Moms..Be sure to tell them what they mean to you.

[hammerdrill376]

To my fellow SLY guys. I hope this post isn't too depressing as that is not the intent so follow me and hopefully you will understand what I am saying.

Yesterday was my birthday. Rolls around every September 28th. But 10 years ago today, September 29th 1998, I got a call I never dreamed in a million years I would have received. My wife, daughter and I had been up to my mothers home just outside Fayetteville, NC for the weekend and came back to our home the following Monday. I can still remember exactly what she was wearing standing in the driveway waving goodbye to us and as usual with tears in her eyes. My daughter was 6 at the time and as far as my mother was concerned the sun rose and set around her and my daughter worshipped the ground her "Nanny" walked on. About 4PM the next day our phone rang and I was given the news that my mom had suffered a heart attack. It took talking to several relatives to get someone who would finally tell me that she did not survive the trip to the hospital.

Well today is the 10th anniversary of her passing. I don't know why it just really hit me hard today..harder than in the last several years. I just wanted all you SLY guys out there who still have their moms and dads to really think about making sure you give them the respect, help and love they deserve. Sometimes we think they will be here forever but that isn't the case. So would all of you do me a favor...it would be sort of my way of honoring my mom today through you guys. If you haven't already done so recently,  pick a phone up..call your mom and dad and just tell them you love them. Better yet go see them if you can. I know I should have done that alot more than I did.   The hammer will appreciate it and a special lady named Joyce will be looking down with a smile on all my SLY brothers and sisters.

Thanks,

John F...AKA Hammerdrill376

[Brkeatr]

I agree with you Hammer....My Dad has been gone 10 years also but my Mother is still alive. I make sure I go visit her at least once a week. Time goes by fast and the old saying "the older you get the faster it goes" is so true. Just seems like yesterday I was a kid playing ball in the front yard with my Dad...

[hammerdrill376]

I'm with you there. Lost my dad in 1990 so the "sting" isn't quite as fresh but I miss the old guy too.

[Paul]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and for your Mom, hammer.   And you made a great point, in fact, just got back from visiting my folks.  Thanks for reminding us how important family is.

[slyinglide]

You know I have never been able to think of something to say to anyone man who has lost her mother.......When I lost my Mom, there was nothing anyone could say that made me feel better.  In fact to this day it still hurts bad.  I had a close relationship with my Mother, and that's after we worked our selfs through the hard times. I don't know what kind of relationship that you had with your Mother, but I hope that it was like mine.  I think of my Mother everyday and I hope you think of yours also.  I hope you live your life the way she meant you to live it, that would make her proud.  I hope you never forget the good times that you had with her, and I hope you never forget the hard times either.  Those make the good times that much better.  Even if your relationship was strained, sill remember her with Pride and respect, for she was YOUR Mother and you will never have another.  If you just sit and think of her a little everyday, she will still live in your heart.

[Timmay]

I still have both my parents adn I do see them every day.  It maybe for an hour or two...or just a few minutes.  Its hard to think about stuff like that but it will happen to all of us someday.  Thoughts and prayers to who ever has lost a parent.

[Mikekoz13]

Great post Brother Hammer. I almost lost my Dad 7 years ago when he had quadruple bypass surgery. The doctors told us prior to the surgery that there was a good chance he wouldn't make it thru the surgery.

I walked down the hall to the operating room hallway with Dad as the wheeled him along. Finally they told me I could go no further. My Dad looked back at me as I stared at him being wheeled away. Our eyes met for just a moment and he gave me a little wave. I'lll never forget that moment evern though he came thru the surgery and is still with us today.

I've written before abot how Dad and I didn't talk for three years when I was in my late twenties. I thank God everyday that we reconciled. He's now one of my best friends.

In Honor of your Mom Joyce, I will spend some extra time with my folks tomorrow evening. I'll hug them a little tighter in YOUR honor.

Prayers to you on this sad day.

[Robmeister]

Great stuff there, Hammer.

My folks are getting up there....Dad (84)....Mom (77)....

They live in So. Calif. so we don't see them much....

When the phone rings later than normal after we've gone to bed....the immediate thought that grips me is, "Dear Lord, please let this not be 'THE CALL'"

[herronm]

John,  thanks for sharing your story with us.  My dad has been gone for 28 years and the missing part never goes away.  Football season is the time I miss him most.  We used to scream at the Cowboys every weekend.  Now, I've passed that pleasure on to my son.

I'll take your advice right now and call my mom.  It is early, but I know she is up and waiting for my call.   

Max

[PBurke]

i talk to mom almost everyday. usually a couple times a day. talk to dad pretty regular too. never end a conversation without saying i love you. no matter how many times we talk to each other.

[Scott]

John, thanks for sharing your story.  I talk to my mom everyday sometimes twice a day and we've always been very close.  Since her health has began deteriorating this past year I've definitely been more focused on being there for her as much as possible.  In honor of you, I'm gonna try to talk to my dad more and work on developing that relationship.  This post comes kinda late to when you originally put it up, but I want you to know that you'll be in my thoughts & prayers as we enter the holiday season.