I was just reminiscing...

[weatherlover427]

I don't know how many of you remember when my father passed away in January, but let me recap.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PART ONE - Tuesday, December 31, 2002

It was a mild New Year's Eve morning in Orlando, Florida. It was raining fairly heavily as the sky began to lighten and my dad woke me up to tell me that it was time for me to get ready to go to the airport. I did so, albeit a bit reluctantly; because I knew (at that time) that it would be a while before I would see them all again. I showered, took my morning medicines; and ate breakfast. By 6:15 we were on our way. First we stopped at the same Starbucks in the Dr. Phillips neighborhood of Orlando where my dad met Tiger Woods ; then we hopped on the toll road (which I forget the name of off top) that took us to Orlando International Airport.

Once we got there, we went through checking my bags in and getting my dad and half brother, Gareth; in past security since he wanted to be with me (after all I love the kid to death and I'd die to save his life any day ). We got to the gate a bit past 7 and after the roof leaked and dripped on my left shoulder. (It was still raining at the time.) While I waited for my plane, I used the men's room and got the paper. I let my dad keep it since I had enough to carry.

As we continued to wait, I kept Gareth occupied. (He is such a doll.) I talked to him, and when he said "Look Josh! Plane! " of course I had to look to make him feel better. (Note: He was 2 days before his 5th birthday at the time.) Being the oldest child in the family meant keeping the kids busy. Including Gareth.

When my plane was called, I started to cry because I was already beginning to miss my dad and half brother. I knew it would be a while before I would see him again (not knowing the events of 6 days later were ahead of course); and reluctantly I stepped onto my plane. The plane took off and got home here in California around 3:40 PM PST.

END OF PART ONE

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PART TWO - Tuesday, January 7, 2003 - The Day I Will Never Forget

It was approximately 11:30 AM when Lou, Anita, and Pam (the 3 big people who run the company that takes care of me, and they are also my bosses now) came into my apartment. Marco (my staff at the time) was also present. Lou told me, "Josh, I have some bad news for you." My response was, "What is it?" "Well, last night at around 9:30 their time, your father passed away."

:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

That's how stunned I looked as I sat there, being consoled as it hadn't hit yet - the reality of what Lou (the president of the company) had just told me. I asked, "You're joking right?" His response? "No it's not a joke." At that point I broke down and became nearly inconsolable for about 5 minutes. I could not believe that my own father, who I had just seen a mere week ago; was now resting in Heaven.

NOW GET THIS!!!

I talked to my father at 5:45 PM PST the night of his death!! HE DIED LESS THAN ONE HOUR LATER!!! Tell me one thing - is that freaky or is it not!!??!! That still scares me some to this very day to think about it!! :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

He passed on due to a heart attack which was caused by very small arteries in his heart. No one knew about this until it was too late. He also had a history of high blood pressure; which may have unfortunately contributed to the problem. The way I heard it is this: He came home from work that evening; stated to his wife (my stepmom) that he felt tired, laid down in bed, and was gone (dead ) as soon as he fell off the bed! One thing that I can be thankful for, though; is that he passed on in peace.

END OF PART TWO

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PART THREE - IN CLOSING

Approximately four and a half months later, I was scanning in some pictures with my new scanner. I found one with my entire family (who now resides in central Florida) in it. I saw my dad and bawled my eyes out for 15 minutes. I couldn't bear to look at how happy they all were and how I miss those times (which I still do ). What gets me about this is THE ONE TEAR OF MINE THAT FELL ON THAT PICTURE FELL ON MY DAD'S FACE!!! Isn't that ironic!!??!!

Now, 7 1/2 months later, I am doing much better. I made it through this novel of a post without crying once . I haven't cried thinking about my dad for a while, although I still miss him . I hope that I will run into him in the vast expanse of Heaven when it is my turn to go there eventually.

Thanks for listening.

