Thanks you guys & dolls, I can always count on you, it seems. I am so much closer to my Mom, and this is HARD! I'd better hold on to my hat! I thin that when you lose a parent, it makes you feel just like a little boy, or a little girl, no matter how old you are?

Pretty pathetic I am watching "Charlie Brown Christmas" crying with two boxes of Kleenex, and a bottle of Chardonnay! At least I wont get arrested!

The Police Officer called me back today, that did the welfare check. What a nice guy, I can say that he was the only one that gave a 'hoot' in that entire office, so I Thanked him so very much, and appologised if I was ever unkind to him. I also am hoping that angel of a CNA didn't lose her job?!? I have no doubt that Dad's wife, tried to have her head on a plate!

I think I will write an obit for my Dad, in the town where he & my Mom grew up. In case he has any friends, still living there. I do know that he is survived by three children, one brother, many nieces & nefews, and six great nieces & nefews. Someone please do a spell-check for me! They should know, and he deserves at least that, an acknowledgment of his life.

N.Mc.

Sky,

I'm sorry to hear about your father's passing. You will be in my thoughts and prayers tonight.

For an obit, you might want to contact the paper where you are hoping to have it posted. I learned when my dad died that there are forms to fill out if you want a standard obit. That was a blessing.

Thank You Anna. I did write them an E-Mail? Is that good enough? Now my cousins are all writing to me, and asking "Where do we send flowers?" Nowhere? It is all so surreal.

My Dad does have family, many who loved him. Just not according to his wife???

Sky,

I'm so very sorry to hear that your Dad passed away. Thank God you got a chance to see him. I know that must have made you feel good that you got to tell him I love you and your final goodbye. Not everyone always has that chance, and I'm glad you did.

If your cousins want to send flowers, why don't you suggest that they donate the money that they would spend on flowers to either a favorite charity of his, and if not, one of yours in his name.

And I like the idea of you writing some sort of obit or tribute to your dad in the paper where he lived. Put that handsome picture of him in his uniform with that tribute.

So glad you made peace with him.

take care, and my sympathies to you

Jackie

Sky:

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, but I am so happy you were able to see him.
Peace and hugs to you.

Nancy, we never had services for my parents when they passed away. Mom and Dad didn't want anything done and we honored those wishes. What I have done is set a small space up on a table to honor them with a picture of them both together, then I decorate it according to the season. Right now, I have some Christmas decorations surrounding them. I also have a candle that I light on special anniversaries or holidays. When I come downstairs in the morning, there they are, smiling away and it gives me peace.

Maybe in time, you could maybe consider doing something like that for your dad? It would provide you with a special place all your own to memorialize him in whatever manner you wish. Just a thought.

Thank You, Jackie & Snickers, for your suggestions. You are right, I should set up some kiind of foundation, perhaps to the study & education of Alzheimers? He had it too, who knew, it took him quickly? Our fearless leader Debra U, who wrote the great book, can't stand "The AZ Assoc" for what ever reason, and I trust her opinion. I've always wondered how to ask for this instead of that, for my Mom.

It is all so hard, when you are in this daze, of grief? What a weird set-up, that those that are hurting the most, have to make all the plans? I will be O.K. I am a tough cookie, although I emote, a lot. When it comes to my Mamma? Who knows.

Maybe God gave me this, as a dress rehearsel?

My incredible, sweet & dear, and insightful friend, of 41 years, wrote to me tonight. I keep remembering more and more people (friend, cousins, realtives) that I should write, and or call, to tell about my Dad's passing. She was REALLY close to her Dad, and he died very suddenly, she was shell-shocked, and this was her answer.

"Oh Sweetie, I just listened to your message and now it is too late to
call you, but I'll call in the morning"

"Honey, there is nothing to do -- and there is nothing you need to do.
You just sit around, lay around, feel your feelings, love your dad, and
cry every day. Then you will take walks, rehearse all the things, so you
don't forget them, and go to the store to buy an apple. Then you will
take a yoga class and talk to people, and very gradually you will not
cry every day. This took me a year, but I am very slow. And then you
won't cry every week. And then you will think you are better and in the
middle of a drive home you will cry your eyes out. Just know it takes
time. And that there is love in it. And that you will learn more about
yourself, and your life, and life in general. Fresh air helps. Fuzzy
slippers help. Sad movies make it worse. Turn off the radio -- music
is impossible, just now. Pray. Write. Take naps. Take vitamins (you
are really burning through your vitamins.) Make a pot of tea. Arrange
flowers. Anything creative.

It just hurts like hell. But it won't kill you, and someday you will
even be able to talk about him without crying.

Oh Sky, I am so sorry about you loosing your father, yes, we are never prepared for loosing a parent and it hurts. I wish I could hug you.

~Kelly~

Dearest Skygirl,
Thank God for the "I love you"s that you got and that you
gave, as well as for your last visit.
May you find a measure of comfort in these things.
Meanwhile, warmest cyberhugs and heartfelt prayers
are being sent your way.
Carol

Dear Nancy,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad passing. I can't imagine the pain, the mixed emotions.
Trust your gut instincts -so true - I'm glad you got you see him one more time.
Regarding the lack of a memorial service, the money - it doesn't matter - your Dad lives in your heart and thats what really counts.
Be gentle with yourself.
Peace
Eileen

A BLESSING! I wanted to write an 'obit' in the town where Mom & Dad grew up, but was having a hard time of it? So this morning, I just Googled him, where he lived, nothing, where he grew up, this! His Brother BLESS HIS HEART beat me to it! He is 83, but sharp as a tack, and has all the perfectly correct info! Thank God! No picture, but I'll take it! It is strange how much relief this has brought me!

And Mom is already chirpping about a new red bracelet, she bought at "Ross?" I think we will both me O.K. "Whew!"

James McCampbell

James McCall McCampbell died December 7, 2008 in San Francisco, CA after a long illness. He was born May 10, 1924 to Louise McCampbell and Basil Davis McCampbell in Nashville, TN. James attended Oklahoma City Public Schools Putnam Heights, Harding, and graduated from Classen High School in 1942. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, and received a degree in Engineering Physics from the University of California, Berkeley. He was a 1st Lt. in World War II, with service in the paratroops in the Pacific. His professional specialties were focused on the effects of nuclear weapons and design of nuclear reactors. He was an early user of large computers for solving technical and economic problems. James was a longtime senior engineer for the Bechtel Corporation and Westinghouse in their atomic engineering areas. He developed engineering designs for the Space Environment Simulator at the L.B. Johnson Manned Spacecraft Center and the Fast Flux Test Facility (plutonium fueled reactor) for the Atomic Energy Commission. James published two books: UFOLOGY, coining the phrase which is now widely used, and Megacraters on Earth, an introduction to cosmic geology, in addition to many scientific articles. James is survived by wife, Jean of the home three daughters, Ann, Kathy, and Nancy, their mother, Carolyn West Barry and brother, Dr. Stanley R. McCampbell of Oklahoma City. According to James' wishes, he will be cremated and no formal services will be held.