My Stepdad of 25 years, passed away at 5:30 this morning. His name was Delbert "Red" Taylor and he was a respectable 85 years old. A WW II Navy veteran who served on a destroyer, he was really a great guy. I can't begin to even count the times he helped me out with house repairs & other endeavors. I also tilted quite a few beers with him at our local Pizza King, up until just a few months ago. About 2 weeks after I busted my back, he suffered a stroke & after a stint in the hospital, the doctors convinced my Mother to let him finish out his days in a really nice nursing home (he'd been suffering frequent bouts of dementia). I talked to my Mom this morning and she seems to be holding up well. I'm stressing out because I don't know if I'll be able to make the 2 hour trip back to my hometown for his funeral (due to my current back problems). It sucks & bums me out! Thankfully, I have lots of family back there.
Speaking of family, it may sound a bit cliche', but needless to say, like many others on this board, I consider the bunch at the UMA a family of sorts. Hence, my wish to share this with you.
My condolences UP! You honor us & your stepfather by sharing this.
Since March, I've lost my last 2 grandparents, a family friend, & my ex-wife (whom I've never ceased to love). 2010's been quite the year, either that I'm just getting old!!
Since March?! Man, that is rough! You're probably right about us all just getting old ::).
Thanks for your sentiments!
May both of your loved ones rest in peace. Sorry about the news.
I'm so sorry to hear that. My best to you and your family. RIP, sir.
Sorry to about your loss UP.
Stay strong man.
Sorry to hear of your losses to both Lundy and UP.
Brian K
I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. Prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family my friend. And may he Rest In Peace.
Sorry you're having such a rough spell UP. I don't have a very big family, so I am happy to be part of your UMA kin. :) Your stepfather sounded like a real fine human being, and you are lucky to have been able to spend time with him and made some lasting memories. I'll be sending "get well" vibes from down here, so you better get ready to let them soak in! Nothing can get better if you don't get enough rest, so take care of the most important thing first-YOU :)
Thanks everybody, from myself, and I'm sure, from Lundy, too.
Condolences to UP and Lundy on your recent losses.
U.P., I'm very sorry sorry for your loss. Lundy, you have my condolences as well.
Deep condolences to the both of my friends here. May you both find the strength to get through these tough times.
UP,I know how you feel about probably not making the trip. When my mom passed on 6 years ago next week my oldest brother could not make it out. In fact he did not even know for a couple weeks because he went thru heart surgery just a day or two before Mom went to be with my long gone Dad. Try not to let it get ya down too much. I'm certain he'd understand and you have a wealth of great memories.
Take care
Mike
I appreciate that, Mike.
Deepest condolences, UP. May he rest in peace.
And to you as well, Lundy.
I'm going to move this to the Cemetery.
Mark and Paul, my heart just genuinely breaks for both of you. Prayers and love from the entire Scatter Clan.
my thoughts and prayers go out to both of you and yer families, UP and Lundy...
U.P. and Lundy--my sympathies to you both. Those are rough losses.
I'm very sorry for your loss, UP. Prayers sent to you and your family.
Terrible news...Great that you had such a good relationship w/your step-dad and ultimately you'll have many fond memories to look back on. Condolences to both you and Lundy. Sometimes all we can do is try our best to roll with the punches life doles out... Stay strong.
Sorry for your loss UP, my prayers are with you. Sounds like a great man, and that you will have lots of great memories to hold on to. My prayers also go out to you Lundy, for all those you've lost this year.
Mr Primate,
Sorry to hear about your step dad. A Tin-Can sailor, especially in World War II, was a special type of hero. He must have been quite a guy. If you cannot make it to his service, I think he would understand. Just enjoy and remember the good times.
And Lundy--what can I say? That is a lot of changes in your family circle this year.
My thoughts and prayers are with both of you and yours>
Thanks everyone! You're great, ALL of you!
I'm sure the lives of the people around him are richer for having known and loved him.
Condolences.
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you do not try to make that trip, as you need to think about your own health. I would like to see you continue to get better.
Sorry to hear about both of your losses.
Sending some positive vibes your way.
Sorry to hear about that mate. Sounds like he was a great bloke. All the best.
Lundy and Mark,
My condolences to you and your families. Losing family members and friends sometimes is so unbearable for us. No matter how much time we have with others on this planet, it always seems to be too fleeting and we end up feeling cheated. We do our best to go on because we must. We are their anchors to the living world. We cared about them and remember them fondly.
Musically, my tastes are all over the place, but the Paul Anka song "Times of Your Life" has always touched me though because of the lyrics:
Good morning, yesterday
You wake up and time has slipped away
And suddenly it's hard to find
The memories you left behind
Remember, do you remember?
The laughter and the tears
The shadows of misty yesteryears
The good times and the bad you've seen
And all the others in between
Remember, do you remember
The times of your life? (do you remember?)
Reach out for the joy and the sorrow
Put them away in your mind
The mem'ries are time that you borrow
To spend when you get to tomorrow
Here comes the setting sun (the setting sun)
The seasons are passing one by one
So gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life?
Gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life?
Of your life
Of your life
Do you remember, baby
Do you remember the times of your life?
Rob
My prayers go out to the loss of family members. Bless you all.
Thoughts and prayers your way.
i'm so sorry, UP.
he sounds like a real a-1 guy. i'm glad you have good memories of him. i hope he has a safe jpurney up to heaven. :'(
U.P. and Lundy - I'm very sorry to hear about your losses. It's so hard to lose these people who bring so much to our lives. But I guess we have to consider ourselves lucky that we were able to know them and enjoy their company for whatever amount of time we are given. May you both find some peace.
Lundy & UP, my deepest sympathies.
Sean
UP & Lundy. I'm so sorry for your loss, and will keep you in prayers.