I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and learned
heaps from this NG. It has made me proud to call myself a woodworker and I
guess that pride wore off on my Dad. My Dad was one of those guys that was
lucky if he hit the nail 1 more time than he hit the wood around it. But
when he saw the various pieces of furniture that I made for myself, my wife
and especially him, his eyes brightened up to say the least. Well, less
than 3 weeks ago he was told he had cancer, and as he came into the shop, I
knew he was in trouble. I was busy finishing up a couple of horse swings
and he knew I was busy. He just motioned for my to continue and I finished
them up. It was common for him to drop by and just look around...I think he
took all of it in and just said to himself, "My little boy makes this."
Well after a couple of bad weeks, we brought my Dad home to die. The doctor
said, "maybe 3 weeks" As he lays in a bed, he turns his head and shows that
drawn, weary face. Instead of complaining about dying, he tells me..."
Don't worry about me...you've got children waiting for their toys...better
get out to the shop..."
Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had
never been in a hospital as a patient....
Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our
loved ones.
Cheers
John
--
Rose Cottage Woodworks
www.rosecottageinn.co.nz/woodworks
Not off topic at all John. Every woodworker here will face this
circumstance, from one perspective or another. My thoughts are with both of
you.
--
Bill Pounds
http://www.billpounds.com/woodshop
"John Gilham/Patsy Scott" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and
learned
> heaps from this NG. It has made me proud to call myself a woodworker and
I
> guess that pride wore off on my Dad. My Dad was one of those guys that
was
> lucky if he hit the nail 1 more time than he hit the wood around it. But
> when he saw the various pieces of furniture that I made for myself, my
wife
> and especially him, his eyes brightened up to say the least. Well, less
> than 3 weeks ago he was told he had cancer, and as he came into the shop,
I
> knew he was in trouble. I was busy finishing up a couple of horse swings
> and he knew I was busy. He just motioned for my to continue and I
finished
> them up. It was common for him to drop by and just look around...I think
he
> took all of it in and just said to himself, "My little boy makes this."
> Well after a couple of bad weeks, we brought my Dad home to die. The
doctor
> said, "maybe 3 weeks" As he lays in a bed, he turns his head and shows
that
> drawn, weary face. Instead of complaining about dying, he tells me..."
> Don't worry about me...you've got children waiting for their toys...better
> get out to the shop..."
>
> Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had
> never been in a hospital as a patient....
>
> Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our
> loved ones.
>
> Cheers
> John
>
> --
> Rose Cottage Woodworks
> www.rosecottageinn.co.nz/woodworks
>
>
John Gilham/Patsy Scott wrote:
> I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and learned
> heaps from this NG. It has made me proud to call myself a woodworker and I
> guess that pride wore off on my Dad. My Dad was one of those guys that was
> lucky if he hit the nail 1 more time than he hit the wood around it. But
> when he saw the various pieces of furniture that I made for myself, my wife
> and especially him, his eyes brightened up to say the least. Well, less
> than 3 weeks ago he was told he had cancer, and as he came into the shop, I
> knew he was in trouble. I was busy finishing up a couple of horse swings
> and he knew I was busy. He just motioned for my to continue and I finished
> them up. It was common for him to drop by and just look around...I think he
> took all of it in and just said to himself, "My little boy makes this."
> Well after a couple of bad weeks, we brought my Dad home to die. The doctor
> said, "maybe 3 weeks" As he lays in a bed, he turns his head and shows that
> drawn, weary face. Instead of complaining about dying, he tells me..."
> Don't worry about me...you've got children waiting for their toys...better
> get out to the shop..."
>
> Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had
> never been in a hospital as a patient....
>
> Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our
> loved ones.
>
> Cheers
> John
>
John,
Our prayers are with you and yours. As a cancer survivor, I can relate
to your feelings and know what you and your family must be going through.
Hang in there....
As always,
Philski
John Gilham writes:
>Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had
>never been in a hospital as a patient....
>
>Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our
>loved ones.
A fortunate man, and fortunate in his son, too.
Charlie Self
"Bore, n.: A person who talks when you wish him to listen." Ambrose Bierce, The
Devil's Dictionary
John,
I'm sorry to her about your dad. I'm in that very same situation. I found out
about 2 months ago that my dad has cancer of the esophagus. He's been fighting
it with radiation and chemo, but its not looking good. He went into the
hospital yesterday.
When I found out about the cancer, I decided to start building a cradle for my
brother's first child. We built it together. It's almost done, just sanding,
but his condition is to the point where he can't help me anymore.
John
John,
I am truly sorry to hear about your father. I lurk on and off this site also. I
have a similar story, but from the perspective of your father. I am a father
of two college age kids. In January those kids found out there father was
diagnosed with a brain tumor. I had about 3 months to live if the surgery
wasn't successful. The fact that I am writing this message is a testement to
the talent of my surgeon. The whole experience was devastating to my family. I
survived and we are a much close family becasue of it. When I fully recover, I
hope to get back to woodworking with my son.
Steve
>
>>
Remove the 'remove' in my address to e:mail me.
