On October 4th my father, user rb608, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He told his family on October 30th. He tried chemo in November, got married in December, and died Saturday January 28th. I can't believe how fast this time has gone.
When I was young I used to be afraid of thunder. Like most kids. We used to watch those big summer storms roll up our backyard from the safety of our back porch and one day I confessed my fear to him. "It's just sound," he calmly explained, "it can't hurt you."
You always taught me how to be brave. You showed me the value of courage. And I'm sad. I'm so sad, but I am not afraid. I am trying to be brave in this strange new world without you.
To all of you here on DailyKos: thank you. Your friendship to him and your kindness towards me has meant the world. As I type this I am wrapped in the blanket you all made him, and it is giving me strength during this really unsure and challenging time. I fall asleep reading your messages as a reminder that I am not alone, and that my father was so very loved. He was such an amazing man, and I’m glad there are so many people out there in so many parts of this world that know that.
To the inevitable question: there will be no funeral or religious service of any kind, but there will be one hell of a party sometime in the next few weeks, details TBD. But dig out your favorite cigars, and stock up on gin, scotch, and bourbon. He couldn't drink for the past few months so we have some catching up to do for him. If any of you would be interested in joining us in the Towson, MD area to take part, message me here and let me know and I will send you the details as they are finalized. So far: bluegrass band, scotch. ‘nuff said.
Peace and Cheers.
theOffspring