EE_
1st November 2012, 11:37 PM
Some of you may remember the trip I took several weeks back for one of my oldest friends funeral. During that trip I stayed with my bro Bill and his family.
Tonight Bill called me to tell me his dad has only a few hours to live. He is pretty broken up about it.
Bill is Italian and anyone that knows Italian families, knows they do not always get along. A lot of them are known for having hot tempers.
Years ago Bill and his dad had a big falling out and had never spoke to each other for years.
I was always friends with the whole family and ate their often and visa versa, growing up. His dad was a master mechanic and helped us, or put us on to good deals on parts for our cars back in the muscle car era.
From talking to Bills brothers, I was told Bill's dad had just gotten out of the hospital from a leg amputation...he was a diabetic.
I asked my friend Bill, that after Larry's funeral if I would go with him, will he go and see his dad to make amends for whatever happened. He agreed.
Me Bill and his son Billy went to see him in the post OP nursing facility.
We came in and Bill senior...yes all three are Bill's, his dad didn't recognize me at first until I got close to him face to face. I haven't seen him in at least 15 years. Things started clicking in his mind as we held hands. I told him I had brought someone he needs to see.
He was stunned when he looked up at Bill Junior, it really took him back. The meeting went well and as things loosened up, I left Bill to make peace with his dad. When Bill left, I went back in to say good bye...his dad was sitting up in his bed absolutely beaming with happiness. I don't think I've ever seen him that happy.
Tonight I feel like I had a purpose for being there to make that happen. I know my friend Bill better then anyone and I know if he had not made peace with his dad that day, he would have been plagued by guilt for the rest of his life. Italians are pretty emotional and sentimental people as well.
After that meeting, Bill's dad was telling everyone in the family cousins, friends etc. No one was believing him that Bill and Bob came to see him...they thought he was hallucinating. They all knew they hadn't spoken in years and most didn't know I had come to town.
So my brother is grieving tonight waiting for the end...but he is also grateful he and his dad made up after so many years. I'm glad I could bring them together.
To those of you that might have similar situations, with family or friends, don't wait to make peace with those you know you should make peace with. Tell those close that you love them. Life is getting short.
After Larry's funeral and the dad/son reunion, I took Bill to the Hattie Larlham foundation to see my terminally ill, handicapped step-daughter. We stopped at a Walmart and picked up an armload of toys for the kids.
This was a very humbling experience for Bill...as it always is for me too.
I thank God for that place every time I visit.
There's a good story on how I found it and got her in...another time.
Bill Senior will be gone by tomorrow. God bless him!
Tonight Bill called me to tell me his dad has only a few hours to live. He is pretty broken up about it.
Bill is Italian and anyone that knows Italian families, knows they do not always get along. A lot of them are known for having hot tempers.
Years ago Bill and his dad had a big falling out and had never spoke to each other for years.
I was always friends with the whole family and ate their often and visa versa, growing up. His dad was a master mechanic and helped us, or put us on to good deals on parts for our cars back in the muscle car era.
From talking to Bills brothers, I was told Bill's dad had just gotten out of the hospital from a leg amputation...he was a diabetic.
I asked my friend Bill, that after Larry's funeral if I would go with him, will he go and see his dad to make amends for whatever happened. He agreed.
Me Bill and his son Billy went to see him in the post OP nursing facility.
We came in and Bill senior...yes all three are Bill's, his dad didn't recognize me at first until I got close to him face to face. I haven't seen him in at least 15 years. Things started clicking in his mind as we held hands. I told him I had brought someone he needs to see.
He was stunned when he looked up at Bill Junior, it really took him back. The meeting went well and as things loosened up, I left Bill to make peace with his dad. When Bill left, I went back in to say good bye...his dad was sitting up in his bed absolutely beaming with happiness. I don't think I've ever seen him that happy.
Tonight I feel like I had a purpose for being there to make that happen. I know my friend Bill better then anyone and I know if he had not made peace with his dad that day, he would have been plagued by guilt for the rest of his life. Italians are pretty emotional and sentimental people as well.
After that meeting, Bill's dad was telling everyone in the family cousins, friends etc. No one was believing him that Bill and Bob came to see him...they thought he was hallucinating. They all knew they hadn't spoken in years and most didn't know I had come to town.
So my brother is grieving tonight waiting for the end...but he is also grateful he and his dad made up after so many years. I'm glad I could bring them together.
To those of you that might have similar situations, with family or friends, don't wait to make peace with those you know you should make peace with. Tell those close that you love them. Life is getting short.
After Larry's funeral and the dad/son reunion, I took Bill to the Hattie Larlham foundation to see my terminally ill, handicapped step-daughter. We stopped at a Walmart and picked up an armload of toys for the kids.
This was a very humbling experience for Bill...as it always is for me too.
I thank God for that place every time I visit.
There's a good story on how I found it and got her in...another time.
Bill Senior will be gone by tomorrow. God bless him!