Hello all. Still a newbie and have not driven my bus north yet for many reasons including my last drive up date was Oct 1st (week of my B-day) but Sept 08 my son Gregory 37 years old and my 14 year work partner died of an accidental Heroin over dose.Although it was not Heroin it was Fentinol ( a cutting drug) He was 36 hours away from rehab and "just needed to get through the next 2 days" He had been struggling with Opiate addiction for 6 years since all 4 his wisdom teeth were removed ,but also had other psychological struggles to cope with that most never knew of .
Greg`s life story was Music ! Since 11 yrs old I showed him 4-5 cords on the guitar and off he went !! Singing,playing nearly every instrument known playing all by ear with no formal music theory ,wrote thousands of songs was a great artist. Jewelry, drawing,painting composing and a superb actor in many plays and rock operas so much more! His voice was known locally as the best voice range around. One local almost famous musician/music store owner said " that Greg had more talent in his right pinky finger than any musician he ever meet!"
It would take more time and more space to give him real justice as a human and my first son than I could have ever imagined even when he was alive .
One thing we as parents never think we`ll ever have to do is make the funeral arrangements for one of our Children! Sitting there as they ask so many things from how to prepare the body to how many hours of Funeral hall to purchase etc.... but the one that I never thought of was ,How many people do you think will attend??? I looked at his 29 yr old Brother my 2nd born Brandon and I said "5-50??? And Brandon said "sounds about right" Well ,,,, we didnt truly know how many people he had touched and encouraged even through the last 6-10 difficult years until the line was nearly a block down the street and they had to almost push us out of the hall and later at the church for their evening services.
8 hours of service time with both and hundreds of people from all over like New Orleans,He Lived and performed there, many from New York,RI, Conn, GA, KY, VT etc...
He recorded some music at Capital Records in CA 8 years ago, Drove a 72 Winnebago Brave we restored around the US for awhile and most recently became a Father of a beautiful Boy/my Grandson Jeagan which he only was able to see 1 time the day he was born because of his addictive and psychological issues.
To sum it up , I only wanted to say , Ive lost a Child, I`m not looking for sympathy or a helping hand. Just want you to know I`ve lost something dear! I want you to know my child was here . My child left something behind know one can see. I just wanted you to know my child did exist! ((((Excerpts from a poem " My Child Did Exist" ))))))
Back on the bus subject ,was planning on Arcadia again this year but was thinking of saying screw in and driving it north in January instead but decided against as probably not the right time of year and frame of mind. So till next time. Hold all that you love very very close to you and no matter the adversity's tell them you love them and will help them any way you can/will because it may very wellbe the last time you will ever see them ! God bless us all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know he has blessed me even through this tragedy !!
Moderator. Move this to proper thread if needed. I Just saw the final arrival thread.
I hear you Lou. I wish your son had been able to beat it. I would have liked to hear him play.
I'm sorry you have to go through this, but I hear you.
craig
So sorry to hear of your loss, no words can cover the loss of a child
My condolences and prayers go out for you. Loss of a child, no matter what their age, is a parent's worst nightmare. May God give you comfort in your time of loss.
It is a tragic story and I hear your hurt. Your words of remembrance for your son are touchingly heartfelt -- I wish you peace and comfort, in God's due time.
So sorry for your loss Lou. What a beautiful tribute to your son you have written. You are so right in that a parent should never be the one to bury their children. My heart goes out to you.
My profound condolences to you...
Lou my heart hurts for You, i can feel your pain and sense of helplessness as we are dealing with some of these same issues ourselves. May God comfort you and yours.
Wes
As a preacher I am expected to have the right words to say at times like these but the fact is, most of the time I do not have a clue what I should say. I do know how to cry with you and me and my family are doing that right now. God help.
Davy
I am so sorry for your loss, We recently lost a young son-in-law to a brief bout with cancer and share your pain. Keep your Dear Ones close and talk to one another and let time pass is the best advice I can give. Jack
So sorry for your loss. Cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling.
Every parents greatest fear. My heart aches after reading your post. So very sorry.
I'm sorry for your loss
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May the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your family at this time and forever more.
Lou,
I am very sorry for your loss, and pray that God comforts you in the loss of your son and friend.
Steve
Lou,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I went through this 29 years ago and every year, especially during this season my heart is in such pain. It seems only months ago that I last seen him at times, wishing I could see him just one more time.
Thanks to all of you for the kindness and prayers !! I often catch myself saying "God has not created a word for the emotion of loosing a child" No one can know until experienced.
Tho Surprising how many people you meet/know in your daily life that have lost a child and can reflect and reassure that all will be OK .
The healing process for each is different but my faith is my strength along with knowing he is free and in our Lords hands .
My anticipation to see him and others I miss has grown knowing that when God calls me we will be a Family again.
Thanks again and Merry Christmas!!!
Lou,
Am sorry for your loss, I went thru this similiar event 25 yrs ago, it is not easy, but the hurt will become less and you and the family will move forward.
DON'T get into the blame game.
Good luck
Dave M
Lou:
I feel your pain. We buried a son in 1986. May the Great Comforter be with you family in this season
Blessings, my friend!
Steve