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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsOne less democratic vote in Ohio
With 91 years in the bank, my dad passed away Saturday.
Born in NJ, raised from infancy in the Scottish Highlands, he was a democrat's democrat from the day he reclaimed his citizenship by birthright and moved to Chicago. We always knew his political claim to fame - driving for Adlai Stevenson at the '56 Democratic convention in Chicago. He loved nothing more that telling the story of Stevenson and several other top Dems talking in the back of the car about how important it was to keep Kennedy out of the '56 VP slot because if he's VP..."that S.O.B will be sitting in the Oval in '60". For those who don't remember, VP candidates were elected by the delegates in a floor vote, not chosen by the candidate.
One of my daughters expressed surprise since "he wasn't that old". When I reminded her he was 91 she said "so what, he never watched that FOX chit or got caught listening to Rush". He helped me raise 5 democrats and I'll never be able to thank him for that.
It's been a tough couple days but there have been a few events that have brought a big smile to my face. Most notable - going though his box of important papers, citations, certificates, and keepsakes. There with his honorable discharge papers, newspaper clippings about his military service (both British and US), his first teachers certificate...there in this box was single political button...
"Recall Walker".
Damn if he wasn't a dem to the end. How fun to learn that Recall Walker ranked up there with his form letter from Harry Truman thanking him for his service. The last political comment he made to me was last weekend as we speculated on Walker's running...dad's opinion: "Of that asshole will run, because he's convinced he's not an asshole. Such an asshole".
I'm still processing. He and mom have lived with us for 10 great years. I knew he was winding down but still, I wasn't ready yet and I miss him already.
So...apologies for the ramble (along with future rambles that'll probably happen) and thanks for the tolerance. I just don't know a lot of folks who would appreciate the Recall Walker story as much as some of you guys.
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)Please accept my condolences.
Omaha Steve
(99,817 posts)Sounds like he was quite a pistol. Sorry for your loss.
sufrommich
(22,871 posts)long run on this planet, it sounds like he improved it just a little bit. R.I.P.
daleanime
(17,796 posts)livetohike
(22,165 posts)bluedigger
(17,088 posts)It sounds as if your dad did more than his share to keep our numbers up.
riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)Spazito
(50,547 posts)He sounds like someone who lived his life fully, with zest and wit right to the end. Love the 'recall Walker' story.
My condolences for your loss.
PeaceNikki
(27,985 posts)He sounds like a wonderful person.
mmonk
(52,589 posts)A well done tribute. Thanks for sharing.
calimary
(81,556 posts)Thank you for sharing your reminiscences. We know they're aging. We know their days are numbered. We know they won't live forever. We know all those things, especially when a family elder is on a long slow decline from disease or adversely advancing age. Or even when they're still pretty fit, but you count another BIG-number birthday and grit your teeth a little, wondering how long you'll still have them around to hug before they're taken from you.
We know ALL those things. But that doesn't make it ANY easier. Not EVER.
My sympathies, CincyDem. It's no fun being where you are at this moment. And it'll take as long as it takes. Nobody can tell you when the grieving period is supposed to end, or when you've finally mourned enough. That's not for ANYONE to say. It's different for everyone. And it just takes as long as it takes. It's just one of those things.
Just know you don't mourn alone.
niyad
(113,701 posts)mountain grammy
(26,663 posts)Thanks for sharing your Dad with us. Sounds like he was a great guy. When someone 91 is thought of as "not that old," that says it all.
tavernier
(12,410 posts)You have my heartfelt sympathy.
Unknown Beatle
(2,672 posts)May he RIP.
kairos12
(12,891 posts)joanbarnes
(1,723 posts)prayin4rain
(2,065 posts)Kennah
(14,349 posts)So sorry for your loss, and one amazing job paying tribute to your Dad. He is proud of you.
840high
(17,196 posts)polly7
(20,582 posts)He sounds like a great man and a wonderful father. I don't think we're ever ready for such a devastating loss, and I wish you and yours strength at this very difficult time.
