a passing memory

[lloyd3]

My almost 91-year old father passed away the day after Christmas 2016. His last 2-years were spent in a care facility near my brother in New Hampshire, so seeing him was down to about once a year. We did speak nearly every week by phone, and on his better days he would usually ask me about my old car.  He was an Army Air Corps veteran (who was slated to fly his B-17 to the Pacific theater before the "bomb" got dropped) so we really couldn't discuss my more modern everyday stuff (he still didn't like Japanese anything). His last ride in it was probably 10-years ago, but it obviously left an indelible memory for him, as he referred to it as my "he-car", obviously related to it's rather masculine qualities which he very-much liked.  In all the fuss and upset that followed his passing, I never thought about his last visit and ride out here until last night.  Made me smile to remember him that way.

[Sublime/Sixpack]

It's tough losing a beloved parent. Glad you have a memory of him that you can reflect on.

[Kern Dog]

Sorry for the loss, Lloyd. You probably brought him comfort and solace with the car talk. Sometimes the old folks just like to feel like someone cares to listen to them. I know an older guy that loves to chat about old Mopars. You can see that he really likes the memories about the Muscle car era.

[lloyd3]

Thanks folks. I was somewhat surprised that he actually liked the car. My history with muscle cars while living under his roof wasn't always a constructive one.  He had to step in and save my bacon more than once after a mishap. I remember him telling me (after a particularly bad night) that one of the hardest jobs I would ever do was live to grow up. I suppose he was right after all.

[Kern Dog]

 Maybe he was putting his own interests aside in the effort to speak of something he knew that you would like to hear?
I lost my Dad in 1994, my Mother in 2014. The loss of a parent is unique. Even to adults, it feels odd to be left as the "elder"of the family.

[lloyd3]

My mother passed in 2012 in the exact same facility. With the loss of my father, the role of patriarch now falls to me. Odd to feel like an orphan at almost 60, but that is exactly how it feels at times. One step closer to the abyss.  

[Mytur Binsdirti]

My mother passed in 2012 in the exact same facility. With the loss of my father, the role of patriarch now falls to me. Odd to feel like an orphan at almost 60, but that is exactly how it feels at times. One step closer to the abyss.  

I am sorry for your loss & I understand where you are coming from. My dad died 8 1/2 years ago which was tough because he was in one of those facilities having lost his marbles, but when my mom died 3 1/2 years ago, it hit me even harder. Although I am the dreaded middle child, I'm the one that both of my parents could always count on and talk to, and now they are just memories. I still get teary eyed when I visit their graves.

[XH29N0G]

I am deeply saddened by your loss.  I am glad to hear the memories and thank you because it makes me think of the things I have done and do with my parents and grandparents.  That time is and has been precious.  Some are gone, but the persistence of these memories is really important. 

[tan top]

sorry to hear about your Dad

[crj1968]

Sorry to hear it as well, LLoyd. I am glad your memories of your dad are good ones.

[smithenhiven]

My mother passed in 2012 in the exact same facility. With the loss of my father, the role of patriarch now falls to me. Odd to feel like an orphan at almost 60, but that is exactly how it feels at times. One step closer to the abyss.  

I know that feeling my friend.  My dad passed in Sept 2014, and then my mom in Dec 2015.  Now I'm the oldest living person in our direct lineage at 33.  Both my parents were in their 50's, and their passings were totally unexpected (dad heart attack, mom cancer).  Although I still feel the loss within myself and my own family, especially for my kids loosing their grandparents, I think it hurts the most knowing my little 21 year old brother will never get to have his parents at his wedding, or see him graduate college, and when he has kids he'll never get to share that joy with them.  I try not to dwell on the why's and what if's, but just cherish the memories.  

[TeeWJay426]

Sorry for your loss, Lloyd, and I can definitely relate to the Mopar connection. My Dad was a service manager for a Dodge dealer when I was a kid, and I definitely developed my passion for all things Mopar from that. I remember anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new model year vehicles, and the last few musclecars he owned. Loved hanging around the dealership with him to check out whatever was in the shop or on the showroom floor and the lot. Helped him in his own home shop work on a lot of things over the years, including my own when I got old enough to buy some for myself. Lost him in '96, and still miss him now. When I get stumped by an automotive problem even now, I still find myself mentally conversing with him to try to figure my way through it, with his guidance.