Stay Signed In
Do you want to access your site more quickly on this computer? Check this box, and your username and password will be remembered for two weeks. Click logout to turn this off.
Stay Safe
Do not check this box if you are using a public computer. You don't want anyone seeing your personal info or messing with your site.
Dad might not have been a brilliant scientist (he never graduated high school) but he had all the smarts he needed to to be a great husband, a wonderful father, a devoted son, and a dear friend to many.
He was never the strongest or healthiest of men but all I ever needed of him was to be strong enough to give me a hug. He was a gentle man who seldom got really angry, but when he did - watch out. My dad taught me about love, about gentleness, about kindness, and about strength.
He worked many years in a menial job to provide for his family. When he could no longer work due to weakness in his legs (and a diagnosis of ALS - Lou Gehrig's disease) he still provided for his family by cooking meals and caring for the house. He felt as if he were half a man for not being able to work but he was more of a man than many men could ever be. Most people die of ALS within three years. We really never believed that diagnosis as he lived with it for fifteen years and he was still standing on his own two feet.
Dad started smoking at a young age, before anyone knew it was bad for you. He wanted to quit but was afraid of the withdrawl. As a result he ended up with emphysemia. He did eventually quit smoking - the day he was told he had inoperable lung cancer. I drove with my dad the 30 miles or so several times a week for his radiation treatments. It was a difficult time but it was our time together. My mom and I cared for him throughout his battle with cancer. We were able to give back some of that love, caring and devotion he gave to us. Eventually the cancer went to his brain.
My dad was the greatest! He was my protector, my provider, and my best friend. He was a caring, gentle man and he was a fighter. He fought to stay alive. In the end he lost his battle with cancer and a part of me died with him.
He will forever be in my heart but he is happy and healthy at home with his Lord and Savior in heaven. We'll be together again someday dad.
My dad Theodore (Ted)
May 14, 1929 - May 27, 1993 (age 64)
