Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

First Speaker

(4,858 posts)
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 05:28 PM Nov 2019

My closest friend is going to pass tomorrow...

Last edited Sat Nov 16, 2019, 10:41 AM - Edit history (2)

...Carl had a massive heart attack twelve days ago. Since then, they've kept him on a breathing tube and trying to see whether there was any brain functioning left. Long story short, there isn't, and his sister is going to let him go tomorrow, which is a blessing. He was 75, a Navy vet, and the best man I ever knew. Despite--or maybe because--he had a gruff exterior...but the cliché "gruff with a heart of gold" might have been invented for him. He was incredibly decent and generous, once you knew him. And, incidentally, he hated Trump with an incandescent rage... ... There were only two people in the world I was close to, and he was one of them. I can't imagine the world without him, and I'm going to miss him...

104 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My closest friend is going to pass tomorrow... (Original Post) First Speaker Nov 2019 OP
I'm so sorry. Nt spooky3 Nov 2019 #1
Everyone is sorry DENVERPOPS Nov 2019 #52
So sorry, the loss of a close friend hurts so much. redstatebluegirl Nov 2019 #2
I'm truly sorry you are saying goodbye to a friend. In_The_Wind Nov 2019 #3
... Marie Marie Nov 2019 #4
I am so sorry gopiscrap Nov 2019 #5
I'm very sorry for you and all left behind... hlthe2b Nov 2019 #6
What a sweet tribute to your friend. 3catwoman3 Nov 2019 #7
I feel for you.. whathehell Nov 2019 #8
So sorry ... CatMor Nov 2019 #9
I'm so sorry. nt Phoenix61 Nov 2019 #10
Love and peace to you... Freedomofspeech Nov 2019 #11
I am sorry irisblue Nov 2019 #12
So sorry this must be the end for your friend. Frustratedlady Nov 2019 #13
I'm so sorry for your loss. barbtries Nov 2019 #14
I am so sorry. redwitch Nov 2019 #15
I'm so very sorry. catbyte Nov 2019 #16
I am so sorry. CousinIT Nov 2019 #17
In my world the afterlife is what the people that loved you Harker Nov 2019 #18
So sorry, First Speaker. sarge43 Nov 2019 #19
I'm so sorry for your loss. RainCaster Nov 2019 #20
So sorry.... Heartstrings Nov 2019 #21
I know that there is no way to prepare for this loss... alwaysinasnit Nov 2019 #22
Sorry to hear of your loss mercuryblues Nov 2019 #23
I am so very sorry for your loss... Raster Nov 2019 #24
I am sorry for your loss peacebuzzard Nov 2019 #25
Thank you Carl for your service. May the afterlife be kind and restful. backtoblue Nov 2019 #26
I'm sorry handmade34 Nov 2019 #27
Ah, he is gone, but his memory lives on within you. patphil Nov 2019 #28
Sending you and Carl's family healing energy. 💫✨ MLAA Nov 2019 #29
... 2naSalit Nov 2019 #30
I'm so very sorry. cate94 Nov 2019 #31
Sorry for your loss... MartyTheGreek Nov 2019 #32
I am so sorry. dewsgirl Nov 2019 #33
So sorry, FS democrank Nov 2019 #34
SO hard to lose a friend like that. May his memory be a blessing. n/t TygrBright Nov 2019 #35
Sending good wishes. Lonestarblue Nov 2019 #36
I'm very sorry to hear this... NurseJackie Nov 2019 #37
He sounds like a good man who had a good friend's love Leith Nov 2019 #38
I hope it a good thing you know ahead of time you can prepare for the time rurallib Nov 2019 #39
My sincere condolences for you and his family. He sounds like a real hero and true blue friend. Evolve Dammit Nov 2019 #40
Such a sad time for you. So sorry. Sending you DU hugs. May his journey be smooth. Ninga Nov 2019 #41
So sorry for your loss. IndyOp Nov 2019 #42
So sorry for your loss. essaynnc Nov 2019 #43
Safe, Loving & WONDERFUL journey home, Sir! The_REAL_Ecumenist Nov 2019 #44
