My father passed away on Friday...

[brooklynite]

...after a short but severe bout with cancer. He was a retired senior business executive for several major corporations but never lost his liberal political leanings or his visceral hatred of the Bush Administration, and was always animated about politics and current events. One of his joys during his illness was having me read the latest op-eds by Maureen Dowd, E.J. Dionne, Paul Krugman and Frank Rich.

He had a good life and his passing was relatively quick and painless. My only regret is that he didn't survive long enough to cast another Democratic vote in the fall election.

[DesertRat]

1. I'm very sorry for your loss

:hug:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. My sympathies to you

You are right-he didn't have to suffer for a long time, and that is good. Keep his memory alive-he sounds like a very good guy.

[WildClarySage]

3. My thoughts are with you and your family

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad sounds like one of the good guys!

[Wetzelbill]

4. my condolences

having lost a friend and several family members to cancer I empathize greatly.

Your father sounds like a great and wonderful man. You'll both be in my thoughts. :)

[jaxx]

5. I'm so sorry.

He sounds like a good man. Take care.

[cry baby]

6. So sorry for your loss, brooklynite.

My condolences to you and your family.

[Mandate My Ass]

7. I'm sorry for your loss

Your dad was obviously a special guy. :hug:

[Jeanette in FL]

8. Prayers to you and your family

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I lost mine 3 years ago and Father's Day is always a bit tough. I will keep you in my thoughts.

[im10ashus]

9. I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

You are in my thoughts.

:hug:

[jrthin]

10. Deepest of sympathy to

you and your family.

[Caoimhe]

11. Aww so sorry!

You are in my thoughts. He sounds like he was a really interesting guy, and you were there for him when he needed you and that is the best gift ever. :hug:

[helderheid]

12. My thoughts are with you.

:hug:

[Philosoraptor]

13. Very sorry to hear it.

Sounds like an interesting guy.

[skylarmae]

14. sincerel condolences to you and your family

one month ago today, a close family member passed and I find myself grieving every day still...

DU helps me daily deal with grieving and the helplessness I feel when the realities of this world hit home.

[Sydnie]

15. I am very sorry to hear that news

:hug:

[smokey nj]

16. My sympathies, brooklynite

[Oceansaway]

17. so sorry for your loss...n/t

[niyad]

18. deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss. please know

that you are in our thoughts. your dad sounds like one really wonderful person.

[renate]

19. I'm so sorry

:hug:

I'm so glad his life and death were good; I hope the memories of your times together will bring you lots of comfort as you mourn him.

[wryter2000]

20. I'm so sorry

I hope his passing was gentle and your family is doing well.

My husband was an independent for most of the time I knew him. He even voted for Reagan in 1980. Over the years, he became more and more liberal, to the point I'd let him fill out my sample ballot for me. He had more time to read than I did, and I knew I could trust his judgement on issues and candidates I didn't have time to research. Still, he remained registered as an independent.

Then came the 2004 primaries, and he was so jealous of my Democratic ballot with Howard Dean, John Kerry, et al on it. He finally registered as a Democrat. He died much as your father did in December of 2004 after only six weeks of becoming symptomatic with cancer. But he died a Democrat. I still have his change of registration card on the fridge.

Maybe he and your father are discussing Dionne and Krugman right now.

[sallyseven]

21. He is in a better place.

[GreenPartyVoter]

22. I'm so sorry *hugs*

[AndyA]

23. I'm very sorry to hear about your father.

He sounds like he was a good man, saw a great deal of success during his life, and had a good relationship with you to the very end.

Be thankful for all this, and know that he is in a better place now. You can continue his legacy by taking action with the values he taught you, and think of him when you cast your vote. I'll send good thoughts your way.

[progressivebydesign]

24. My sympathies to you and your family.

Your father sounds like a wonderful man.

[PlanetBev]

25. A dad to be proud of...

even though he worked in the corporate world, he never sold out his principals.

Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

[Catherine Vincent]

26. Sorry for your loss.

[myrna minx]

27. I am so sorry for your loss.

Peace. :hug:

[DeepModem Mom]

28. I'm sorry, brooklynite -- sounds like a wonderful Dad.

[ninkasi]

29. I am so very sorry

for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful dad, and human being. It's good that his death was painless, and you were able to spend time with him. You'll have to tell yourself when you vote next, that you are also expressing your father's wishes. My sympathy to you and your family.

[CottonBear]

30. My condolences to you and your family.

Your dad sounds like he was a wonderful father and a highly intelligent person who loved his country and democracy.
:hug:

[Mnemosyne]

31. Your Dad sounds like he was a good man.

I'm so sorry brooklynite. :hug:

[AnarchoFreeThinker]

32. God bless, brooklynite. Good thoughts and prayers to you and yours.

[dhill926]

33. sounds like he was a good man...

my thoughts are with you. My dad passed away in 1999, also after a short but severe bout with cancer. He actually got more liberal the older he got. Did a nice job of pissing off our mostly conservative relatives! He led a good life and and at least didn't have to experience the Bush nightmare.

