Les is more Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 The father of my two sons died a week ago tonight. I have been reliving that portion of my life in slow motion over the last days. His wife, both of our sons and his brother were with him at his home during his final moments. He died holding his brother's hand. A bookmark made by our grand daughter saying "I love you Grandpa," sat on his chest rising and falling with his last breaths. Our youngest son (Kaylee's dad) lay down on the bed next to him just after he had breathed his last. He said that for the past year, his dad had been in enough pain from various tumors and bone cancer that he had been unable to hug him for fear of hurting him. He stroked his father's arms, rubbed his hands and put his cheek against his dad's. He said he saw the moment when the light left those bluest of eyes a dull grey. This picture of intimacy is a boon to me. Both boys have provided steadfast love and support to their dad and his wife over the past months of his fight for life. He did no less for them from the moments of their births. As I tell Kaylee, her Grandpa was a very special man and his love, his knowledge and his humor will live forever in our hearts. Paul is on the left-his brother, Mark, on the right. Link to comment
ESokoloff Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Heavy. My thoughts are with you. Link to comment
Kathy R Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 To leave this life with that much love around you speaks of a rich man. I am very sorry for his passing and for the loss this means to all of you. You are a gracious ex, but that does not surprise me. Link to comment
SteveHebert Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 So sorry to hear this Leslie. You wrote a beautiful piece there describing a very loving man. Cherish your memories........ Link to comment
Mike05 Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Hi Les, Sorry for your family's loss. Thoughts & prayers, Joyce & Mike Link to comment
JayW Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 It sounds like he left a great legacy, but death is sooo hard. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of his family. Jay Link to comment
beemerman2k Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 To leave this life with that much love around you speaks of a rich man. I am very sorry for his passing and for the loss this means to all of you. You are a gracious ex, but that does not surprise me. This summarizes my thoughts as well. Speaks to the beautiful nature of both of your souls. May he rest in peace. Link to comment
tallman Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 We are sorry for your loss. It seems that he will be remembered for such a legacy. Link to comment
EffBee Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Very touchingly and tenderly stated, Leslie. As I learned a bit after the passing of my father, only his immediacy has slipped my grasp. Of everything else he was to me, I have a tight hold. I hope your/his sons feel the same way. Link to comment
Les is more Posted June 17, 2012 Author Share Posted June 17, 2012 Both boys(men) attended to his every need at the height of his illness and both stated that they felt privileged and honored to have the opportunity. They both felt their dad's heart open up completely as he realized that he was leaving this world. Damon said that he could have sworn he was transferring his whole heart and soul into his dad when he suddenly realized that is was the other way around. His dad was silently letting Damon be the repository for the precious content of his innermost feelings and knowing. Paul told them both that he would be present in the wing beats of the birds around them and asked that when they were out enjoying the beauty of nature to just take him along in their thoughts, even for a moment. That will be his immortality. Link to comment
BFish Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 if that's eternity, i'll take it. sorry for the loss leslie, but peace and love in the end will cradle his eternal soul as well. Link to comment
Ken H. Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Relationships with Ex’s can be over a whole range of emotions. Sounds like you have a good attitude about yours. Our thoughts are with you and your sons. Link to comment
Mike Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 The reaction of your sons is a great tribute to their parents. I hope you all find peace in your memories. Link to comment
Nice n Easy Rider Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 Leslie, very sorry for your family loss. Link to comment
Albert Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 Very sorry for the loss to you all Leslie. Link to comment
Rocer Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 ...Paul told them both that he would be present in the wing beats of the birds around them and asked that when they were out enjoying the beauty of nature to just take him along in their thoughts, even for a moment. That will be his immortality. Paul's legacy is a path we all should seek to follow. What a wonderful life he lived and a richness of love for his family to carry forward. Thanks for your post Leslie. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Link to comment
Bill_Walker Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 I'm sorry for your loss, Les, but I think it's wonderful that your sons were able to stay so close to their father. Link to comment
philbytx Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 I always think of this Michoh Indian prayer at these times Les. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning hush. I am the swift, uplifting rush, of quiet birds in encircled flight. I am the stars that shine at night Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die Phil & Deb Link to comment
TyTass Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 A family so intimate, so full of affection and dedication, will never want for love ... it takes but a moment to recall a memory to reveal it's awesome power. Link to comment
Les is more Posted June 19, 2012 Author Share Posted June 19, 2012 Thank you, my friends for the beautiful and insightful thoughts and wishes. They truly help. Link to comment
AdventurePoser Posted June 23, 2012 Share Posted June 23, 2012 Leslie, I am sorry for your loss! Steve Link to comment
hANNAbONE Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 ...pRAYERS for you and for the family... Link to comment
Ron_B Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Les, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Link to comment
Jacqueline Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 I am so sorry for your loss. Link to comment
Bud Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 What a wonderful tribute to your family. There is no limit on love and we don't have to stop loving one person to love many, many more. I hope you have good memories to comfort you in this difficult time. Link to comment
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