after a long struggle...

[esiegel]

I lost my Dad a week ago after a long struggle with Diabetes, kidney disease, heart problems, etc. Gangrene set in a few weeks ago...they took his toes on the left foot. The wound would not heal. Then he developed gangrene in the right foot. The doctors told us that there was not anything more they could do for him. I had them discontinue dialysis...and let him go.

He was Dad till the end...joking, making sure we knew what had to be taken care of. He knew that my brother was on the way...and waited for him to arrive...then closed his eyes for the last time.

He was surrounded by my Mom and all of his children and our spouses, four of his eight grandchildren.

He will be missed.

The Rabbi asked us to write something to be read at the funeral...this is what I wrote:

There are so many things to talk about when talking about Dad.

We could talk about the stories he loved to tell…like his favorite about the time that Robbie called and asked if a few of the kids from the School band could come to the house for a small party after the dance. Word got around and we stopped counting after 100 kids arrived. Or was it 120? Or 140? I guess it depends on how many times you heard the story.

But we have all heard these tales…over and over again.

We could talk about how important our family was to Dad.
Not just his children and their spouses and his grandchildren, but nieces and nephews and cousins and grand-cousins. How he knew what each and every one was involved in, where they were going to school or when they got a new job…and how proud he was of all of us.

But we all know this…that’s why we’ve all come today to say goodbye.

We could talk about his friends both old and new…who shared good times with him and supported him and mom through the hard times. How it meant so much to him that friends who were there to celebrate when mom and dad got married, were there to celebrate Jonathan’s Bar Mitzvah…and so many occasions in between.

But you all know how much you meant to him….that is why you’ve come to say goodbye.

We could talk about his clients…who were more like friends or family.
Many of his clients watched us grow up. Watched TV with us while waiting for their appointment in Dad’s basement office. Some brought their pets with them. Or had their chauffeur pick us up at Hebrew school…didn’t we feel important! Clients who shared special occasions, weddings, bar mitzvahs with us…part of our family.

But you all know how much you meant to him….that is why you’ve come to say goodbye.

So not knowing what to say about Dad…I asked myself…”what would you like people to say when it is your time?” and that was easy…
The best thing that anyone could say about me would be: “He was just like his father”.

[Sawduster]

Edward,
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you and yours. Sounds like your Dad was well loved. And in the end, that is really what matters the very most.

[sjc1989]

Sounds like you are blessed. Don't change a thing.

Steve Cox

"A man may not care for golf and still be human, but the man who does not like to see, hunt, photograph, or otherwise outwit birds or animals is hardly normal He is supercivilized, and I do not know how to deal with him" Aldo Leopold

[ASLNROX]

Edward,

Blessings and prayers to your family at this time. We just had a loss in our family as well. Grief is hard work, take care of yourself during this time.

Blessings,
--Mark

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[CajunRider]

I am sorry to hear about your loss Edward. Please accept my condolences to you and your family.

Dads like yours are inspiration to people like us who are lucky to have wonderful dads. We strive to be like them

[dcarter636]

I think your father was fortunate to have raised such a son.

[a144ishere]

Edward, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

[WoodMangler]

I am sorry for your loss Edward...

His memory will stay alive in your heart... forever.

[Monty]

My condolences on your loss. It sounds like your dad was a great man, sure to be missed.

Monty

[http://woodenwonderstx.com/]
If a tree falls in the forest and no one's around to hear it, who cuts it up for lumber?

[AZ Scott]

Edward, my condolences to you and your family. Sounds as though your Dad was a good man & a great dad.
I can't think of 2 greater acheivements for any man.
May he always stay close in your heart.