Keith's dad died...

14 years ago

Keith's dad died on Friday. It was mostly unexpected. He had some health problems, but was only 62 and was active until the day he died.

He was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. It's scary.

Here's the photo they used for the obituary. It's from either 1967 or 1968, I think.

The saddest part for me, is that when Keith and I have kids, they won't get to know him. Both of my grandpas were so important to me, that this just tears me up.

We've been in the town Keith is from, since Friday at 2pm. We just got home today at 5pm. Work tomorrow, and life back to "normal" but then we'll be back down there for Easter on Sunday.

Keith is doing alright, all things considered. His younger brother (who is my age) is not taking it so well. His mom's doing ok, but who knows what's going to happen now.

We've got 40 acres worth of stuff to figure out, and it's not going to be fun. On Friday night, we were laying in bed, and Keith started sobbing and said that he just keeps thinking how his dad won't get to see us finally get married. It broke my heart.

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Comments (13)

pamven
14 years ago
Im so sorry.
kathyjane
14 years ago
Here's a big old hug from me, Tish and just know I'll be thinking of you and Keith and his poor family and saying prayers for all of you..
I am so very sorry.
This is a very sad time---just know you are not alone....
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lilod
14 years ago
I am so sorry, Tisha
Mrobbins
14 years ago
Tisha, I'm so sorry. I lost my mom early and know the feeling of regretting the chance for a parent to know your future mate and children. You and Keith and his family will carry his dad in your hearts, and your children will get to know him through you; this is small consolation, but it is a special thing for a child to know that we are cherished after we're gone, and that our spirits and personalities live on, to some extent, in the memories of others.

It's terrible that Keith's dad died so early, and that he suffered exposure to Agent Orange. Please take very good care of yourself and eachother right now as you're dealing with this grief.
sara_the_brit_z6_ct
14 years ago
Oh Tisha, I'm so sorry. Perhaps you and Keith will be able to find a loving way to remember his father at your wedding so that Keith can feel he's there too, watching over him.
I hope Keith finds comfort in knowing that his father knew you, knew you were to be married, and must have felt confident that his son's future would be a happy one with you by his side.
meldy_nva
14 years ago
My condolences to you and your family.

It's sad that he died, but don't forget all the good memories. As long as you remember all the good and funny times, he will still be with you; and you can share those memories with others.
tisha_
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks so much, everyone.

It's funny... I'm not a religious person, and don't really believe in heaven, but I keep telling myself how glad I am that we finally chose a location for the wedding, and that Jimmy knew about it, because now he'll know where to find us that day. :)
mawheel
14 years ago
Tisha, thoughts and prayers for comfort for Keith--and you, too--are coming your way. The loss of a parent is always traumatic, but the suddeness of an unexpected loss is very hard.

((((((Keith and Tisha))))))
User
14 years ago
My condolences to you and yours. Those that go before us are carried in our hearts and thoughts.
justme_3
13 years ago
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Keith. My Dad, Jim, passed away unexpectedly on April 2 at the age of 82. He to was sharp and independent up to the last day. I think my husband has a hard time understanding how some days I appear fine but then suddently Im sobbing uncontrollably or cant sleep(or dont want to because I cant stop thinking of what I should have done) he is a great husband and tries to be there but it is hard to be suppportive all the time. It is wonderful you are there for Keith and supporting eachother through this difficult time. I love the idea of doing somthing in his dad's memory on your wedding day. My youngest child is 2 so he will not know my father at all but through my memories and pictures I hope to give him some connection. I wish you all the best.
oscarthecat
13 years ago
sORRY YOU 2 WAS GONE WHEN THIS HAPENED. sTEVE S
tisha_
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks everyone, and sorry to hear about your dad, justme.

It's been almost 2 months now. I can't believe it.
Pidge
13 years ago
I send my best wishes to you both, Tisha. My father died after a long illness and I was glad that he was spared any more pain. My mother just went to sleep and never woke up. Either way, it's hard to deal with.

Keith's dad died...

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