1.
Posted by
james
(Travel Guru 4139 posts)
8y
Star this if you like it!
Hi Everyone,
I have deliberately posted this here and not on Facebook.
It's been a year (almost to the day) since the wonderful TP meetup in London.
As those who were present at the meetup will remember, my father came along to say hello, and to have a drink with the great people that I have spoken about for so long to him and to my family.
My father was taken ill quite suddenly about two weeks ago. Yesterday, test results came through that conclusively pointed to him having cancer of the gall bladder and liver. It is inoperable, and sadly, we have been advised that in a matter of weeks or perhaps a couple of months, he will no longer be with us.
He speaks very fondly of the travels I've had with him, and also very fondly of those that he met at the meetup. He remembers every one of you, and really enjoyed me adding some background and context for him so that he feels that he has gotten to know you a little more. He still talks about how, on his last day in London whilst travelling to Heathrow, he bumped into Hien on Hammersmith tube station!
As I said, I'd like to keep this off Facebook please.
Thanks
James
2.
Posted by
Sander
(Moderator 6085 posts)
8y
Star this if you like it!
James, I sadly wasn't there in London, but I know several of those who were, and - tenuous though the connections are - feel connected to you all, and can imagine something of what the moot will have been like.
I probably can't imagine how utterly gut-wrenching this news must be for you, but what I can imagine is quite bad enough, so you and your family are in my thoughts. I hope you will manage to fill the coming weeks - and hopefully months - to the brim with additional memories worth remembering; that your father will continue to be able to enjoy as much as there is to enjoy, for as long as he can.
3.
Posted by
Purdy
(Travel Guru 3549 posts)
8y
Star this if you like it!
Wow James lm sorry to hear this news you dad is such a gentleman. To have this happen is truly awful.
You and dad have special memories of your trips which will bring you solace later down the road.
I fully echo what Sander says you have the gift of time now to make further memories whether it's weeks months or longer as he's s special man and may surprise all the docs. I lost my dad 3 years ago and didn't make it home in time to say goodbye so l hope the future is kind to you, to make the memories, say what you need too, that there is little pain and you can see through the darkness.
Huge hugs to you all xxx
4.
Posted by
KellieBarnes
(Travel Guru 813 posts)
8y
Star this if you like it!
I am so sorry to hear this James.
Although it was a brief meeting last year, your dad was obviously a very lovely man and keen to be travelling with you. I am sure that must have meant the world to you then and will make you smile in future.
I hope you get to take all the time you can to be with him, to make him comfortable, and have the family close. My family were afforded the fortune to sit with my father's diagnosis and the inevitable outcome for much longer. I cannot imagine how hard it is for you, your father, and your family to process this news so suddenly, and you will remain in my thoughts. X
5.
Posted by
GregW
(Travel Guru 2639 posts)
8y
Star this if you like it!
I'm sorry to hear this sad news, James. Your Dad was great fun, and it was lovely meeting him.
I hope his days ahead are happy and comfortable, and surrounded by people he loves.
[ Edit: Edited on 02-Dec-2015, at 23:43 by GregW ]
6.
Posted by
bex76
(Moderator 5413 posts)
8y
Star this if you like it!
Sorry to hear this news James. Your Dad was lovely and I enjoyed talking to him in London. Thinking of you at this sad time.
7.
Posted by
samsara_
(Travel Guru 5353 posts)
8y
Star this if you like it!
I'm really sorry James. It's a day I dread myself. If you need anything (even from this far away), let me know. I'm glad for you that you had have such a recent memory of something you shared together. I'm sorry I never met him. He sounds like a lovely man. I'd like to have a few words with him about you! (just kidding xx) Big hug.
8.
Posted by
areinstein
(Travel Guru 2788 posts)
8y
Star this if you like it!
This is really bad news James. I am so sorry to hear. When I met your father, I thought...look at him, traveling with his son all over the place at this pace lol! It was just awesome, aren't you glad you had that time with him? Just son and father.
I always say there is no time to waste, enjoy every minute because we can be gone at any time and though I am so very sad for you, I am choosing to think about the fun times we had with you, your dad, and our extended TP family. Your dad is way cool and he will always be that cool man here on earth and wherever he might be when he is no longer with us. Think of him fondly with just the good times, that's how you will honor him.
I feel your pain by seeing myself in your shoes. My thoughts are with you and your family. Much love James.
9.
Posted by
P marley
(First Time Poster 1 posts)
8y
Star this if you like it!
Hay James, sorry to hear your sad news mate, had some great conversations with your dad that weekend in London , lol well between an Aussie and a Pom!! you can imagine the topics!!, made some great friendships that weekend and your dad was defiantly one of them.. All the best mate, you and your family will be in my thought over the next few weeks..
The Pom.
10.
Posted by
Sam I Am
(Admin 5588 posts)
8y
Star this if you like it!
Sheesh, sorry to hear that James! I was reading the other posts here and I had the exact same thought as Anne; how cool to be travelling with your son at that age and going out to a bar to meet people. That says a lot about a person!
Say hi to him and all the best in this difficult time.