In The Living Years

[jones jones]

Originally Posted by Kathy Ellen

Ahhhhh JJ,

I'm so sorry that happened to you That is so very sad, but at least you had some quality time to spend with him. My Dad also died in front of me. He just fell on the floor and died ,and we were all alone. It was a nightmare that I will never forget.

I know how you feel...sending lots of sunbeams to you

and a beeeeeg mwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! to you too kathy ellen!

Jj

[jones jones]

Originally Posted by Hope6

I'm so sorry that happened to you Jj!

It's amazing that you mention that song. I have a strong connection to that song as well. It's always reminded me of my dad too.

My dad died in our home, of a heart attack, when I was 17 years old. I connected especially with the verse about not being there the morning that he died. I was at school and I've always felt guilty for not being there.

but mostly I think about all the things that he's missed in my life. Things like seeing me go to the prom or graduate from high school, but the hardest has been since my baby was born. I've been thinking about my dad alot lately and about how I wish so much, that he could have seen his grandson.

I think all we can do is think about all the good times we did get to spend with them and remember them fondly.

I just thank God I still have my mother.

no no ...don't you EVER feel guilty about not being there hope ...

heart attacks don't make an appointment sweetie ... they just happen ...

Jj

[pinkchick]

Originally Posted by jones jones

I went to boarding school during my high school years and for various reasons saw very little of my father during this time. Much later when I had my own home he phoned me up and asked if he could come and see me.

We spent the whole evening talking and the next morning when I woke up and went to the bathroom I found him lying dead on the floor. He’d died from a heart attack early that morning.

So please make sure that you are always on speaking terms with your parents.

I heard this song playing on my car radio this morning.

Its called “The Living Years” and is by Mike and The Mechanics.

It always reminds me of my dad.

Every generation
Blames the one before
And all of their frustrations
Come beating on your door

I know that I'm a prisoner
To all my Father held so dear
I know that I'm a hostage
To all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Crumpled bits of paper
Filled with imperfect thoughts
Stilted conversations
I'm afraid that's all we've got

You say you just don't see it
He says it's perfect sense
You just can't get agreement
In this present tense
We all talk a different language
Talkin' in defense

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye

So we open up a quarrel
Between the present and the past
We only sacrifice the future
It's the bitterness that lasts

So Don't yield to the fortunes
You sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective
On a different date
And if you don't give up, and don't give in
You may just be O.K.

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye

I wasn't there that morning
When my Father passed away
I didn't get to tell him
All the things I had to say

I think I caught his spirit
Later that same year
I'm sure I heard his echo
In my baby's new born tears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late when we die
To admit we don't see eye to eye

Never a truer word spoken.

Thank you JJ

[jones jones]

Originally Posted by JAB

My dad died at home of a heart attack when I was 15. I was a novice at CPR and couldn't save him. Not an experience I'd want to go through again, that's for sure.

This song tugs at me too Jj. My mom, sisters and I take special care to tell each other 'I love you' every time we talk. It's a shame sometimes what has to happen before you say those words to those you really care about.

when i am among my family ... and i have many sisters we make a point of hugging each other at least once a day cos you never ever know if its gonna be the last time ...

and telling someone "i love you" ... three little words that say it all ... costs nothing and spreads such joy and happiness ...

why do you think i say it here so much? no not for Jj ... its to cheer up other people!

and a hug ... wow a hug ... many people seldom get to hug or be hugged and it is the MOST theraupetic thing that can happen to you ...

Jj

[Carolly]

Originally Posted by jones jones

when i am among my family ... and i have many sisters we make a point of hugging each other at least once a day cos you never ever know if its gonna be the last time ...

and telling someone "i love you" ... three little words that say it all ... costs nothing and spreads such joy and happiness ...

why do you think i say it here so much? no not for Jj ... its to cheer up other people!

and a hug ... wow a hug ... many people seldom get to hug or be hugged and it is the MOST theraupetic thing that can happen to you ...

Jj

Have to agree with everything you say there boy

[jones jones]

Originally Posted by pinkchick

Never a truer word spoken.

Thank you JJ

hey irish!

oh those beautiful pink lips! hmmm .... hmmmmm!!

Jj

[Hope6]

Originally Posted by jones jones

no no ...don't you EVER feel guilty about not being there hope ...

heart attacks don't make an appointment sweetie ... they just happen ...

Jj

I know you're right, but it's hard not to feel guility. He had been sick, he had a stroke, I had been staying out of school but he was so much better. I decided to go back to school that day and left my mother home alone with him. A couple of hours later he was dead.
I just remember going in a kissing him goodbye before I left and seeing that big smile on his face. If I had any idea that would be the last time I would see him alive I could have said so much. I know I would have told him I loved him. I mean I love both my parents but I was a daddy's girl big time! so this whole thing hit me like a brick.

[jones jones]

Originally Posted by Carolly

Have to agree with everything you say there boy

okay miss carol ... wadda ya want from me????

Jj

[Carolly]

Originally Posted by jones jones

okay miss carol ... wadda ya want from me????

Jj

Well it aint yer body sunshine

[jones jones]

Originally Posted by Hope6

I know you're right, but it's hard not to feel guility. He had been sick, he had a stroke, I had been staying out of school but he was so much better. I decided to go back to school that day and left my mother home alone with him. A couple of hours later he was dead.
I just remember going in a kissing him goodbye before I left and seeing that big smile on his face. If I had any idea that would be the last time I would see him alive I could have said so much. I know I would have told him I loved him. I mean I love both my parents but I was a daddy's girl big time! so this whole thing hit me like a brick.

he knows honey ... he knows ...

Jj