United States Navy Veteran 1977 - 1984.

Auxiliary ship he was on got hit with secondary fire. He was in water thinking his last moments. Helped rescue/retrieve other shipmates. Too graphic to repeat. He died in front of me and mom one Sunday morn at age 45. Aortic aneurysm. I salute him and all others who have done and continue to do us proud.

(I know he pulled Midwatch. He used to say, " ten bells", etc. when it was my bedtime!)

My maternal grandfather lied about his age to join the Navy towards the end of the war because his two brothers were serving and wanted to join them. He just turned 17 when he enlisted. He was in the north sea.

I'm really sorry about your dad and how you watched him pass away. I can't imagine

I'm not a military kid, just have admiration for my dad serving. I honor him. My parents got married and he went off immediately. My mom was a strong woman. She was my cheerleader throughout my later years. She said be your own ____ until you need to hire a pro or seek medical help. IOW, DIY unless you know you can't. (I have somewhat of an aggressive nature. Need to temper that with some pull back tho'!)

It was a shock to your everything how a body is alive one moment and gone the next.

The EMTs/ ambulance came quickly. Our hospital was like 5 minutes away. They told my mom, "we're sorry he's gone." My mom admitted to me later that she said, "gone? gone where". I was 13. This'll rattle you. I have no siblings. I became a 'husband' to my mom. This can happen. Witnessed this on my husband's side when a parent reposes.

Then in 2003 had to get my mom up from FLA when her life (and ours) changed overnite. I became the 'mommie'. Our roles got reversed again. I'm not complaining. I would do it for her a million times over.

That's a nice note--your grandfather's desire to join in with his brothers. Grandfathers do things like that (change his age!) and think nothing of it. I love that quality!

Thank you for lending your kind 'ear'.

I always give people a pass when they act or speak in a manner that makes you stop and wonder why. You never know what the one next to you is going thru.

We're still standing after experiencing personal heartbreaks and heartaches by the number. Only thing is what our nation is being subjected to presently. An undeserving heartache.

Looking for/anticipating that light in the tunnel.

Peace be unto you and yours,
~sprink
💛󾓦💪🗽

Class of '67-'71....