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Life can change in an instant
I've been MIA for a while, first b/c I started my new job Sept. 1 and have one heck of a commute, and second b/c of a family emergency. Two weeks ago today we got a call that my dad had a massive stroke and we left for home within the hour. My dad was cleaning up some tools in the basement, getting ready to go to my nephew's football game, and had a stroke. He said his last words in the ambulance. He was at the hospital within 15 min of the first symptom, however, he never regained consciousness, but hung on for the next 6 days. We had the best of the best on call, in case surgery was an option, but unfortunately it was not. We were all thankful that we had that week to say our goodbyes and spend time caring for my dad and each other.
My family had an awesome year with lots of great memories. We got engaged right before Christmas. My dad turned 75 at the beginning of this year. My parents celebrated their 50th anniversary. Our wedding week/weekend was phenomenal. My dad planned our post-wedding picnic and we had a really fun day! My dad helped move me out of my apartment the weekend after the wedding, too!
My dad was in fairly good shape and was very active. He had an active social life, was happy, loved people and loved life. He loved kids (esp. his grandkids) and loved helping others. The Cleveland paper has his obituary/article in the paper today, and it's neat to read about all he did since I so often just think of him as my dad. The wake drew people from all walks of life (even a former presidential candidate!) and we were amazed at how many lives he touched.
It really stinks, and our lives are forever changed. However, that is not why I shared this. I shared this to encourage all of you to please take a few moments in the next few days to tell your loved ones you love them and are thankful for them!! I know I am glad my dad kinda forced us (I'm the youngest of five) into doing that about 15 years ago, almost on a weekly basis.
Just before walking down the aisle, my dad asked if I wanted to cry or smile walking down the aisle. I said that today we are smiling! So he did his best not to shed a tear... and even held his composure during his toast. During the father/daughter dance, he didn't look at me so he wouldn't cry 
http://www.cleveland.com/obituaries/index.ssf/2010/09/jim_andrews_led_clevelands_fir.html
Re: Life can change in an instant
ellen, so sorry to hear about your dad. you and your family are in my thoughts.
it is so wonderful that you can remember all the great things and how amazing a person he was. i cant agree with you more about cherishing the people you love every single day... you never know what is going to happen.
House Renovations
Married Bio
I am a gluten-free, gun-toting wife! :P
I love you, Daddy...2/24/1953 to 2/13/2011
Ellen,
I'm truly sorry to hear about your dad. What a difficult time that must have been for your entire family. I pray that in time, your grief will lessen, and that the memories of a wonderful man shall bring a smile to your face.
And now, a PSA:
Stroke warning signs
*Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
*Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
*Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
*sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
*Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Also check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.
This info is from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
i am so very sorry to hear that about your dad!
god bless you all!
Two Wonderful Years. 7.10.2010
Thanks everyone! I posted the link for the obit and also was able to finally get a picture (either with my husband's laptop or at work) in the post! My husband has been awesome the past 3 weeks. He knows how close my family is and he has a similar family. I'm ok until I think of all the times I will miss him or the things he will miss. And on Sunday afternoons (he had the stroke on a Sunday afternoon). My boss and coworkers are great. I hadn't even worked there for two weeks.
My mom is doing alright, all things considered. She even reminded all my siblings that she didn't need them around 24/7 and that she is fully capable of living by herself! I am the youngest of 5, and my 3 oldest nieces are 20, 22 and 25... so there has constantly been someone there. Plus she has a couple of different groups of friends- including one group that have been friends since high school! A couple of them are planning their next trip to Chicago once we buy a house.
I was most worried about one of my nephews, but he's holding his own as well and I hear he's taking his feelings out on the football field. He and my dad had a really special relationship and my dad had the stroke on my nephew's 12th birthday. My nephew's baseball team all signed a baseball with little thank you notes to my dad for being all of theirs #1 fan! There were so many people that came to the wake (including a senator, congressman, 3 previous city council presidents and the current one)- but we were all so surprised to see so many of my nieces and nephews friends and classmates. I guess I forgot that he always went to all of their games/plays/recitals... and kids were always drawn to him. I am sure he was "grandpa" to many of those kids, as well as his own grandkids.
It's hard not being there... but we will go back as much as we can. Like this weekend after my friends wedding!
I love that the funeral is called the Mass of the Resurrection in the Catholic Church. It really does turn into a celebration of life. Believe me, we all cried during the homily, but we laughed as well. My cousin gave a 5-min eulogy... and everyone cried and laughed through that as well. We also had a singer he loved come and sing this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNL_wGZgV5Q
The closing song we chose for the mass was "City of God", and the lyrics couldn't have been more fitting. My dad rarely complained, he was a man of action and really worked towards building that city within our family and within our city. From his day to day work at various jobs throughout his life to his talks on the importance of supporting a fair, living wage for everyone, he was a great example.
1. Awake from your slumber! Arise from your sleep!
A new day is dawning for all those who weep.
The people in darkness have seen a great light.
The Lord of our longing has conquered the night.
Refrain: Let us build the city of God.
May our tears be turned into dancing.
For the Lord our light and our love has turned the night into day.
2. We are sons of the morning; we are daughters of day.
The One who has loved us has brightened our way.
The Lord of all kindness has called us to be
a light for all people to set their hearts free.