A sad day.

[XSorXpire]

“You need to go see him” the voice said.

It is a voice I have heard many times and have come to love and trust.
I listened and agreed, as I had done many times before.

I made arrangements to go and see him Saturday around lunch time and got back to work.
As the day wore on the voice continued. “You need to go see him”.

But there was something different about it.
The voice seemed more insistent and invasive. I knew I had no choice, I left home and went to see him.

I buzzed the door bell expecting to be ignored or sent away, but I was escorted in to see him. He was busy laying down, seemingly oblivious to everyone around him. It was obvious he was in the middle of a life or death situation. In another fight he did not want to lose. He had so much riding on this battle.
I sat for a short time and watched as the battle raged, but I could not sit quietly. I reached out and touched him, then took him by the hand and started talking about things we had done together. He gently tightened his grip on my hand, my spirit soared. I told him I loved him. So many times I have wondered why? So many times I have tried to deny it. But not now, not again.

He will always have my love now.

Overcome with emotion I struggled with my words, but I knew I had to keep going. I would wipe away my tears with my sleeve hoping no one would see me cry. My memory found adventures he and I had shared and they tumbled from my lips.

I watched him gasping for breath, pausing a little longer between each one.

I just kept talking and holding his hand.

“You need to see this”, said the voice and I had an urge to stand up.
He did not let go of my hand, I did not try to take mine away.
He had one last thing he wanted to share with me and while I held his hand watching him, he died.

I love you dad.

Ray Harring

27 October 1930 -28th March 2008; 10:15pm

RIP

[FJ Steve]

XS....I am so sorry to hear the news.

Live the memory mate.....be proud of the time you had. You will be glad (one day) that you were actually there.

So sad.

RIP

[rc_sam]

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

[mekon]

XS,

I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP. I don't know what to say.

[QuietLil]

Today i thank god for giving Ray eternal freedom.

The pain of the last 48 hours is over, my children have lost their father and i have lost my mate of 50 years.

Thank you for our children and the memories.

You will always be in my heart.

[MADOGA]

sorry for your loss, wonderfull words too..

[Rooster]

You know where to find me Neil.

Our thoughts are with you.

C & C.

[Morgs]

Neil and Joan,

So sorry to hear about Ray.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

Morgs and Caireen

[Rhino]

So sorry for your Loss Neil and Joan.

One of the most powerful experiences of my life, was experiencing the same as the words you have have just written.

Sadly, my relationship with my father was not strong, but you realise quickly, none of that matters.

Condolences to you both

[Fastgirl]

I send you both my love and strength Neil and Joan.

May your Father rest in peace, Im sure his final moments with you Neil were the most comforting and loving.

[resist]

To Neil and to Joan,

All my love and all my thoughts today.

Jacob

[Captain Starfish]

Neil, Joan

So sorry for your loss. My condolences to you both at such a sad time. But Neil, it sounds like you found something worth remembering at the last.

Simon

[-stealth-]

so sad to read....sorry for your loss

sandra

[Sprint]

XS: Thank you for sharing - my sincere condolences to you and family.

GodSpeed Ray.

S.

[Batman]

XS: My Condolences to you and your family for your loss.

[Karlos]

so sorry to hear XS, it is a very humbling experience and puts everything in perspective.

As rhino has, I also faced that last june when my dad lost his battle with cancer, I was holding his hand as he passed.

Words cannot describe....

Have peace knowing that he is now in peace and he's not hurting anymore


My thoughts are with you and your family a this difficult time.

RIP

[Stratos]

That was powerful Neil.

Thoughts are to you and your family.

[Stephan]

My condolences go out to your family and friends...

[Tuscadero]

Neil, my thoughts are with you and your family right now.

[Weapon_X]

sorry to hear mate,
condolences to you and your family.
take care mate.