Another Vietnam Veteran, Special Forces, has died. He was 70. He was my father-in-law,

and he was a very sweet, peaceable man. Always said "yes sir" and "no sir", even to people younger than him just to show he respected them. Loved golf, and in his younger days, was a scratch golfer. Loved good manners. Not a rascist bone in his body. Loved bluegrass music.

My mother-in-law is heartbroken. My husband used to fish with him, watch golf and football with him, and they just finished a building project together. My husband won't realize how much he misses him until the next time he picks up the phone to talk to him.

He loved the Green Berets. He loved all the fun shit they trained them to do. He was glad he was looking for POW camps and not in the middle of a fight. He was found on the floor, and it is believed he died quickly, the way he would have wanted.

The family is still in shock. They were really enjoying their retirement together. All of their kids are grown and in "a good place" in their lives. He didn't die worrying about any of them.

peace of sitting outside enjoying a smoke and a cup of coffee. He loved his family and grandkids. Thank you so much.

:hug:

70 is NOT old, not any more. Your father-in-law, who sounds like a great guy, was just getting started.

Still, if it happened in a twinkling, he got away without pain or suffering.

They come now, for his loved ones.

I am so sorry for your loss. For your great loss.............

Probably had used the treadmill earlier. I'm beginning to think he probably died the way he wanted to: quickly, no big medical interventions, and not having to watch his family become hysterical. He was a calm man. They were really enjoying their retirement together.

Thank you for sharing your memories of him. :hug:

Wife and I are both 68 and we are trying to keep active just because you aren't guaranteed anything at our age.

It's good that he was able to enjoy some quality time with his son, that is a relationship I'm re establishing after a life spent working.

Thank you for your good wishes.

Peace to you and your family :hug:

Will hold you all in our hearts tonight

May you find peace.


edit = typo

:grouphug:

(Architect of life, Architect of destiny)

As my dusk approaches, I bless thee, Life,
for you never gave me failed hope,
or unjust work, or undeserved punishment;
for I see at the end of my rugged journey
that I was the architect of my destiny;
if I drew the sweetness or aloes from things,
it was because I put into them bitter bile, or sweet honey:
when I planted rose bushes, I always harvested roses.

True, to my youth Winter will come:
But you never promised me that May would be eternal!
No doubt I found my nights of sorrow to be long;
but you never promised me only good nights;
and yet I had some that were blessedly serene...
I loved, and I was loved, the sun stroked my face.
Life, you owe me nothing! Life, we are at peace!

- Amado Nervo

...... that they celebrate his life.

There is never a good time to go. Going before his time makes it even harder for all of you. Allow your grief to take you where it will. You'll find you're ale to manage that.

But you might also try to chart your own course. A course of celebration of a life well lived and a man well loved.

and your family. O8)

Bon voyage, bro. :patriot:

:cry:

from back then, including one in which he lost a stripe for insubordination (the leftenant was a dick). My hubby loved his dad's army stories.

My dad's a Vietnam Vet, I feel for you.

RIP and Godspeed to your Father-in-Law. :patriot:

:(