[malaise]

34. Deepest sympathy

losing a parent is so hard.

[lectrobyte]

35. So sorry for your loss.

[shireen]

36. he sounded like a really good guy

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sounds like he was a big influence in your life, and taught you well -- after all, you're here at DU! I know you'll keep honoring his memory by fighting the good fight. Take care, shireen

[Crowdance]

37. Sounds like he was a great guy, and brought much love to your life

I'm sorry for your loss, and happy that you had such richness in your life.

[spuddonna]

38. I'm so sorry for your loss...

Know that you, your father, and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers...

[demgurl]

39. I am very sorry abbout your loss.

I hope your memories carry you through this hard time and stay with you in the future.

[CarolNYC]

40. Aw, brooklynite....

Sorry to hear it. My dad passed away over 7 years ago, also from cancer, and sometimes even now it feels like it was just yesterday.

Very nice tribute you wrote to him.

Cry and hug a lot....It helps.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

{{{{brooklynite}}}}

Carol

[OhioChick]

41. My Sympathies to You and Your Family

:grouphug:

[ernstbass]

42. I'm sorry for your loss

Please take care of yourself.

[Greybnk48]

43. Sorry to hear that. My condolences to you and your family n/t

[gademocrat7]

44. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I lost my father to cancer several years ago.

[Marie26]

45. My condolences to you and your family.

He sounds like a great person.

[npincus]

46. I'm so sorry

all the best to you and your family at this difficult time.

[yasmina27]

47. My condolences

My father too passed last Dec. after a short but severe bout with cancer (6 weeks from diagnosis to death). He was also a life-long democrat.

May we continue their legacies as beacons of democratic values and votes.

Here's to our dads!

Karen

P.S. I was originally planning to sleep all day next Sun., but I think instead I'll host a party to celebrate his life!

[warrens]

48. My mom died on Wednesday

In her case it was a kindness; she had advanced alzheimer's and was in a lot of pain. My sympathies on your loss.

[devilgrrl]

49. My deepest condolences....

:hug:

[applegrove]

50. Sorry

[Nimrod2005]

51. Thoughts are with you - Sorry for your loss...I would die very happy

having someone read Krugman, Dowd, Dionne, and Rich to me...

[rockymountaindem]

52. My condolences

[dave29]

53. sorry for your loss

may he rest in peace

[Midlodemocrat]

54. Deepest condolences brooklynite.

Peace and healing to you and your family during this difficult period. I've been there. It sucks.

[stanwyck]

55. He sounds like a wonderful man

and you are lucky to have had him as a father.
My thoughts are with you.

[LittleClarkie]

56. My prayers are with you

I know how that feels.

[chill_wind]

57. So very sorry for your sorrow and loss.

It hurts beyond words and our hearts ache, no matter how prepared we feel we are...

[readmoreoften]

58. damn, brooklynite, he sounds like a great man.

I'm glad the bout was short so that he didn't have to suffer for a long time. I'm sorry for you and your family's loss. Three cheers for Brooklynite's dad.

[kpete]

59. You have made me cry...

I am glad that he had a good life...

That will be a great comfort to you and your family as time goes on

[sonias]

60. My condolences brooklynite

Your father sounded like a wonderful man. He had a good life and was obviously loved by family. May he rest in peace.
:hug:

Sonia

[Stinky The Clown]

61. Celebrate your father

My sympathy is surely with you. Loss always hurts. Celebrating the life of the lost person is the best tribute and allows them to live on.

[Blue Belle]

62. I'm so sorry for your loss brooklynite....

my condolences to you. :hug:

[BrklynLiberal]

63. So sorry brooklynite. It sounds like he was a great man, of whom you are

justifiably very proud.
There are no words to make his passing any less painful. However it is his life that you should remember, and that sounds like something well worth dwelling on.
I hope that you are surrounded by friends and family and are recalling the good times and many laughs that you all shared.

My condolences to you and your family.
:grouphug:

[babylonsister]

64. My heartfelt condolences, brooklynite.

:hug:

[Brazenly Liberal]

65. I'm so sorry you lost your dad.

He sounds like someone I would have liked a lot.

[mdmc]

66. My thought are with you

peace and low stress

[schmuls]

67. very sorry to hear of your loss...

[uppityperson]

68. My condolences

[Obamarama]

69. May you find peace of mind to celebrate his memory during this moment...

Mourning is tough work, especially when it's a parent. May your good memories of someone who sounds like a great guy see you through this difficult time. Peace!

