March 22, 2007

R.I.P.

For those of you who have taken an interest, I pass on the news that my Dad died late this afternoon. A few of you may remember him as the occasional (and very cantankerous) commenter "O.F." (Which stood for "Old Fart" btw.)

After nearly ten years battling prostate cancer, it finally caught up with him last June, after which he went into a steady decline from which we all knew there was no realistic chance of recovery. Things started spiralling downward over the past couple months, and he'd been in something close to a coma since last weekend. FWIW, the report is that he went without pain and, extremely important to me, without fear. (This is what we'd all been praying for and I like to think that He heard us.)

I dunno yet whether I'll say anything more about it all here or not. At the moment, as you might imagine, we're all in a sort of daze. Past that, it's tough to say. In his own crazed way, we knew he loved all of us dearly. On the other hand, he was so crazed that everybody near him instinctively built up a kind of defensive indifference in order not to become crazy ourselves. (Those of you who are Fawlty Towers fans may remember the line in which the psychiatrist said of Basil Fawlty, "There's enough material there for an entire conference." Well, everybody in my family laughed uproariously at that line. But not all for the same reason.) After 42 years, it's rayther hard to drop all that.

Anyhoo, I may continue posting as normal. Or not. Or my posts may suddenly get all cryptic. Or just generally strange. Or not.

In any event, you'll understand why, I'm sure.

UPDATE: Many, many thanks to all of you for your very kind wishes. I am probably going to spend the next day or two just laying low - spending time with the family (I have to break the news to the gels after school today), doing a bit of light gardening, reading subversive religious literature (nudge, nudge, Fr. M) - so don't expect much posting from me.

In the meantime, though, don't let me stop the hijinks around here. I expect Steve-O and Gary to carry on with the party.

Yip! Yip!

Posted by Robert at March 22, 2007 09:56 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Losing a parent is never easy. Know that you're in my thoughts.

Posted by: owlish at March 22, 2007 10:04 PM

Godspeed, Robert.

Posted by: Gary at March 22, 2007 10:21 PM

Dude...

Posted by: Steve the LLamabutcher at March 22, 2007 10:35 PM

Very, very sorry for your loss.

My father died of colo-rectal cancer two years ago.

Bless you.

Posted by: Christina at March 22, 2007 10:50 PM

I loved my dad, and was really crushed when he died suddenly of a stroke. So, I'll understand if you are weird(er than usual) for a while. I know I was.

Hang in there, Robert. I'll put in a prayer.

Posted by: Hucbald at March 22, 2007 11:05 PM

So sorry for your loss. You're in my prayers.

Take care of yourself and the family.

Posted by: Kathy at March 22, 2007 11:23 PM

My condolences. Please take some time and be well.

Posted by: Uncle Pinky at March 23, 2007 12:38 AM

My condolences Robert.

Posted by: Ted at March 23, 2007 06:12 AM

You're in my prayers

Posted by: Marvin at March 23, 2007 06:17 AM

I lost my father two weeks ago to lung cancer. From all of us at the Patriot's Brigade, we are so sorry for your loss.

Posted by: Changaleer at March 23, 2007 06:25 AM

I'm so sorry.

Posted by: Rachel at March 23, 2007 06:50 AM

Our prayers are with you and your family...

Posted by: kmr at March 23, 2007 06:58 AM

So sorry for you loss. We'll have your family in our prayers.

Posted by: beth at March 23, 2007 07:13 AM

You are in our prayers.

Posted by: JB at March 23, 2007 07:15 AM

My sincerest condolences, Robbo. I will pray for him and your family.

Posted by: The Colossus at March 23, 2007 07:21 AM

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know all too well what it's like when a parent dies; it's not easy, the shock never really goes away.

Posted by: GroovyVic at March 23, 2007 07:40 AM

Robert, you and your family have my deepest condolences; and are in my prayers.

Posted by: The Maximum Leader at March 23, 2007 07:47 AM

May the angels lead him into paradise and where Lazarus is poor no longer may he find eternal rest. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Robbo.

Posted by: Fr. M. at March 23, 2007 08:09 AM

What they said. My prayers are with you & your family.

Posted by: Preston Taylor Holmes at March 23, 2007 08:11 AM

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I also have a father with "enough material for an entire conference" so I think I know, at least a little bit of what you are feeling. You and your father are in our prayers.

Posted by: Sir Basil Seal at March 23, 2007 08:35 AM

Deepest condolences to you & your family.

Posted by: rbj at March 23, 2007 09:03 AM

My condolences Robbo.
You and your family will be in my prayers.

Posted by: phin at March 23, 2007 09:04 AM

My deepest sympathy and prayers.

Posted by: NBS at March 23, 2007 09:20 AM

Robbo, I'm sorry. You are in our prayers.


Posted by: Mrs. Peperium at March 23, 2007 09:33 AM

I'm very sorry.

Posted by: Jordana at March 23, 2007 10:08 AM

Sorry to hear of your loss, Robert. My thoughts are with you.

Posted by: The Commissar at March 23, 2007 10:12 AM

I'm so sorry about your family's loss. It sounds like he had a peaceful end, which is a blessing for you all.

Posted by: Sarah G. at March 23, 2007 10:19 AM

I'm sorry for your loss. Perhaps planting a tree might be a comfort.

Posted by: LeeAnn at March 23, 2007 10:59 AM

I'm truly sorry for your loss, Robert. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Posted by: utron at March 23, 2007 12:46 PM

You have my condolences Robbo. Prayers for you and your family.

Posted by: HayZeus at March 23, 2007 12:59 PM

My condolences. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and perpetual light shine upon him.

Posted by: MelanieB at March 24, 2007 09:40 AM

My condolences as well.

Posted by: Misspent at March 24, 2007 10:23 AM

Since I can't access your blog from work, I'm only now seeing your sad news.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Know that you're all in my prayers.

Posted by: jen at March 24, 2007 10:41 AM

Dear Rob--Take your time. The daze is there to protect you until you have a chance to process your loss...and anyone who loses a parent,no matter what the circumstances, is now an orphan. I am one among many praying for your father, and for you and your family. pnutqueen

Posted by: pnut queen at March 24, 2007 02:10 PM

Robbo, please take care. I'm thinking of you. I lost my dad a few years ago to cancer.

One's father is what the fates decree. There is a certainty of connection between father and son, no matter the circumstances of the relationship.

I do hope you find your peace in the comfort of the love of your family and friends.

Posted by: Chef Mojo at March 24, 2007 11:34 PM

So sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is a jolt.

Posted by: linda at March 25, 2007 03:46 AM

Very sorry to hear that Rob. Hang in there (not at the catch).

Posted by: LB Buddy at March 25, 2007 06:40 PM

My Condolences, Rob...

Posted by: Keith S. at March 25, 2007 07:28 PM