John,
My prayers are with you, your dad and family. As your dad contemplates
his end on this earth I know he will be reassured by your woodworking
accomplishments and feel very proud of you.
Also, your message will make my day much more meaningful as I will try
to regain the perspective of my own mortality and that of my family and
grasp a better sense of the most important things in life.
God bless you all.
Glen Duff
------------------
John Gilham/Patsy Scott wrote:
> I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and learned
> heaps from this NG. It has made me proud to call myself a woodworker and I
> guess that pride wore off on my Dad. My Dad was one of those guys that was
> lucky if he hit the nail 1 more time than he hit the wood around it. But
> when he saw the various pieces of furniture that I made for myself, my wife
> and especially him, his eyes brightened up to say the least. Well, less
> than 3 weeks ago he was told he had cancer, and as he came into the shop, I
> knew he was in trouble. I was busy finishing up a couple of horse swings
> and he knew I was busy. He just motioned for my to continue and I finished
> them up. It was common for him to drop by and just look around...I think he
> took all of it in and just said to himself, "My little boy makes this."
> Well after a couple of bad weeks, we brought my Dad home to die. The doctor
> said, "maybe 3 weeks" As he lays in a bed, he turns his head and shows that
> drawn, weary face. Instead of complaining about dying, he tells me..."
> Don't worry about me...you've got children waiting for their toys...better
> get out to the shop..."
>
> Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had
> never been in a hospital as a patient....
>
> Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our
> loved ones.
>
> Cheers
> John
>
>
js wrote:
> Sorry to hear of your father's condition. He sounds like a very giving man,
> and I can tell you feel blessed to have him as your father.
Ditto.
>>Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had
>>never been in a hospital as a patient....
>>
>>Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our
>>loved ones.
Amen!
--
Cheers
Nuno Souto
[email protected]
"John Gilham/Patsy Scott" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and
learned
> heaps from this NG. It has made me proud to call myself a woodworker and
I
<sad but loving story snipped>
I share your grief, my dad went from cancer as well.
Tom
Thank you all for your comments. Things here are tough but we are all
bearing up. My Dad is comfortable and still not in pain. Even my dog stays
with him. And I'm just now going out to the shop. Just going to putter...
Thanks again.
--
Rose Cottage Woodworks
www.rosecottageinn.co.nz/woodworks
"John Gilham/Patsy Scott" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and
learned
> heaps from this NG. It has made me proud to call myself a woodworker and
I
> guess that pride wore off on my Dad. My Dad was one of those guys that
was
> lucky if he hit the nail 1 more time than he hit the wood around it. But
> when he saw the various pieces of furniture that I made for myself, my
wife
> and especially him, his eyes brightened up to say the least. Well, less
> than 3 weeks ago he was told he had cancer, and as he came into the shop,
I
> knew he was in trouble. I was busy finishing up a couple of horse swings
> and he knew I was busy. He just motioned for my to continue and I
finished
> them up. It was common for him to drop by and just look around...I think
he
> took all of it in and just said to himself, "My little boy makes this."
> Well after a couple of bad weeks, we brought my Dad home to die. The
doctor
> said, "maybe 3 weeks" As he lays in a bed, he turns his head and shows
that
> drawn, weary face. Instead of complaining about dying, he tells me..."
> Don't worry about me...you've got children waiting for their toys...better
> get out to the shop..."
>
> Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had
> never been in a hospital as a patient....
>
> Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our
> loved ones.
>
> Cheers
> John
>
> --
> Rose Cottage Woodworks
> www.rosecottageinn.co.nz/woodworks
>
>
Sorry to hear of your father's condition. He sounds like a very giving man,
and I can tell you feel blessed to have him as your father.
All my best.
"John Gilham/Patsy Scott" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and
learned
> heaps from this NG. It has made me proud to call myself a woodworker and
I
> guess that pride wore off on my Dad. My Dad was one of those guys that
was
> lucky if he hit the nail 1 more time than he hit the wood around it. But
> when he saw the various pieces of furniture that I made for myself, my
wife
> and especially him, his eyes brightened up to say the least. Well, less
> than 3 weeks ago he was told he had cancer, and as he came into the shop,
I
> knew he was in trouble. I was busy finishing up a couple of horse swings
> and he knew I was busy. He just motioned for my to continue and I
finished
> them up. It was common for him to drop by and just look around...I think
he
> took all of it in and just said to himself, "My little boy makes this."
> Well after a couple of bad weeks, we brought my Dad home to die. The
doctor
> said, "maybe 3 weeks" As he lays in a bed, he turns his head and shows
that
> drawn, weary face. Instead of complaining about dying, he tells me..."
> Don't worry about me...you've got children waiting for their toys...better
> get out to the shop..."
>
> Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had
> never been in a hospital as a patient....
>
> Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our
> loved ones.
>
> Cheers
> John
>
> --
> Rose Cottage Woodworks
> www.rosecottageinn.co.nz/woodworks
>
>
"John Gilham/Patsy Scott" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
<snipped>
>
> Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with
> our loved ones.
>
> Cheers
> John
>
Treasure the memories you have, and, see what you can do with him for
now...
