My dad passed away today, after several years of declining health due to NPH misdiagnosed as Parkinson's. This was not unexpected; he was removed from life support over a week ago, at his own insistence, after failing to recover from surgery to correct the NPH. While we all had plenty of time to prepare ourselves and say our goodbyes, it's still hard to grasp that I'll never be able to talk with him again.
Dad bought me my first computer before I even knew I was a computer geek, and he sent me on a university trip to Europe when I was flunking out of college, telling me that it would "change my life". He couldn't have known that, on that trip, I would meet the girl I would marry, or that her parents (leading the tour) were professors at the college I was flunking out of, or that her mother would also be my computer science teacher and my boss at my first programming job. Within a year of that trip, I was transformed from an aimless and lonely department store night manager, to a smitten computer science major writing software for a living. I don't believe in fate, but I most certainly believe in the power of a father's guiding hand.
I'm relieved that Dad lived long enough to see some pictures of Hannah and to hear that she's going to be OK. When we started this project several years ago, he was already ill enough that we weren't sure he would be around to see his fifth grandchild born. As it turned out, he was fading away just as Hannah was gaining strength; the oldest member of the family passing the torch to the youngest.
Carla just got back from the hospital and Hannah is doing just fine. I'm looking forward to telling Hannah all about her Grandpa Minor, and I hope to do his memory justice when it comes my turn to guide her down the path of life.
I put together a slideshow of photos I've collected over the years, along with some music I know Dad would like. It only runs on Windows PCs and is a huge download (34MB), so don't try to download it unless you have a fast internet connection. It's an EXE file, but I promise it has no viruses or spyware. If your screensaver kicks in while it is running, just press SHIFT to get the picture back. ESC will terminate the show. Click here to download it.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Ted Minor, 1928-2007
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Karl,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such beautiful memories of your dad with us. I am praying for you, your mom and siblings to have peace in this time of grief.
The circle of life is mysterious, but I believe it is well-choreographed and has a great purpose. In time, we always see what that purpose is. Hannah is going to be a special person. She's going to stand out and make a difference.
We love you guys,
Chris, Amy, Alex and Eliot
Karl --
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear of your Dad passing. I still remember meeting him in your front yard about 20+ years ago. He made me comfortable immediately and I will always remember his gracious welcome to your new, strange friend. And I will be always be a little amazed that he turned us loose with his Country Squire on the trip to San Diego. Again, condolences on your loss.
Neal, Jeanette, and Nikolaus
It’s interesting to read your story and to know that his actions on you impacted me as well. I happened to meet my wife sitting at that computer your Dad bought… And the education and career path that he seeded for you is one I simply followed, which I’m sure is one of the smarter things I’ve ever done. And I’ve been thinking in the last few weeks about your Dad and remembering him. Remembering some simple things, like his fleet of VWs, the shenanigans with the Lincoln raffle, and a book he once gave me - which I still have.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rick Wilt
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing, expected or not. Loss of a loved one is always a rough time, but at least you can take comfort in Hannah & in knowing that your dad knew about her before he died.
ReplyDeleteOur deepest condolences to you & your family.
Karl and Carla, I am just catching up on your incredibly emotional last few months. My prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteKarl, I can empathize with you in the loss of your father. He sounds like a marvelous man and father. My mother passed away after removal from life support only 3 short months before her first great grandchild was to be born.
I find myself trying to be the best grandmother I can be, in honor of her memory. I cannot wait until my little Noah is old enough to be told stories about his grandmother an how wonderful she was.
I will continue to pray for you and your family, and will lift you all up during our prayers and concerns at church.
I forgot to say who I was.
ReplyDeleteKathy Foster (former "Heart of Dallas" chorus member and TIer)