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  #1  
Old 08-05-2011, 03:59 PM
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Time May Have Finally Came

Got a phone call from NC, from my mother, about an hour ago. It's one that I knew had to come sooner or later, and had been dreading, for the past few years.

My father had been in poor health for the past few years, and for the past 2 or 3 months has been in the nursing home and hospital. My mother called today, and said the doctor's told her his kidneys are failing, and with other complicating conditions, it looks the best that can be hoped for is to make him comfortable until he passes on.

My mother said she's no idea now whether they're talking 2 days, 2 weeks, or 2 months - she was heading to the hospital and would give me a call later tonight.

Called the plant manager at work, and he's already making provisions to have someone cover my watches at the central A/C plant if this turns out to be on a moment's notice.

Already in gear getting all the monthly bills scheduled for payment, mail hold in the works, etc. Guess it's a good thing I recently had to get all the work done on the Jeep - alignment, new tires, new shocks, brakes, rear diff rebuilt - it'll be one less thing to worry about.

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'87 300D 212K miles
'87 300D 151K miles - R.I.P. 12/08
'05 Jeep Liberty CRD 67K miles
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  #2  
Old 08-05-2011, 04:26 PM
sjh sjh is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by retmil46 View Post
Got a phone call from NC, from my mother, about an hour ago. It's one that I knew had to come sooner or later, and had been dreading, for the past few years.

My father had been in poor health for the past few years, and for the past 2 or 3 months has been in the nursing home and hospital. My mother called today, and said the doctor's told her his kidneys are failing, and with other complicating conditions, it looks the best that can be hoped for is to make him comfortable until he passes on.

My mother said she's no idea now whether they're talking 2 days, 2 weeks, or 2 months - she was heading to the hospital and would give me a call later tonight.

Called the plant manager at work, and he's already making provisions to have someone cover my watches at the central A/C plant if this turns out to be on a moment's notice.

Already in gear getting all the monthly bills scheduled for payment, mail hold in the works, etc. Guess it's a good thing I recently had to get all the work done on the Jeep - alignment, new tires, new shocks, brakes, rear diff rebuilt - it'll be one less thing to worry about.
I'm so sorry to hear of your struggles. You and your family are in my prayers.
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  #3  
Old 08-05-2011, 04:49 PM
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Sorry to hear this Your family is in our thoughts
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  #4  
Old 08-05-2011, 05:25 PM
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Our family will pray for your father. Take care man.
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  #5  
Old 08-05-2011, 06:33 PM
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Thanks for the kind words.

Only thing now, for the next few hours, is to wait and see what my mother has to report.

My one hope is, that if the Good Lord decides it's his time to come home, he'll go peacefully without any suffering.

What frightens me more, if it is his time, is that being the oldest child, I'll now be the patriarch of the family. Just hope I'm up to the task.

Strange in the timing of it. A month ago, we received word that the city of San Antonio wouldn't be extending our contract to operate the central A/C plant at Brooks CityBase (AFB that is being decommissioned) due to the lack of renters for the buildings, and that the 4 buildings that were occupied would be converted over to their own independent A/C systems. Bottom line is that the plant will be shut down 1 Oct.

Company we're with has hinted at the possibility of moving us to Brooke Army Medical Center in some capacity, but nothing definite as yet (their contract is up for renewal as well). My past employers at UTSA heard of the pending closure and called a couple weeks ago to offer my old position back if I was interested.

At the same time, word thru the grapevine is that Freightliner Cleveland NC plant - the one I worked at for 12 years - will be recalling 2nd shift after 2 1/2 years in September - recall rights, could step back in with same seniority and pay as when they laid us off - but with the usual boom/bust cycle of the OTR truck market, for how long?

And there's a job opening at UNC Greensboro - 45 minutes from my parents house - for someone to operate their A/C plant - for which I submitted an application for back on Wednesday.

And there's civil service openings at the naval stations at Cherry Point and Jacksonville NC for boiler plant operators.

With the timing of all this together, I can't help but think someone upstairs is trying to tell me which way to go, but which way? Is it that I need to go back to NC and take care of business there? Or is it that I'm being "released" so to speak, that I no longer need to worry about my parent's wellbeing because my father will soon be in capable hands, and I should continue on my own path in life?

Seems the time for large decisions has arrived.
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'87 300D 212K miles
'87 300D 151K miles - R.I.P. 12/08
'05 Jeep Liberty CRD 67K miles
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Old 08-06-2011, 09:45 AM
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Sorry to hear about your father RetMil. I'm sure you will step up in fine fashion. You just kind of slide in to the chair and accept the responsibilities. Are any of your siblings living in the vicinity of your parents? Your mother will need comfort and support. That was my duty when my father died, me being the closest of the 5 kids and living in the same town.

I have a brother who lives in Jacksonville NC. (Maj. USA Ret). He might be able to give you some advice about moving back to the area with defense cuts looming ahead.

Wish you and the family the best.
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  #7  
Old 08-06-2011, 01:55 PM
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There are no coincidences. Having been through this more than once I can say that you will find a well of strength that you didn't know you had. Your parents put it there for when you'd need it. Godspeed to your father, you and your family. When one door closes.....
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  #8  
Old 08-06-2011, 02:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by retmil46 View Post
Called the plant manager at work, and he's already making provisions to have someone cover my watches at the central A/C plant if this turns out to be on a moment's notice.
you are not going now?
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  #9  
Old 08-09-2011, 07:17 PM
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Last Friday night the return call from my mother sounded much better. Basically, after talking with the doctors, it came down to the fact that all they could do was keep him alive - there wouldn't be any improvement. According to her account, he seemed to be doing well at the time, and she estimated it would be at least a couple months before it got to a crisis point.

Seems that changed over the weekend. Call from her last night - his kidneys had completely failed, and he was progressively getting shorter of breath due to the bad valves in his heart.

After talking with him and my sister, they made the decision to have the local hospice care association bring a hospital bed and oxygen equipment to the house, and they were going to bring him home this morning. My mother had already started informing relatives and friends.

My mother said they'd all reached the decision that since he had came into the world on that same piece of land (originally part of my grandfather's farm), it was fitting he end his days there as well, at home surrounded by family and friends.

First thing tomorrow morning I'll be on my way up there.
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Just say "NO" to Ethanol - Drive Diesel

Mitchell Oates
Mooresville, NC
'87 300D 212K miles
'87 300D 151K miles - R.I.P. 12/08
'05 Jeep Liberty CRD 67K miles
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club
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  #10  
Old 08-09-2011, 07:53 PM
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You will be in our thoughts during this time.

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