This weekend is Memorial Day in the United States, with many attendant
feelings in that regard. Wednesday, we drove a couple of hours to visit my
dad, and to try to fix his computer. Fixing the computer was a total
failure, by the way. I'll turn that job over to one of my sons.
My mother passed away last fall, and my dad asked my wife to go through her
quilting stash and books, and see what treasures there were to be used.
While he did that, he pulled out a box from a high shelf, where it had been
placed over a decade ago, when her parents place was sold, after their
passing. Dad handed it all to me, a box of hand tools, the newest of which
must have been 60 years old. I got teary for more than an hour, looking
through the gift. An old, but serviceable draw knife. Farrier's tools.
Several braces, whose workings I'll have to study for a while. Files,
rasps, small frame saws. An ice pick, with the name of 'San Jose Ice
Company, San Jose California. Tel number 65'
Had I received that gift when my grandfather passed away, it would have not
had near the meaning it has today. Now, I know how to use a drawknife, and
had been considering making a greenwood chair. Now, I guess I'll have to
rig a shave horse, and do it sooner.
Dutch passed away in 1992. I don't think there's a week goes by I don't
think about someting he and Grandma taught me. Nor does a day go by when I
don't think of my folks, in one way or another. A friend told me today,
again, how much of a blessing my parents had been to my family, and to
their community.
I suspect, from the tone of your post, the same could be said for your
family. Remember the blessings, and pass them on.
Patriarch
John,
A very smart man once told me (after I lost someone also) "Dad's are
the best, that's why losing them is the worst". Just cherish the rest
of the time you have together, and he will be with you as long as you
still have memories of him. Mark L.
John Gilham/Patsy Scott wrote:
> I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and learned
> heaps from this NG. It has made me proud to call myself a woodworker and I
> guess that pride wore off on my Dad. My Dad was one of those guys that was
> lucky if he hit the nail 1 more time than he hit the wood around it. But
> when he saw the various pieces of furniture that I made for myself, my wife
> and especially him, his eyes brightened up to say the least. Well, less
> than 3 weeks ago he was told he had cancer, and as he came into the shop, I
> knew he was in trouble. I was busy finishing up a couple of horse swings
> and he knew I was busy. He just motioned for my to continue and I finished
> them up. It was common for him to drop by and just look around...I think he
> took all of it in and just said to himself, "My little boy makes this."
> Well after a couple of bad weeks, we brought my Dad home to die. The doctor
> said, "maybe 3 weeks" As he lays in a bed, he turns his head and shows that
> drawn, weary face. Instead of complaining about dying, he tells me..."
> Don't worry about me...you've got children waiting for their toys...better
> get out to the shop..."
>
> Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had
> never been in a hospital as a patient....
>
> Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our
> loved ones.
>
> Cheers
> John
>
On Fri, 28 May 2004 23:34:55 +1200, "John Gilham/Patsy Scott"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and learned
>heaps from this NG. It has made me proud to call myself a woodworker and I
>guess that pride wore off on my Dad. My Dad was one of those guys that was
>lucky if he hit the nail 1 more time than he hit the wood around it. But
>when he saw the various pieces of furniture that I made for myself, my wife
>and especially him, his eyes brightened up to say the least. Well, less
>than 3 weeks ago he was told he had cancer, and as he came into the shop, I
>knew he was in trouble. I was busy finishing up a couple of horse swings
>and he knew I was busy. He just motioned for my to continue and I finished
>them up. It was common for him to drop by and just look around...I think he
>took all of it in and just said to himself, "My little boy makes this."
>Well after a couple of bad weeks, we brought my Dad home to die. The doctor
>said, "maybe 3 weeks" As he lays in a bed, he turns his head and shows that
>drawn, weary face. Instead of complaining about dying, he tells me..."
>Don't worry about me...you've got children waiting for their toys...better
>get out to the shop..."
>
>Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had
>never been in a hospital as a patient....
>
>Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our
>loved ones.
>
>Cheers
>John
Sorry to hear about your Dad, John. There's no doubt that he's very
proud of you...and you of him.
We'll keep both of you in our prayers.
Have a nice week...
Trent©
Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed!
I lost my Mother in 2000, My younger Brother and my Father in 2001
BUT I still see and talk to all of them EVERY evening... I just walk
outside and look up and pick the 3 brightest stars in the heavens and
start the conversation....
The first overcast night did cause me a lot of greif however...
Seriously I really do this and BELIEVE ME it helps...
My Family still is very very close...
Bob Griffiths
John,
Having lurked here for a few years as well, ask your dad if he'd like
you to make a coffin for him. I can't think of a better way for you to
express your love for him, and for him to be able to honor such a gift
as yours (both in talent and in love).
Just an idea.
Justin
John Gilham/Patsy Scott wrote:
> I have lurked off and on for 5 years now. I have used the ideas and learned
> heaps from this NG. It has made me proud to call myself a woodworker and I
> guess that pride wore off on my Dad.
<lots deleted>
>
> Folks, my dad wasn't sick a day in his life...and until 3 weeks ago, had
> never been in a hospital as a patient....
>
> Let's love each other because we never know how much time we have with our
> loved ones.
>
> Cheers
> John
>