[Bunny]

70. Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[newyawker99]

71. I am sorry to hear this. May he rest in peace.

[Boohooey]

72. Your description of him is so loving and beautiful.

I am so sorry.

[Raine]

73. I'm so sorry...

he sounds like he was a TERRIFIC guy.O8)

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

74. Condolences.

I'm sure he will be missed.

:hug:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

75. brooklynite, my condolences.. My father passed away yesterday morning. It

still has not sunk in. He was in California where my brother and sister had been overseeing his care. I cannot go out for his funeral (I'm in NY) but will be lighting a candle for him starting tonight.

He was 88 years old and until the last year lived a very good life. He was born in Brooklyn and grew up during the depression. At the age of 13 he had to leave school to support his mother and his younger sister. At 21 he married my mother, then 19. He held the same job for 30 years and his children and wife never wanted for anything. He was a very bright, self-taught man and was a life long Democrat. He believed that ** is the worst pResident in his lifetime.

I can't continue..can't see through the tears....

[JudyM]

79. I'm so sorry, Ommm. Your words brought tears to my eyes, too.

Wishing you comfort...

Know that you're not alone.


:hug: :hug:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

81. Thank you (((((((((Judy))))))))))))). eom

[JudyM]

76. Peace to you. Hold close those memories of sharing your values and views.

It's never easy, and we all face this depth of pain at some time, but you're richly fortunate to have shared such a core passion with your dad. My dad and I are very close except when it comes to politics. We struggle to find common ground beyond racial and environmental injustices, and recently on gay rights, but he's got a visceral mistrust of democrats and though he's no fan of the chimp, he bristles at suggestions that the dems are more principled. What a joy it must've been for you to share that fundamental worldview with your dad. Sounds like he was a wonderful person. I'm sorry you lost him, and wish you strength during these early painful days, especially.

[shance]

77. I'm so sorry Brooklynite for the loss of your father.

Thoughts are with you*

[pecwae]

78. Most sincere sympathies

to you and your family. It's good that you were able to share and read to him during his illness. My father has been gone 17 years (cancer) and I still miss him so.

[OzarkDem]

80. So sorry to lose a fellow Democrat

It sounds as though he did a good job raising you, though.

We have to cure cancer, it takes so many lives.

[patdem]

82. My sympathy to you and your family and to the world...

we need more people like your dad...those who understand business AND politics. The world is poorer for his going. :hug:

[jillan]

83. Your dad was blessed with a quick passing

I am watching my dad go thru severe dementia, and mini-strokes.

It's hard, but there is nothing like an 87 year old man with dementia screaming his head off
about how B*sh has f-ed up this country.

Hugs to you:hug:

[brooklynite]

84. Thanks to all for your thoughts...

I wrote this message in part to work my father's loss through my own system. I didn't expect this number of responses, or the outpouring of sentiments and shared feelings. For those facing their own losses or ongoing family challenges, please accept my condolences.

[Cetacea]

85. I am very sorry for your loss

Feel free to PM me if you ever want to talk.
It appears that our dads enjoyed the same columnists.
If it helps any, he is in a better place than we are.
Blessings to you and yours.

[lumberingbear]

86. My sympathy to you and yours.

:hug:

[wizdum]

87. Or to see the last of dubya. My condolences...

[Kadie]

88. I'm sorry for your loss.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[ariellyn]

89. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your family's loss and ours. nt

[AutumnMist]

90. My Thoughts and Prayers

are with you. Your father sounds like an amazing man, he left his legacy with an amazing daughter. If you ever need an ear I will be here. I have been through loss with loved ones and its always a series of emotions that seems to play over and over at first. But it does get better, and you will never be alone in your grief. drop me a line anytime.

[roguevalley]

91. my condolences. your dad was a hero to keep his soul in that milieu

[Vidar]

92. My condolences.

[Judi Lynn]

93. I'll bet you treasure the time you had with him. Sounds like a great

friendship developed between you. That's actually not as common as it might seem, as many people make so many mistakes in relationships they nearly burn all their bridges to their children, leaving very little common ground for real openness and dialogue when the children become mature.

Hoping your transition to the next part of your life without his physical presence will be meaningful and easier than you anticipated. You were lucky to have an excellent father, truly.

[me b zola]

94. so sorry for your loss

Thank you for sharing a bit of your father with us.

Peace to you, brooklynite :hug:

[Andromeda]

95. ((((((hugs))))))

:hug: I'm glad his suffering wasn't prolonged.

Many blessings to you and your family.

[Swamp Rat]

96. .

:hug:

[goodboy]

97. My mom died of cancer in 95 when I was 16, my bro 10, my sis 4.

She made it a year.

I'm sorry for your loss, but think of the view he has now.

He already knows the Dems are gonna kick ass.