Thread: I lost my dad....RIP Papa.....

Hey all,

As some of you may have known....5 months ago my dad was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. We thought he may have had years to go.............he passed away last Thursday. Suffice to say it was not a nice way to go. The day I found out, I quit smoking and haven't had one since. He quit when he was 50...it got him 20 yrs later.

The best part was myself and siblings, his wife and best mates were able to be with him every day. For myself, I went and saw him just over 3 weeks ago at his home...that afternoon he went into hospital and he fought to the very end with just one lung working. I'm still haunted by those last hours and still very lost as we spoke every day.

Luckily I have had great support from my mates and family......Sharlea deserves a medal as I have been a mess. Telling the kids was one of the hardest things I will ever have to do.........as they doted on their grandpa and vis a vis.

I guess the reason for this post is for the following "Stevoisms". One is to say out loud how awesome my dad was and how my life won't be the same without him ...I remain truly gutted.

If you smoke....find a reason to quit........it is an insidious way to go and terrible for loved ones to watch...especially children and grandchildren. If like me you have smoked.....I will be getting myself checked each year. As dad said...he has had every part of his body scanned etc...........except "my ****ing lungs" in his words .

The thing that has impacted the most is that at the very end....regardless of wealth or position.......all that matters is family and friends. Make amends or offer the olive branch.......I did with my sister over this and it was worth it.

The cliche...life really is to short...is so true. Dad at 70 had it all..........and it's made me realise....70 really isn't that old and there is plenty of things that can be done and life to live.

This photo was taken at what will now be the last Fathers Day I will have with dad. 32 days later he was gone......we thought we had years.......




Also I would like to apologise to anyone where I may have upset them. The last 5 mths have been some of the toughest...the last 3 weeks some of the worst I have experienced.....but also some of the best. Having tossed in my job a few months ago...allowed me some valuable time with Dad...although going to an interview the day after he passed was one of the best "performances" I have done .

I see life differently now.........so whilst I am lost and a mess........Stevo will be back in the ensuing months ready to tackle the great outdoors again. As a final note.....don't let life pass you by whilst making plan's......do it now . Also love your family, love your friends and love yourself.......that's the last time you'll get that sort of mush out of the 'Anti Nance Man" ,

Regards

Stevo

I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you lately Stevo, and admire your strength for posting this. I have no doubt you'll bounce back soon and look forward to a few beers with you around a GCLRO camp fire some time soon!