[Miss Mary]

Awww Joshua, wish I could hug you. What you posted is so heartfelt, I found myself tearing up. Always cherish speaking to your dad one hour before he passed away. I realize it was such a shock to lose your dad that way, you had no warning, so that has to be so hard. I lost my dad within 5 weeks of being diagnosed with colon cancer. He had congestive heart failure prior to the diagnosis. So my dad was not in good health, not at all. my brothers and I had time to prepare for his passing. Not that you are ever really prepared to say goodbye to a parent.....so I never said goodbye! Honest. I feel as if he's right with me. When my youngest was born, he was there. When I faced my own colon cancer battles, he was there. When my youngest goes fishing, her new-found interest, he's there - Dad was a avid fisherman. So see, there are many, many times you will feel like your dad is right beside you. At least that's how I feel. I cried at least several years after his passing. The littlest thing would set me off. Around Father's Day once there were local articles in the paper, personal memories readers shared. I opened the paper to do some light reading and there was that article staring me in the face. I was sobbing so hard I didn't breathe for a few minutes there. Nina was around 2 - she snapped me out of it. Gave me that Mommy questioning look. Do whatever it takes to help you thru the tough times. Lean on all of us, anytime here at Storm2K also.

Hope that helps a bit. Feel for you Josh.

[Guest]

Josh, you have been through more pain than I can imagine with the loss of your dad. I am so sorry to find about his passing. You are a strong person and you made it through it. Be proud of yourself for that. You are an amazing person. I know you'll be reunited with your dad again one day. Don't you worry about that. Thanks for sharing your story. I'll always be listening if you need an ear.

[coriolis]

Josh, thanks for sharing this experience. I've been wanting to ask you, and now this is the opportunity: Didn't your dad prevously post back in the Weather Channel days?

[Colin]

Man Josh...what a sad story. You have overcome it strongly, and I admire you for that.

[weatherlover427]

Josh, thanks for sharing this experience. I've been wanting to ask you, and now this is the opportunity: Didn't your dad prevously post back in the Weather Channel days?

No I don't think he did ... at least not that I'm aware of. :?

Thanks everyone for your positive responses. I feel much better after making that novel length post.

[azskyman]

Yes...Josh, and I will add one more thing. Your father would be proud of who you are becoming...the big heart you have...and the way you conduct yourself here on Storm2k.

Like all of us, you have your own challenges in life, but as someone who has been around the block a few times, I can recognize a genuine and good person from quite a distance.

You are one of those.

Dad is in peace and smiling down on you....

[petal*pusher]

Josh.......azskyman took the words right out of my mouth!! Sharing this experience of loosing your father with us was kind of a hard thing to do.....but it is also very healing for you, my friend.

Such a wonderful tribute you are to your father......he must have been so proud of you.

I agree with Miss Mary that your father and those precious memories are with you always..........p

[JetMaxx]

Joshua....reading that brought tears to my eyes.
I know the pain you speak of....the shock and anguish.

My mom was fine on Thursday evening December 1, 1977....but she never knew me again. The goodnight kiss she gave my sister and I and motherly hug was the last one. On Friday morning December 2, she suffered a ruptured aneurism in her brain...in her sleep. She never awoke again...after lying in ICU in a coma on life support nine heart-wrenching days, she passed away from pneumonia on Sunday evening December 11th...two weeks before Christmas

You miss little things the most....even after over 25 years, I long so badly for another hug from mom; her gentle voice telling me everything is going to be okay...and how much she loves me. Maybe that's why I love Becky and Madison so very much....because when I look at them, I see mom again....in Maddie's soft brown eyes, her gentle smile...in Becky's motherly love toward her children. The older sis becomes, the more she reminds me of mom....and the more I love her

Many people asked me why I cared so much (and still do) about Pfc Jessi Lynch and her recovery...I've never met her; have never even been to West Virginia. The answer is simple.....she's a country girl from Appalachia...just like my mother was....a precious shy little country girl.

God bless you Joshua...you've made a big ole Georgia boy shed tears at 2:30 a.m. on a muggy Sunday morning....but it's okay. I've done some reminiscing too....remembering the precious little Tennessee lady that's the reason I'm alive...and the reason I'm a gentleman

[JCT777]

Josh - thank you for sharing that experience. I too know what it is like to lose a parent before their time. My mother died of cancer when I was 17, and I remember how I felt when I was called to the principal's office on that day to be given the news. One of the best things you can do when you are going through something painful is to talk to your friends. And your friends here at storm2k are always her for you.