He is at peace at last.

[RevCheesehead]

My dad died last Tuesday. The details of last week are posted here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=323x1361

I feel like I just got off a four-year rollercoaster ride, and am still getting my bearings. Other than that, I am doing fine. My brother & his family left today, and I finally have some time to myself. Andy has been more than wonderful. I can't help but believe that Dad waited until Andy came into my life, to make sure I'd be OK... and I am. Really.

Thanks for your love and support during all this time. You, my KOEB family, have sustained me through so much. I thank God for each and every one of you.

Ruth :hug::hug:

[SeattleGirl]

1. You have my deepest condolences, my friend.

May your father rest in peace, and may you find all the comfort and love you need. :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

2. Thank you, dear friend!

I know you've been through it, too. :hug:

[bleever]

3. And may peace be with you.

Your dad got to see you left in a very good place. That's a blessing alright.

Best wishes to you and your family, Cheese.

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

4. Amen to that!

It was a very good death. We should all be so fortunate. :hug:

[RavensChick]

5. My deepest sympathies to you, Rev.

I've been there so believe me, I know how it feels. When my dad passed in 1995, it was just as hard as losing my mom seven years before. I'm thankful that he lived to see me graduate from college and be successful in my career when I was really just beginning. You're a part of a very strong foundation of believers, and I pray that someday you and Andy can head out this way so we can fellowship and have fun.

In the meanwhile, you have to get through the worst part of it and keep moving forward. I'm sure you loved your dad very, very, very much. It's been 15 years for me and there are times when I see a picture of my dad I smile and I reflect.

If you get a message in your inbox later on, it'll be from me. So be strong and know that God knows best. Again, my sympathies to you and your family. God Bless You always!


Love Always, Shelly
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

[RevCheesehead]

6. Actually, in some ways it was easier than Mom's passing.

I am fortunate in that I was prepared for it, and that I was present. Also, I don't feel the need to "be there" for anyone else but me. When Mom died, I was "looking after" Dad, and put my mourning on hold. Now I'm just relieved that they're together again, and so very, very happy and blessed.
Thank you, my sister in Christ. I, too, would love to meet you in person! My brother lives in Harrisburg, so it really isn't that far away, is it? :)

:hug::hug:

[RavensChick]

10. Not really.

I would say 2 hours at least.

[ralps]

7. Hugs to you all RevCheesehead!

:hi: :loveya: :hug: :pals: :woohoo: :grouphug: :hug: :grouphug:

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

8. Rev, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad.

I know what you're feeling right now, it's kind of like what I was thinking when my Dad passed in 1991. Take care of yourself and Andy. That's your priority right now and just know that your parents are together again and happy.

R.I.P. Mr. Overman, you raised a wonderful daughter..

[RevCheesehead]

13. Thank you so much, Mo.

Thanks for your very kind words. And Andy thanks you - and my Dad thanks you, too. :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

12. Thanks so much, ralps!

:hug: Hugs are everything! :hug:

[SharonRB]

9. I'm so sorry to hear this, Rev

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. He's at peace now, and can join your mother.

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

14. Thank you so much, Sharon.

You summed it up perfectly. :hug:

[CBHagman]

11. Dear Rev...

...I don't know what to say except I wish you peace, and peace to your father.

At a time like this, I like best what Father Mychal Judge once said:

God is present, loving, smiling, having received our loved ones. They are in His presence... His kingdom is enriched this day, so enriched by so many beautiful souls. So much beauty.

[RevCheesehead]

16. That is beautiful.

My brother found an old letter that my dad wrote to his mother while serving in WWII. One line really stood out, and he mentioned it in his eulogy. Dad wrote, "God is so satisfying." A young man, forced to grow up on the battlefield found, in that moment, that his faith was growing in ways he could not imagine. And in this time, God is providing everything that I need for today.

Thank you so much for your kind words, CB. :hug:

[Botany]

15. Did I ever tell you that you are my Fave?

much love,
tom

btw if 1/100 of the class your Dad had that shines from you now he
must have been a really great guy.

[RevCheesehead]

17. You know,

you are truly a very, very good man, Tom. :hug::hug::hug:
Thank you, from the depths of my heart.

