My Being Absent

[jcwit]

I've been absent for the last few days, which many here may appreciate.

Got a call from My 2nd best friends wife, my wife is by best friend of course. My friend had been in declining health for the last 4 to 5 years and Monday he was placed into Hospice care but not at home, rather in a care facility. The 2 of us have been as close as brothers since serving in the Military 49 years ago.

This morning at 7:50 AM he passed away after a hard battle, it was a Blessing, and he is in a far better place with family and friends that have already passed.

Normally I never post personal things but wanted to post this.

Things are better this evening.

[dragonrider]

Sorry you lost your friend.

[Beagle333]

My condolences for your loss.

[RED333]

Prays to you and the family.

[Wayne Smith]

Condolences to you and to his family. The loss of a best friend is wrenching, the loss of a spouse or father more so.

[BrassMagnet]

Thank you for being there in his time of need.

[Elkins45]

I'm sorry for your loss, but happy that you were a good friend to him when he needed one.

[462]

A friend to the end. Doesn't get better than that.

My condolences to his family and yours.

[Finster101]

I am sorry for the loss of your friend. While many of us have differences of opinion, I don't think anyone wishes harm or grievance on others. I know I certainly do not and would hope you and others understand that. Again, you have my condolences.


James

[catmandu]

My condolences to you and your family. Sounds like he was blessed by you being there, and you were blessed having him as your life long friend.

Paul in WNY

[krag35]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.

[white eagle]

so very sorry for your loss
I had to go through that very thing a few short months ago with my mother
I do agree with you though that they are in a far better place
condolences to you and you friends family

[schutzen]

There are few better friends in this world than the ones you shared a foxhole with. I was saddened to hear of an old soldiers passing and your loss of a friend. Please accept my condolences.

[osteodoc08]

Mine and my family's condolances. Thoughts and prayers sent your way.

[jcwit]

Many, Many thanks for the wishes and good will shown here. I was able to remember to have Last Rites administered, as he was Catholic. We, my wife & I stayed at his bedside for the last few days, I missed the final end, my wife was with him, I had stepped out for just a short time. He was Blessed that he went easy in his final moments.


We were able to help his wife and family plan some of the arrangements, he's receiving a full Military funeral .


Thanks again. Means a lot to me & wife.

[btroj]

I may not always agree with you Jcwit but I applaud you for taking care of what really matters in life.

shooting, casting, and this board are but mere moments in time, friends and family are everything.

Thanks for showing that some have their priorities straight.

[Echo]

A friend pointed out that a major factor in our advancing age was Dealing With Loss. He had walked in on three of his chums and found them dead. Working at the Air Museum as I do, with a bunch of older volunteers, it is a constant companion. We have to celebrate their life, rather than mourn their passing.

[WILCO]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.

Ditto for me Jcwit. Stay strong.

[shoot-n-lead]

Sorry to hear this.

[Bzcraig]

I'm so sorry for your loss!

[blackthorn]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your friend's wife! May he rest in peace.

[jcwit]

Thanks to all of you who gave my family and Larry's family Prayers and condolences.

[smokeywolf]

By keeping him ever-present in your memories, he'll never be gone from you.

The following are the lyrics written to be recited or sung with the playing of Taps.

Fading light dims the sight

And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the skies
All is well, safely rest;
God is nigh.

Then goodnight, peaceful night;
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright.
God is near, do not fear,

Friend, goodnight.

smokeywolf