L was a WWII combat wounded veteran - long but please read anyway!

He served in the Marine Corps, took some shrapnel in his left hip, had both hips replaced later as a result of his injuries. After the war, he worked in a dispatch office for one of the big railroads. He was a hard working man, and a staunch pro-labor Democrat.

He was also an alcoholic, who found recovery and stayed sober for over 40 years. He truly enjoyed his service to a 12 step program which he belonged to. He had a love for life, even though life had been hard for him. His wife died while they were in their early 30s, and they never had children. He befriended a divorced mother and her then young son, becoming like a father to him. In fact, L became more of a father to him than his own father was. When the younger man had a son, L took on the role of grandfather with passion and gusto.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and most outdoor pursuits, and he loved his time at the cabin in northern Minnesota.

L attended many of his "grandson's" events. Ballgames, band concerts, piano recitals, L was there. He was proud of all the accomplishments of his "grandson". Although he was not related by blood, that did not matter, the young boy was the apple of this old man's eye. L was unconditionally supportive of this young boy's parents, even when they broke up. He remained supportive of everyone in the family.

As he got older, he had many health issues to battle. He had to have a triple bypass at the local VA hospital. He survived this trial well, and soon was hale and hearty again. But soon Alzheimers set in, and L started to lose his memory. Watching this was difficult for all who were close to him. He was once at one of his grandson's baseball games, and left the bleachers to use the restroom. He could not find his way back to the correct ballfield. When his grandson's mom went looking for him, he was at another ballfield, and did not recognize her, and wondered where his car was. But the worst was the cancer. At least with the Alzheimers, one could still see parts of L embedded within the dementia and memory loss. But the cancer took L's entire personality away.

It also took L's life, yesterday. At the age of 86. L was my son's "grandpa". I am so sad for the loss. I know L is no longer suffering, but I miss him. I know my ex misses him, and my son does as well.

:cry::cry::cry:

L - I hear the fishing is wonderful in the summerlands. I am glad you are in a better and less painful place. Save us a spot, will ya?

:hug:

I am feeling so sad today.

:cry:

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:pals:

I'm here for you.

:hug::hug::hug::hug:

:hug:
When I read stories like this, I hope when my time comes I've had as full of a life. Peace to you.

He made a difference, in my life, in my son's life, and I am sure many others. That is the true measure of a full life, IMHO.

...there is nothing I can say to ease your pain. I'm sorry, so very sorry. :hug:

:pals:

I am so terribly sorry for your loss KW ... so very sorry.
:hug:

:hug:

and for all vets.

A hard working union card carrying Democrat who served his country, only my grandfather was in the Army artillery and in Korea, an alcoholic too for that matter. Alcoholism is such a tragic disease.

I am grateful for L's sake that he did find recovery. In fact he was very helpful at times in my recovery as well.

Pretty much everyone I met there was such a nice, down to earth person and such.

It is painful to watch people we love suffer. He left loving memories for you and your son and that alone made is life on earth worthwhile.

His love and passion for us and for life is what is sustaining me right now.

Alzheimer's 6 years ago.

It is like you lose fragments of the person on a daily basis.

I am so sorry for your family's lost. I am thinking of you and your family.

He sounds like he was a wonderful man. Be proud to have known him

:hug:

:hug:

He was very special.

That story made me totally tear up.

:hug::hug::hug:

:hug:

It's my "hidden" sensitive side.

:hide:

His sufferings are over. I am sorry for your loss.

Peace to you and yours, KW. :hug:

:hug:

:hug:

:hug:

:hug: What a beautiful tribute you wrote. I hope all the good memories you have of L. will help ease the sadness.

:hug:

:hug: :hug: :hug:

I'm so sorry.

What a beautifully written post you have here......

It brought the tears to my eyes today.....

What an amazing man......He was lucky to know you, and you were lucky to know him, sweetie.....

And what a wonderful influence for your son too......

Perhaps this little poem that I found in a Hallmark card many years ago will help.....

"Life is eternal;

And love is immortal;

And death is only a horizon;

And a horizon is nothing

Save the limit of our sight..."

I'm here for you.....you know that.....:loveya: :hug:

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss and for your son's loss. Grandparents are so important in the lives of our children. I hope the support and love that was so freely given by L to you and your son remains a comfort in your heart. While he's not physically here anymore, the memories will keep him alive.

:hug: :loveya: :hug:

aA
kesha.

I'm sorry for your loss.

My condolences to you and the rest of L's family.

Sounds like you were lucky to have had this man in your life.

Thanks for sharing him with us. And when we get to the summerlands, introduce me to him, will you?

I'm sorry for your pain. I know how much it hurts to lose someone.

Khash