Guys, take a deep breath, look around and appreciate what you've got. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

SwampYankee · #1 08-14-2011, 12:25 PM

However you want to measure it. Family is my measure.

I just found out that an acquaintance of mine died from a massive heart attack while biking with his family while on vacation in RI yesterday. He just turned 50 and was active, certainly looked fit. While I wouldn't say that we were friends, I would run into him at all of the Chamber of Commerce events and many school functions. Very nice guy, personable, very active in the community. We'd always end up bragging on our kids or talking about boating/sailing.

That's what makes it even more sad. He leaves behind his wife and two young elementary school-aged daughters. Like my wife said, it was hard enough for her to lose her mom when my wife was 30, it's unfathomable when the kids are 7 and 10. On top of that, they still need to make that drive home from RI without their dad and husband.

Things have gotten heated up here as of late. Take a minute to appreciate your situation and tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. It can come to a screeching halt at any time.

ramonajim · #2 08-14-2011, 12:31 PM

Well said friend. Far to easy to forget to appreciate the wonder and joy that is at our fingertips and in our hearts.

kerry · #3 08-14-2011, 12:35 PM

Sorry to hear about your friend. It's a sobering event.

jplinville · #4 08-14-2011, 01:49 PM

And that is the reason why I never let a day go by without telling my kids and family that I love them. If I were to pass away this afternoon, God forbid, my kids' last memory of me will be of my love for them, and just how often I told them.

I lost my Dad in November of last year. While I have many memories of him, my last memory of his is of him and I arguing, about a week before he passed. The guilt I still feel, is great, but I'm managing.

10fords · #5 08-14-2011, 01:49 PM

Good timely perspective Swamp. I spent last nite in a gully extricating 3 19 year old kids from a jeep that went over the side. 2 went out in helicopters and 1 in a bodybag. When I got home I just stared at my sleeping kids for awhile.

Botnst · #6 08-14-2011, 01:50 PM

Wow.

engatwork · #7 08-14-2011, 02:54 PM

durn about the wreck 10fords.

I'm helping my mom/dad just about every day or so get up off the floor where they have fallen, driving them to the Dr or taking them for test. Mom needs back surgery but her stress test indicated she needed heart bypass surgery to get healthy enough to have it. I'm driving her to the Dr. in Macon one day this coming week to prep for her bypass. She is 80 and dad is 82. They both are getting to where they can hardly walk.

On top of all that mom's mind is going away pretty quickly. It blows me away to see the number of med's she takes every day

.

Anyway I have found that helping them during this time is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done

.

The Clk Man · #8 08-14-2011, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

However you want to measure it. Family is my measure.

I just found out that an acquaintance of mine died from a massive heart attack while biking with his family while on vacation in RI yesterday. He just turned 50 and was active, certainly looked fit. While I wouldn't say that we were friends, I would run into him at all of the Chamber of Commercial events and many school functions. Very nice guy, personable, very active in the community. We'd always end up bragging on our kids or talking about boating/sailing.

That's what makes it even more sad. He leaves behind his wife and two young elementary school-aged daughters. Like my wife said, it was hard enough for her to lose her mom when my wife was 30, it's unfathomable when the kids are 7 and 10. On top of that, they still need to make that drive home from RI without their dad and husband.

Things have gotten heated up here as of late. Take a minute to appreciate your situation and tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. It can come to a screeching halt at any time.

Agreed, I almost lost my wife Vickie earlier this year. Now I praise the Lord for every day that I can spend with her. He prognosis looks really good, praise the Lord.

MTUpower · #9 08-14-2011, 11:41 PM

Nothing is more important than family and health. I tell my wife and three sons I love them very much each and every day. I am lucky, humbled and grateful for everything I have in life.

elchivito · #10 08-15-2011, 12:43 AM

Interesting. I learned today that a high school friend who had become a well known member of the Phoenix music scene has passed away. Chronic pancreatitis. We were the same age. I haven't seen him in 20 or more years but am going to muster all my courage and go to Phoenix for his memorial. I only go to Phoenix for "married and buried", and have managed lately to skip the married part and am actively working on the buried component. Most of those getting married don't like me anyhow and those getting buried don't give a crap I figure. My visit will be to renew friendships with those he leaves behind, and we are legion.
Each day upon arising, I give thanks to the powers that be for giving me another day among those I love and who love me. Each day is a blessing.

t walgamuth · #11 08-15-2011, 07:00 AM

You always have an excellent perspective on life, Swamp!

Thanks for reminding us.

The Clk Man · #12 08-15-2011, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elchivito

Interesting. I learned today that a high school friend who had become a well known member of the Phoenix music scene has passed away. Chronic pancreatitis. We were the same age. I haven't seen him in 20 or more years but am going to muster all my courage and go to Phoenix for his memorial. I only go to Phoenix for "married and buried", and have managed lately to skip the married part and am actively working on the buried component. Most of those getting married don't like me anyhow and those getting buried don't give a crap I figure. My visit will be to renew friendships with those he leaves behind, and we are legion.
Each day upon arising, I give thanks to the powers that be for giving me another day among those I love and who love me. Each day is a blessing.

it was Chronic pancreatitis that almost took my wife's life.

t walgamuth · #13 08-15-2011, 11:19 AM

I lost a cherished Aunt to it when she was only 60. It was induced by some pain meds she took for artheritis and went undiscovered until too late.

barry123400 · #14 08-15-2011, 11:29 AM

When things are going pretty good a lot of us including myself perhaps take it too much for granted. Well I know I do at least.

I was actually mad at myself for being somewhat self centered when my wife had a massive heart attack. When I found myself wondering what I might do if she did not recover in those first few days

. Of course I was also very concerned about her as well. Yet why my mind took me to the self centered position even temporarily disturbed me.

Dee8go · #15 08-15-2011, 11:45 AM

You're absolutely right. Gratitude is one of our most under-utilized responses, Swamp. A reminder every now a then never hurts. Sorry to hear about this family who has lost their dad/husband at such a young age.