Pharaoh
(8,209 posts)That's a pretty great last political words speech! I know just what he means!
elleng
(131,253 posts)and watch out for things there.
sinkingfeeling
(51,484 posts)merrily
(45,251 posts)My eyes are burning and tearing, but I am smiling too. I think I might have that letter from Truman and his discharge papers framed, and in a way that preserves them.
None of us is ever ready for the passing of a loved one, no matter what his or her age and your father sounds so special. You were blessed to have him and he was blessed to have a son like you. Both parts of that equation are a real gift.
lovemydog
(11,833 posts)NBachers
(17,156 posts)floyd1
(20 posts)Let's keep fighting for what your father was fighting for! Let's make him proud! My condolences.
Person 2713
(3,263 posts)SoapBox
(18,791 posts)...I miss my Mom and Dad lots.
Grieve all you want...talk all you want...and keep those wonderful memories in your heart.
footinmouth
(747 posts)But it sounds like he led a very wonderful and full life. He's got so many memories to share. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Greybnk48
(10,178 posts)What an interesting and full life, and what a cool guy!
Luminous Animal
(27,310 posts)Change has come
(2,372 posts)And our collective loss
Please do share your future rambles.
Spirochete
(5,264 posts)Sounds like he was quite a guy.
herding cats
(19,569 posts)I tend to be too long winded myself, so I don't see even a hint of a ramble in your loving memories.
While I'm deeply sorry for your loss, I envy you the wonderful person you had for a father. You had a great one. Be proud about it and spread the word from the mountaintops! He earned your love, respect and praise.
Take time and deal with this tragic change in your life, but don't ever apologize for eulogizing your beloved father. If people don't understand, that's their problem, not yours!
denbot
(9,901 posts)Peace
sellitman
(11,608 posts)Sorry to hear of your loss. My Dad is suffering and I have this day staring me down too. Tough stuff.
etherealtruth
(22,165 posts)SusanaMontana41
(3,233 posts)Gothmog
(145,751 posts)flygal
(3,231 posts)What a great long life he had. I'm sorry for your loss.
Babel_17
(5,400 posts)MBS
(9,688 posts)You may not have had the chance to thank him explicitly for helping you raise 5 Democrats, but I'm sure he noticed the result and was mighty pleased by it. A loving,warm , close family speak for themselves. He knew.
My parents were also proud Stevenson supporters, and proud Democrats.
And they also produced two generations of pure Dem offspring. Luckily for them, they died too early to watch Walker pollute the atmosphere (thankfully, they also missed W-- if they had still been alive then, W in the White House would have killed them on the spot - watching the society they'd worked to build all their lives go down the drain with W in the White House.. that would have been the last straw). But they would have been proud to know that their grandchildren worked to Recall Walker, too. Everyone in our family agrees with your dad's assessment of that . .well, your dad used just the right term. : )
You'll miss your dad forever. (I still miss my parents every single day). But try to focus on all those great years together, and how lucky you are to have had a wonderful dad that you DO miss.
Hang in there! It doesn't go away, but it does get easier.
LoisB
(7,248 posts)GoneOffShore
(17,342 posts)Triana
(22,666 posts)Losing a parent is always so damn hard.
You'll carry on his good Dem work and ideals. And of course he'll always live in your heart!
murielm99
(30,779 posts)Stuart G
(38,454 posts)rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)No Vested Interest
(5,167 posts)People like your Dad are a treasure to all, but especially to their family.
Condolences to you and to your mother.
roguevalley
(40,656 posts)and the only thing that helps is time. You were lucky to have him that long. Bless youa nd your family. Talk forever about him. His generation was amazing. Hugs to you and yours from Alaska
passiveporcupine
(8,175 posts)And left you with a lot of cherished memories. I just lost someone dear to me too, and going through my boxes of photos was quite a trip of mixed melancholy and love and joy.
I wish you peace and comfort in this time of grief. Yes, there will be tears, but I'm glad you also have the good memories to bring a smile to your heart.
Now go listen to some music he loved.