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your friend... Docreed2003 Nov 2019 #45
I am so sorry BigMin28 Nov 2019 #46
I'm so very sorry First Speaker. montana_hazeleyes Nov 2019 #47
So sorry, First Speaker Bayard Nov 2019 #48
Thank you for sharing your feelings for your friend. Peace to you both and families. SayItLoud Nov 2019 #49
I'm so, so sorry... CaptainTruth Nov 2019 #50
So sorry for your loss redstateblues Nov 2019 #51
no words onethatcares Nov 2019 #53
Geez...I'm so sorry sdfernando Nov 2019 #54
You are rich! Botany Nov 2019 #55
I am so sorry. Stuart G Nov 2019 #56
may he rest in peace. demigoddess Nov 2019 #57
I am so sorry for your friend and you. Fla Dem Nov 2019 #58
I am so sorry for your loss but am grateful for the love to let him go. TNNurse Nov 2019 #59
So sorry. My closest friend passed on Monday, all alone in the night, suddenly. SammyWinstonJack Nov 2019 #60
So sorry. Duppers Nov 2019 #62
Sympathies to you lillypaddle Nov 2019 #61
I had the same kind of relationship. busterbrown Nov 2019 #63
I'm so sorry. Duppers Nov 2019 #64
He'll be watching over you. Maribelle Nov 2019 #65
So very sorry. WinstonSmith4740 Nov 2019 #66
Beautiful Poiuyt Nov 2019 #99
..... Hotler Nov 2019 #67
Lighting a candle in honor of your friend. I'm so very sorry for your loss. chia Nov 2019 #68
So sorry. JudyM Nov 2019 #69
My condolences MustLoveBeagles Nov 2019 #70
I'm sorry seta1950 Nov 2019 #71
Being there to say goodbye in the end is good lunatica Nov 2019 #72
I'm very sorry about the pending loss of your dear friend dlk Nov 2019 #73
I lost a close friend the same way last year jimlup Nov 2019 #74
I'm so sorry samplegirl Nov 2019 #75
((First Speaker)) blm Nov 2019 #76
... greatauntoftriplets Nov 2019 #77
Sending healing white light. Guilded Lilly Nov 2019 #78
This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Nov 2019 #79
I'm sorry you're losing someone who you so Upthevibe Nov 2019 #80
I am so very sorry for your loss, as well as everyone else who loved him. AJT Nov 2019 #81
May he have fair winds and folllowing seas. TomSlick Nov 2019 #82
Peace to you and Carl. flying rabbit Nov 2019 #83
I'm truly sorry for your loss. nt PatrickforO Nov 2019 #84
I am so very sorry! AwakeAtLast Nov 2019 #85
I'm so sorry, First Speaker. smirkymonkey Nov 2019 #86
Condolences! majdrfrtim Nov 2019 #87
So very sorry, First Speaker. Granny M Nov 2019 #88
This is hardly enough but it's all I have malaise Nov 2019 #89
I lost a friend of 50 years several months ago. argyl Nov 2019 #90
... N_E_1 for Tennis Nov 2019 #91
Deepest condolences. NNadir Nov 2019 #92
I'm very sorry. The Velveteen Ocelot Nov 2019 #93
Very sad. ✨✨🎆✨✨ So sorry for your loss OhNo-Really Nov 2019 #94
I'm so sorry, First Speaker. Sounds like a loss for us all. calimary Nov 2019 #95
Glad you had a friend Marthe48 Nov 2019 #96
So sorry. I know the feeling. panader0 Nov 2019 #97
Condolences, First Speaker. gademocrat7 Nov 2019 #98
.. Demovictory9 Nov 2019 #100
Such a great loss, so sorry. Miigwech Nov 2019 #101
Dear First Speaker, I'm sorry for your loss FakeNoose Nov 2019 #102
**Update** Carl passed last night right before midnight... First Speaker Nov 2019 #103
I send my condolences..? VarryOn Nov 2019 #104

DENVERPOPS

(8,820 posts)
52. Everyone is sorry
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 07:55 PM
Nov 2019

Everyone is sorry, esp because he won't be alive to watch/enjoy the biggest ass, most corrupt president ever go down in flames.......

hlthe2b

(102,276 posts)
6. I'm very sorry for you and all left behind...
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 05:36 PM
Nov 2019

His passage has already occurred I suspect, but may he RIP.