[Patsy Stone]

18. Oh, Rev...

I'm so sorry to hear this. Much love to you and your family and the wonderful Andy. He knew you were in good hands, indeed. :loveya: :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

20. Thank you, my friend.

I honestly don't know how things could have gone better (that is, if you're going to die... ). And yes, I am exceptionally good hands. :hug:

[GigiMommy]

19. Ruth,

I've sat here reading and re-reading your words and cried. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I thought about the moments I had with my Dad in the hospital (telling me war stories and things) and the last day of his life. Then I thought about Rob and the last day he spent with Cassie before he flew away to N. Carolina. And I'm still crying.

I don't know what to say that hasn't been said already. I don't know what I can do to let you know that I know, really know how it feels. I celebrate the life of your Dad and the love that you all shared. Yes, he's at peace now and I pray that you and your family will find comfort in that.


Geela and Cassie

[RevCheesehead]

21. My heart is reaching out to you, my friend.

I know you fully understand. I also know you've felt a deeper pain, a tearing of your soul from your soulmate. But I firmly believe that Rob is still with you, watching over you and Cassie, and reaching out with all the love in the world. Go ahead and touch the computer screen, and tell me that you can feel him with you.

All is good. Dad had a truly blessed life, and is now at peace. He has given me so much, and now, all I can do is to try to do the best I can with what he gave me. It's a challenge, but I think I'm up to the task. My Dad's faith was incredibly strong, and it is that same faith that is holding me up right now. God is so very, very good!

My love to you and Cassie. :hug::hug:

[CC]

22. I am so sorry to hear this and my heart

aches for your loss. Know that I feel for you and am sending lots of love and :hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:s. I am so thankful Andy is there with you. Your love for your Dad and his love for you came through so strong whenever you talked about him. Hold on to that because that is forever. He is with your mom (and all the fur-kids) and both of them are and will always be with you.

[RevCheesehead]

23. My dear Ferrettessa,

Thank you so much for your kindness and love. I just posted to you in the Bereavement Group, too.
I did notice that your menagerie is getting smaller. Did Aiya cross the Rainbow Bridge? Is Gizmo collecting all his friends over there? My heart goes out to you, too. :hug::hug::hug:

[CC]

25. Yes the zoo Crew is shrinking. The downside

of having older pets. Ayja lost his battle with CRF May 23 and I handled it better than I or anyone around here thought I would. I do still look for him to be in his spots in each room when I enter so still getting used to not seeing him there. Lost Butterball last December so no cats left the like to purr next to my head all night. Only have 2 ferrets left, Pixel (the oldest and my first at 10) and Mysti (the youngest at 6) and they don't like each other. Never have, just tolerate each other, barely. Still have the other fur & feathered kids but realizing I now own not just adult pets but elderly pets. The puppy is going to be 8 years old in September and he is the GSD so older for his breed.(Don't tell him that though since he thinks he is a puppy.) I just enjoy the zoo crew still here and give them extra attention, appreciate the time I had with the ones that have crossed and hope none of them have to suffer at all.


Sending you lots of hugs. Hope you are still doing OK and letting Andy help you heal.

[RevCheesehead]

27. I am so sorry about your fur-babies.

Pixel is 10? Wow! That's like Oreo being 20, right? :)
Things continue to go well. I am in a good place. Andy is wonderful. All is well. :hug:

[CC]

28. Yes it is .

So I enjoy each day, feed them the healthiest food I know of and be thankful for what I am given. Makes it doable and even with a smile.

Terry also quit his job and started a new one in April. That was hard on him but he is adjusting well now. They went to all teams, he cannot sleep in a moving vehicle. They also work twice as hard now for 1 third less. It is still a mess at the old place and he knows he did the right thing now. This job he has been going to Boston most though he did get 2 WI runs. His first run was to Miami. Who knows where he will go next.

[Berry Cool]

24. Oh, Rev, I just don't know what to say.

:hug: I've just been so racing from thing to thing the past few days, I didn't even see this till now. I feel awful. I owe you a call. I can't say what I want to here.

[RevCheesehead]

26. Hi, sweetie.

Got your message last night - thanks for calling. I'll be home alone tonite (Andy's pulling a double: 2nd shift plus graveyard!), so I'll give you a call if you're around.

Don't feel awful. Rejoice! Mom and Dad are together again! :hug:

[Berry Cool]

29. I will be around.

Call me!