In The Living Years

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jones jones
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In The Living Years

Post 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
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
kayleneaussie
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In The Living Years

Post by kayleneaussie »

oh wow jj how sad for you but in another way how happy you must be that you spent time talking together the night before. You are so right, you should treasure your parents when you can. I lost both my parents suddenly many years ago and I bitterly regret not telling them how much I loved them:(
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jones jones
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In The Living Years

Post by jones jones »

kayleneaussie;792487 wrote: oh wow jj how sad for you but in another way how happy you must be that you spent time talking together the night before. You are so right, you should treasure your parents when you can. I lost both my parents suddenly many years ago and I bitterly regret not telling them how much I loved them:(


you are so so right honey!
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
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Carolly
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In The Living Years

Post by Carolly »

Although I knew my mother after a very hard childhood and living with foster parents.........I never really knew her.All I saw was a very bitter nasty woman to be honest.I never saw beyond the way she was towards me and what had made her like that.The last six weeks of her life when she lay there in hospital and after some years of being apart from each other I saw the real her for the last time. She was in actual fact a very funny and caring human being and it seemed that for the first time I was actually seeing her.She spoke of all those wasted years.......she spoke of how she was treated when she had given birth to me and not been married and her sister wouldn't allow me in the house so she had to have me fostered out..........she spoke of how she wouldn't let my father.............whoever he may have been.......get his evil hands on me......she spoke of so much.For the first time in my life she also told me how much she loved me........She died the day after coming out of hospital ......in my house......she had a terrible death and she refused to go back into hospital.Because she had died in the parish she was allowed to be buried in my village church..........over looking the sheep and farmland.........far cry from the east end but at last she would never be alone again.I was lucky as I got to know my mother in those 6 weeks and I would give everything I own to have that piece of time back again.Life can be cruel at times but thank God we found each other in the end and realised our true feelings for each other.
Women are bitchy and predictable ...men are not and that's the key to knowing the truth.
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jones jones
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In The Living Years

Post by jones jones »

Carolly;792514 wrote: Although I knew my mother after a very hard childhood and living with foster parents.........I never really knew her.All I saw was a very bitter nasty woman to be honest.I never saw beyond the way she was towards me and what had made her like that.The last six weeks of her life when she lay there in hospital and after some years of being apart from each other I saw the real her for the last time. She was in actual fact a very funny and caring human being and it seemed that for the first time I was actually seeing her.She spoke of all those wasted years.......she spoke of how she was treated when she had given birth to me and not been married and her sister wouldn't allow me in the house so she had to have me fostered out..........she spoke of how she wouldn't let my father.............whoever he may have been.......get his evil hands on me......she spoke of so much.For the first time in my life she also told me how much she loved me........She died the day after coming out of hospital ......in my house......she had a terrible death and she refused to go back into hospital.Because she had died in the parish she was allowed to be buried in my village church..........over looking the sheep and farmland.........far cry from the east end but at last she would never be alone again.I was lucky as I got to know my mother in those 6 weeks and I would give everything I own to have that piece of time back again.Life can be cruel at times but thank God we found each other in the end and realised our true feelings for each other.


that is so touching carol honey and what a lovely ending!



Jj :-4
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
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along-for-the-ride
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In The Living Years

Post by along-for-the-ride »

Many of us have a tendency to put our parents up on a pedestal. It's hard to see them a just people with faults...doing the best they could or knew how to do as parents to us. I also was able to visit my mother before she passed away. She lived 600 miles for me and had been ill for a long time. I am so glad that I did. My dad lives that 600 miles away and I think of him often. We do keep in touch.
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Bryn Mawr
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Post by Bryn Mawr »

along-for-the-ride;793659 wrote: Many of us have a tendency to put our parents up on a pedestal. It's hard to see them a just people with faults...doing the best they could or knew how to do as parents to us. I also was able to visit my mother before she passed away. She lived 600 miles for me and had been ill for a long time. I am so glad that I did. My dad lives that 600 miles away and I think of him often. We do keep in touch.


Oh, I don't know - it's all to easy to see my father's faults but, for all that, he is my father and gave me everything I had as a child.
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Kathy Ellen
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Post by Kathy Ellen »

Ahhhhh JJ,

I'm so sorry that happened to you:-4 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:-6
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Hope6
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In The Living Years

Post 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.
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jones jones
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Post by jones jones »

Kathy Ellen;793676 wrote: Ahhhhh JJ,

I'm so sorry that happened to you:-4 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:-6


and a beeeeeg mwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! to you too kathy ellen!