3catwoman3

(23,987 posts)
7. What a sweet tribute to your friend.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 05:36 PM
Nov 2019

My mom, who is 97, recently made a new friend, who is “only” 92. I will hope there may be a new friendship awaiting you somewhere.

Frustratedlady

(16,254 posts)
13. So sorry this must be the end for your friend.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 05:43 PM
Nov 2019

That had to have been so hard for his sister to make the decision. May the good memories make the grief easier for you both.

redwitch

(14,944 posts)
15. I am so sorry.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 05:50 PM
Nov 2019

I always can spot the tough on the outside, sweet on the inside guys. I am sorry you have to say goodbye.

CousinIT

(9,245 posts)
17. I am so sorry.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 05:58 PM
Nov 2019

Wishing you and his family and other friends peace and strength as he passes and afterward.


Harker

(14,018 posts)
18. In my world the afterlife is what the people that loved you
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 06:00 PM
Nov 2019

think and feel about you.

He's in good company in your heart.

sarge43

(28,941 posts)
19. So sorry, First Speaker.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 06:07 PM
Nov 2019

Condolences for his family and friends.

Fair winds and following seas, Sailor.

patphil

(6,176 posts)
28. Ah, he is gone, but his memory lives on within you.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 06:49 PM
Nov 2019

Cherish all those memories, they helped each of you become who you truly are.

Patrick Phillips

MartyTheGreek

(565 posts)
32. Sorry for your loss...
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 06:56 PM
Nov 2019

He fought the good fight and you were there with him. Honor his service and your friendship with him!

Lonestarblue

(9,988 posts)
36. Sending good wishes.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 07:04 PM
Nov 2019

I lost a close friend of over forty friends this year, and it’s hard. As I’m sure you already know, the grief and loss get easier, but so too do the good memories. I often find myself in situations where I think about how my friend would have reacted, and mostly I smile. My heart goes out to you in your loss.

rurallib

(62,415 posts)
39. I hope it a good thing you know ahead of time you can prepare for the time
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 07:08 PM
Nov 2019

yet it will still be hard.

My best wishes for you and Carl's sister.
May you both have wonderful memories.

essaynnc

(801 posts)
43. So sorry for your loss.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 07:17 PM
Nov 2019

It's very tough to loose your Best Friend.

Good byes are never easy, but they always come.
Remember and cherish him.
Feel the pain of his loss.
Take the time to allow yourself to heal.
Perhaps in the future, it may be possible to find a different friend.

Best wishes.

The_REAL_Ecumenist

(721 posts)
44. Safe, Loving & WONDERFUL journey home, Sir!
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 07:21 PM
Nov 2019

Blessings to you & the REST of his family, (May have been your best friend BUT I believe that friends like you two were ARE family-Brothers from different Mothers) & may you all soon be filled with nothing but warm wonderful memories & the only tears you have are those you shed while recounting the lovely human being is was &/or busting a gut laughing...

Sounds like he was a GREAT treasure that Homo sapiens will SURELY miss...

BigMin28

(1,176 posts)
46. I am so sorry
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 07:33 PM
Nov 2019

No matter how old we get, or how many we lose, it never gets easier. Shakes us to our core. Good vibes for you. May your friend RIP.

Bayard

(22,073 posts)
48. So sorry, First Speaker
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 07:35 PM
Nov 2019

There will come a day when you can remember him with smiles, instead of tears.

