A Tribute to My Dad

[Mr. Bloom]

Three hours ago, my dad died. As many of you know, we were ready to let go.

Today, the world lost one of its most sacrificial people. A giver's giver and a peacemaker's peacemaker. He was a navy base commander in his prime...and at the same time the most gentle person you could imagine.

I arrived at the hospital and knew it was time. I asked them to call the priest and Silver got my mom.

After administering the Last Rites, Father Joe said "have you given him permission to leave?"

With Silver and my Mom, I told him that it was time to go where he wouldn't be sick anymore. No more insulin, no more three shots a day (for 42 years), no more pain, no more discomfort.

"For these light and momentary challenges are creating for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal".

He passed quietly with us at his side.

I am sad and relieved. I know this is best, but I've not seen my mother so sad since her mother died in 1973.

I got a chance to tell my dad I loved him and kissed him goodbye tonight. Do not take the ability to do that to someone you love for granted.

Now, a new chapter begins...

[LBTC]

{{{{{{{{{{{{Mr. Silver and family}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Beautifully written, Mr. Thank you for sharing.

I'm sending lots of butterflies to surround all of you as you say your final goodbyes, and to stay with your father on this final journey of his.

Hugs,
~T~

[Tuckervill]

May his memory be for a blessing. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute.

Karen

[wannaduacentury]

Three hours ago, my dad died. As many of you know, we were ready to let go.

Today, the world lost one of its most sacrificial people. A giver's giver and a peacemaker's peacemaker. He was a navy base commander in his prime...and at the same time the most gentle person you could imagine.

I arrived at the hospital and knew it was time. I asked them to call the priest and Silver got my mom.

After administering the Last Rites, Father Joe said "have you given him permission to leave?"

With Silver and my Mom, I told him that it was time to go where he wouldn't be sick anymore. No more insulin, no more three shots a day (for 42 years), no more pain, no more discomfort.

"For these light and momentary challenges are creating for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal".

He passed quietly with us at his side.

I am sad and relieved. I know this is best, but I've not seen my mother so sad since her mother died in 1973.

I got a chance to tell my dad I loved him and kissed him goodbye tonight. Do not take the ability to do that to someone you love for granted.

Now, a new chapter begins...

Many prayers to you {{{{Silvers}}}}. You're in my thoughts.
I lost my dad to cancer last May, so I know how you feel, he's in a better place. Jennifer

[Mr. SR500]

So sorry... I'm glad you were with him.

[makbike]

Mr. Silver, Silver and Silver Kids - My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult period. What a wonderful father, father-in-law and grandfather you had. His spirit lives on in each of you and in the memories you hold in you hearts.

[kelownagirl]

My thoughts are with you and your family tonight. Take care.

[crazycanuck]

Sorry to hear of your loss Mr Silver, Silver & Silver kids.

Take care

[snapdragen]

Blessings to the silver family.

[Wahine]

(((((((Silver Family))))))))))

The passing of a parent is a very difficult thing. I am so glad that you could be there with him, give him permission to leave and that he went peacefully. Blessings to you all.

[Popoki_Nui]

Our deepest condolences, and our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Gentle journey, Mr Silver Sr.

~Sherry & family.

[BikeMomma]

....for posting something so personal, yet so much a part of every one of us, whether or not we've experienced the death of a parent.

My father also teeters on the brink in a Veteran's hospital in Maine....two years ago I went to see him for the first time in 23 years (I'm 37). The thought of losing him brings tears, especially as he will likely die alone, since I'm in California. For most of my life, he was not there for me, yet it pains me to think that I can't be there for him. But he remains my dad, no matter what our history.

Your post comes at a timely moment for another reason. Also yesterday, a beloved coworker died of a heart attack. Every single one of us who has worked alongside him agrees he was one awesome guy -- so giving, funny, and vibrant, full of life. We are all in shock, as we thought he was healthy. He was talking of retiring in about 18 months -- still young. His daughter was my 10-year-old's fourth grade teacher last year, and in parent/teacher conferences, we often found ourselves talking about her dad rather than my son's progress in her class! Her dad had the greatest, infectious laugh you could ever hear, and would always pause to ask how I was doing, no matter how much in a hurry he was. He'll be missed for years to come, I'm sure -- one of those people you work with that you'll never forget, you know?

Mr. Silver, thank you for your insight, thank you for your honesty, and I wish your family well. Don't forget to take small moments here and there as you need to in order to remember him. Hug your mom -- you're so right that we need to treasure what we have while we have it, for tomorrow, it may be gone.

All the best,
BikeMomma (Kim)

[Velobambina]

So sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like your dad had a peaceful, dignified end. My thoughts & prayers are w/you.

[rocknrollgirl]

Hugs to all the Silver Family. I will keep you in my thoughts. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man Mr. Silver.

[Blueberry]

Mr. Silver-

What a beautiful and loving tribute to your father. You truly did all that you could for him, including letting go.

Hugs to you all.

CA