Jj
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
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jones jones
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In The Living Years

Post by jones jones »

Hope6;793794 wrote: 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 :-4
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
pinkchick
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In The Living Years

Post by pinkchick »

jones jones;792485 wrote: 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 ;)
Very nearly perfect ... :D
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jones jones
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Post by jones jones »

JAB;793798 wrote: 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 :thinking: 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! :wah:

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 :-4
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
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Carolly
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Post by Carolly »

jones jones;794290 wrote: when i am among my family ... and i have many sisters :thinking: 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! :wah:

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 :-4Have to agree with everything you say there boy;)
Women are bitchy and predictable ...men are not and that's the key to knowing the truth.
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Post by jones jones »

pinkchick;794288 wrote: Never a truer word spoken.

Thank you JJ ;)


hey irish!

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

Jj :-4
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
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Hope6
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Post by Hope6 »

jones jones;794284 wrote: 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 :-4


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.
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Post by jones jones »

Carolly;794320 wrote: Have to agree with everything you say there boy;)


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

Jj:-4
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
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Post by Carolly »

jones jones;794328 wrote: okay miss carol ... wadda ya want from me???? :wah: :wah:

Jj:-4Well it aint yer body sunshine:wah::wah::p
Women are bitchy and predictable ...men are not and that's the key to knowing the truth.
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Post by jones jones »

Hope6;794326 wrote: 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:-4
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
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Post by jones jones »

Carolly;794331 wrote: Well it aint yer body sunshine:wah::wah::p


ooooooooH saucy!!!

admit it petal ... here in front of everyone ... you want ol Jj don't you? go go say it say it!

only dont tell kay ...



Jj :-4:-4
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
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Carolly
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Post by Carolly »

jones jones;794337 wrote: ooooooooH saucy!!!

admit it petal ... here in front of everyone ... you want ol Jj don't you? go go say it say it!

only dont tell kay ...



Jj :-4:-4
Im fed up baby...........not hard up:rolleyes::p
Women are bitchy and predictable ...men are not and that's the key to knowing the truth.
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Post by jones jones »

Carolly;794351 wrote: Im fed up baby...........not hard up:rolleyes::p


been offline for 24 hours ... so i hadda pay a visit to my shrink Dr Christian ... cos you know i suffer from chronic depression and things like this can hurt ... :-1

so he goes "Jj ... what is the worst thing about not having access to the internet?"

and i go "not being able to talk to miss carol!" :-1

and he goes "this ... this miss carol ... tell me ... do you look upon her as a sort of "mother" figure?



and i go "mother figure! mother figure! doc this is a beautiful young chick ... i am in love with her and want her!" :-4

and he goes "well then Jj go out and tell miss carol exactly how you feel."

and so i have ... here ... on this thread ... called the living years ... thank you ...



Jj :-4:
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
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Carolly
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Post by Carolly »

jones jones;794402 wrote: been offline for 24 hours ... so i hadda pay a visit to my shrink Dr Christian ... cos you know i suffer from chronic depression and things like this can hurt ... :-1

so he goes "Jj ... what is the worst thing about not having access to the internet?"

and i go "not being able to talk to miss carol!"

and he goes "this ... this miss carol ... tell me ... do you look upon her as a sort of "mother" figure?



and i go "mother figure! mother figure! doc this is a beautiful young chick ... i am in love with her and want her!" :-4

and he goes "well then Jj go out and tell miss carol exactly how you feel."

and so i have ... here ... on this thread ... called the living years ... thank you ...



Jj :-4:Ere JJ............why dont I believe you:wah::wah::...............PS......all you gotta do is change the name there babe and you have yer script for the next one;)
Women are bitchy and predictable ...men are not and that's the key to knowing the truth.
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jones jones
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Post by jones jones »

Carolly;794424 wrote: Ere JJ............why dont I believe you:wah::wah::...............PS......all you gotta do is change the name there babe and you have yer script for the next one;)


curses! foiled again! :( carol darlin ... i seldom use the same line twice babes!

too talented for that! repitition is boring and sucks!

variety is the spice of life me old mum Lola used to say!

Jj :-4
"…I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching." — Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters
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