..on short final

[balsum fractus]

 We found out just after Christmas that my wife's Dad has terminal cancer. He is not expected to last the week, so it is a bit late to be asking for Fubar prayers or wishes...

He signed up with the RCAF during the war when he was only 18. Despite the fact that he wore glasses, he talked the air force into putting him through pilot training. He graduated at the top of his class which condemned him to being an instructor with the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. (if he had done a little bit worse, he would have been sent overseas to fly Mosquitos..which is what he wanted.) He flew everything available and survived two crashes (engine failure and a mid air collision).

Fortunately for me and my family, while stationed at a training base he met a cute blond who worked at the local bank and married her after the war. He stayed in the reserves after the war for several years flying P-51's, Vampires, T-33's and finishing off in the Sabre (which he had taken supersonic a  couple of times) He logged over 4000 hours of military flying, but with a couple of youngsters, and the demands of the family business, he was forced to give it up in the mid fifties. Flying remained a deep rooted passion, though he rarely ever spoke of it.



He is tickled pink that my son took up the aviation torch. Mike is visiting with him now, and his waking hours (which are few in his weak condition) have been spent talking airplanes and flying. Stories are surfacing that my wife never even knew about. Mike was going to take him up for a last flight (literally) but his deteriorating condition made that impossible.... so the engaging flying conversations are the next best thing.  He has bravely accepted that his body is shutting down and wanted to share his past with Mike...

Thanks for hearing me out guys and gal....it is now a waiting game for the inevitable.....

[Frazz]

Things like this tend to choke me up.  But, prayers are sent to your family and father in law.

[Onepoint]

Sorry to hear, and the prayers coming none the less, if only for the comfort and peace for him and the family.

That's a pretty full history, not just a unique career, but a family as well ,  and now able to see his heirs continue his love and reciprocate the appreciation.  That a pretty awesome gift from Mike, and from him to Mike and the rest who will get to share them from him as well.

Some people live their whole lives and never once get to live their dream, and some are much more fortunate to live the extraordinary, I think he is in the latter.  Gods speed to him nony and I hope you that are left behind for now find comfort in that.

[stetto]

I can't add much to what Ron & Eric have said, Wayne. I'm so sorry.

That your father-in-law has shared his life and experience to the point of being inspirational is indeed a great legacy. You can never lose touch with someone who has acheived so much with his family, no matter how far they fly from you...

[Buzzardbeak]

Wayne,

My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

It is wonderful he had the opportunity to share the past with your son. This is a wonderful thing he will always remember.

[balsum fractus]

Thanks guys...It never amazes me how all of you can use exactly the right words to communicate a sense of compassion and understanding.

Your thoughts are truly appreciated.....more than you will know!

[wtxsflyr]

Wayne,

Billie Sue and I are so very sorry to hear this.  Please know that we are praying for comfort and peace for your father in law. We are also praying for strength and support for his family.

Carl

[Cynthia]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family too. May his passing be peaceful. So grateful he has a family that cares so much.
I am facing a cancer battle right now too. Was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma a few months ago. Had a mastectomy on the 9th of November. Mike made it to Salt Lake for the surgery, back in WA now. I moved to St George, Utah from Salt Lake last month for the chemo and the sun. Mike was able to make it for the first treatment on Dec. 28th. We spent New Years in Las Vegas.
Had second treatment of chemo today. My new mantra is "Bald Is Beautiful"
I share this now because I know the Fubar gang believes in the power of prayer and I want to count you in my prayer army. I am not afraid to die because I KNOW that this is not the end. What doesn't make me happy is a life full of doctor's visits and treatments. This is suppose to last a few months and I figure I need to do this for my kids, grandkids, and of course, Mike. We went to a funeral of one of his school buddies while in Vegas and it was hard on him. He made me promise to not make him sit in a room and look at me in a box. I will do my best.
Thanks guys for always being there...I don't post often but I read every post.
Love to all!
Cynthia

[Frazz]

So sorry to hear this Cynthia.  Of course prayers will be prayed for you.  Mike too.

[Onepoint]

I know what you are going through Cynthia, well the bald thing anyway.    My Mom went through chemo almost 2 years ago, and it was miserable for her,  but you do get through it. Hair grows back, so hang in there. 

[Cynthia]

Thanks you guys,

I actually have a couple of really cute wigs. The American Cancer society provides them at no cost to chemo patients. This has been a real boost to my morale. I am looking forward to the "growing back even better and maybe curly" part of this. Meanwhile, the time it takes to get ready for the day has drastically reduced and I wasn't even one to primp when it comes to my hair.

Love and all the best to youse guys!

PS How is your mom doing now, Eric?

[Onepoint]

Shes doing fine now,  they have called her cancer free, and I think she is now down to yearly check ups.

[zrct02]

Wayne.  My best to you and your family.  I think your son has given the best gift humanly possible.  It appears the legacy will live on and that is, of course, a very, very good thing.
Cynthia.  I'm kinda ald-new here but may I join the other members in wishing you well and health after you beat this.

[stetto]

We're pulling for a clean bill of health for you up here in the snowbank too, Cynthia.

...But you knew that...

[jetmex]

Wayne and Cynthia - we're pulling for ya'll down here as well.  Best wishes and prayers for all of you...