughters 13th B-Day. But my father-in-law is in the hospital, he had been diagnosed this past Wednesday with cancer in his bile duct and also in his lung. This man never smoked. He had to have two blood transfusions in the past three days. So needless to say Fathers Day for us will be gathering at the hospital and realizing that this may be the last Fathers day that we have to be with my wifes dad. Also we will take our daughter out for her Birthday, because today is her birthday and we are really blessed to have a beautiful 13 year old girl. All my best to you and your family Jeff.
Jeff....know that every day you have your Dad with you is one to celebrate...we lost mine after an agonizing 3 months...most of it intensive care...no one wanted to live more than he did ...and we tried sooo hard...with every treatment and every doctor and it was not to be. I miss him every day....and treasure the vacations, the meals...the values he instilled....enjoy it all.
Jeff - I remember you telling me this and was relieved to find out that your Father was/is okay. I love your heart, man. And I'm pretty sure I know where you got that from;)
GABE... . thanks for the kind words and thoughts.
PAT... . thanks and I always enjoy those virtual hugs from you. ;o)
JOSEPH.... . very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I don't have kids, but I think the same for my nieces & nephews, who range in age from 1 yr to almost 10 years. And in regards to your father-in-law... give my best to your wife.. my thoughts and prayers go out to her, him, and your family. And happy b-day to your daughter, . Thanks for the wishes...
SALLY & DAVID... . sorry for the agonizing loss of your father. I couldn't imagine what that was like, just knowing that I had to only go through this for less than 24 hours, not knowing. And that was one of my thoughts, not having him around for our upcoming shore vacation... but health is my important at this stage. Thanks again for the kind words and thoughts.
JASON... . thanks for the thoughts and for the support this past week.
Hi Jeff, Sorry to hear about this, very tough. I am sure that you will make the most of your "dad" time today. If you are having the same weather I am, wouldn't make for a good golf day anyway!
Jeff, A good reminder to appreciate our fathers while they are here...and to concentrate on good memories when they are gone. Sweet post - have a blessed day!
Jeff, what a very touching post. Give our regards to your Dad and your Mom. Enjoy your day with your Dad and everyday. We have both lost our Dads, but they live on in our hearts.
To Joseph above, our prayers are with you. Sounds like you have a beautiful family. All the best
Jeff, I had no idea your Father was having such a rough go of it. I'm so glad to hear he is recovering. Cherish your time together. You are one special son to share your feelings with all of us so openly. Your Dad must be so proud of you. I hope you have the best weekend together, ever.
Jeff-a beautiful post. With the support of such a loving family your dad will be back in the swing of things soon. Take care and enjoy your family today.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings this Father's Day. I hope you will have a wonderful day and your dad recovers very quickly. Good joke!
Hi Jeff - he is ALIVE and getting better. That is something to be very thankful for. When the part about heahaches and slurring speech, then the bleeding around the brain, my eyes filled up with tears. I'm glad you had a better ending.
Go celebrate your day in whatever way you can - he's there and he's your dad. And you'll be able to golf with him before you know it.
Ann
I just wanted to thank everyone else for their warm and thoughtful & thought felt comments... I would love to reply to everyone, but I am just beat.. considering that I have been up since 4 am this morning.. and restless / sleepless for the last 7 days.... besides, I need to go cut the grass for him now. ;o)
@ CINDY Jones.... not sure if you meant that, but that was cute... "my dad will be back in the swing of things soon." lol thanks
ANN... oh my... besides you being so right, I hope things are going well for you. It was truly great in meeting with you finally, about a month ago or so... just sorry that we didn't have much time to talk that night. Hopefully soon another time. thanks And my thoughts are still with you and your loss... thanks
Hi Jeff I am so glad your dad is doing well. Your post touched my heart . I could feel the love and devotion to your dad and mom through your words. Enjoy every minute you can with them, (and I bet you do.) Will keep you all in prayer and have a wonderful ( and Thankful ) Fathers Day
Jeff, your post has touched my heart. Yes dad's are our confidant. I sure wish I had not lost my confidant 20+ years ago.
I'm glad your dad is doing better and know that soon he will be golfing with you. Feel blessed and have a wonderful Father's Day!
Jeff,
Thank God for what you have. I never liked golf anyway.
Bill
Jeff, I'm so glad your dad came through the surgery. Isn't this similiar to what happened to Natasha Richardson and she didn't get there soon enough? Even though you can't golf this year, you have dad and that is most important. Good post.
Jeff, today is a special Father's Day because your Dad made it through the surgery and he WILL recover for you all be out on the beach and on the golf course next year!
Jeff- my thoughts and prayers are with your dad for a speedy recovery. Have a wonderful father's day and keep celebrating every moment with your dad!
Hey everyone... I can get away for a liitle, because my dad fell asleep while we were watching the U.S. Open...
JUNE.... . thanks and I will try to enjoy my time with hm today. Thanks for the thoughts & prayers
LEOLINDA aka Sun City Reality.... . sorry to hear about your loss... thanks for sharing that and for the well wishes and for stopping by.
BILL.... . How funny... lol And yes, be thankful for what we have.,.. thanks for stopping by.
MISSY.... . sorry, but I didn't know what happened to Natasha or her situation. And I had found out from someone else who had the same similar situation with their dad, who didn't make it because of the blood outside the brain. It's a scary thought... and yes, golf next year. My dad is around and that is all that matters. thanks
MARNEY... . yes it is.... thanks and I can still remember your dad had a long day a month ago... hope he is doing well. thanks
KATE.... . we will and thanks for the thoughts and prayers.
Jeff, glad the surgery went well and your father is home. Enjoy the day with dad & family.
Hi Jeff--I am so glad that this had a heppy ending--he even got to come home just in time for Father's Day! I hope you showed him your post!
Jeff, Thanks for the post, It reinforces the reason each of us need to stay in touch. Your personal experience drives that home.
Jeff-Thanks for your kind words!
You never realize how much you miss them till they are gone.
Just not the same anymore.
Very touching, Jeff.
Ginger
Jeff - I'm happy to hear that your dad is doing relatively well after the health scare. I lost my own dad about 4 years ago, and my mother-in-law passed away last month. I have had a lot of reminders about the importance of making the most of our lives. By the way, I have always loved that joke! I am going to feature this post in Family Ties.