Take care

Botany

(70,504 posts)
55. You are rich!
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 08:17 PM
Nov 2019

"My closest friend is going to pass tomorrow."

Do what you think is the right thing to do and let love flow.

Fla Dem

(23,668 posts)
58. I am so sorry for your friend and you.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 08:22 PM
Nov 2019

I wish for him a peaceful journey and for you that you also find peace in your heart.😢

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
63. I had the same kind of relationship.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 08:49 PM
Nov 2019

One of the kindest toughest friends I ever met.

A Irish Vietnam Vet.. Denis was Awarded Silver Star....One can see all Silver Star Medal Recipients on line

He passed about 3 years ago..Agent Orange...In a Vet Hospital in Phoenix..
When we talked about 4 times a week...he always mentioned how well the MDs took care of him....

Really miss the guy!

Duppers

(28,120 posts)
64. I'm so sorry.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 09:03 PM
Nov 2019

I can only imagine your grief. There's not yet a word adequate enough to describe a best-friend relationship. I'm so sorry you're losing such good and cherished person.




Maribelle

(4,783 posts)
65. He'll be watching over you.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 09:12 PM
Nov 2019

Remember that always.



Knowing my husband is watching over me helps me through the bad times.

WinstonSmith4740

(3,056 posts)
66. So very sorry.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 09:30 PM
Nov 2019

Letting go is tough. This brought me great comfort when my husband crossed over. Your friend will be fine...his navy friends and family are gathering now to greet him.

Gone From My Sight
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."

Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.

And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

And that is dying...

JudyM

(29,248 posts)
69. So sorry.
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 09:47 PM
Nov 2019

Treasured friends are worth more than anything. My heart goes out to you.



PS Remember that DU has a bereavement group....

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
72. Being there to say goodbye in the end is good
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 10:38 PM
Nov 2019

He will truly go in the company of his best loved people. Hugs to you and his family.

dlk

(11,566 posts)
73. I'm very sorry about the pending loss of your dear friend
Thu Nov 14, 2019, 11:09 PM
Nov 2019

I’ll pray for comfort and peace for you and your friend’s family.

Response to First Speaker (Original post)

AJT

(5,240 posts)
81. I am so very sorry for your loss, as well as everyone else who loved him.
Fri Nov 15, 2019, 12:08 AM
Nov 2019

Grieving is a long hard process. At some point the joy of his memory will surpass the sadness of the loss. You were gifted with his friendship, that was an honor. I hope the thought of his love will make you smile.

Granny M

(1,395 posts)
88. So very sorry, First Speaker.
Fri Nov 15, 2019, 03:17 AM
Nov 2019

A real friend is a priceless treasure. Deepest sympathy for your profound loss,

argyl

(3,064 posts)
90. I lost a friend of 50 years several months ago.
Fri Nov 15, 2019, 05:47 AM
Nov 2019

He died at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Went in for a heart tuneup and he was diagnosed with leukemia and died several days later.
It was a surprise. It was unexpected and quick. I live overseas so I wasn't able to get to Dallas to see him again.
Grew up with him, thought a lot of him, and I miss him.

OhNo-Really

(3,985 posts)
94. Very sad. ✨✨🎆✨✨ So sorry for your loss
Fri Nov 15, 2019, 12:45 PM
Nov 2019

best thing said to me was "take time to mourn". lost brother & mom same year.

Friends are family.

panader0

(25,816 posts)
97. So sorry. I know the feeling.
Fri Nov 15, 2019, 02:27 PM
Nov 2019

My friend of 44 years died in 2012. I think of him every day.
Damn, I'm going to cry again.

FakeNoose

(32,639 posts)
102. Dear First Speaker, I'm sorry for your loss
Fri Nov 15, 2019, 05:56 PM
Nov 2019


May you look forward to meeting your friend one day in the Hereafter.

First Speaker

(4,858 posts)
103. **Update** Carl passed last night right before midnight...
Sat Nov 16, 2019, 10:40 AM
Nov 2019

...a full twelve hours after they pulled the plug. He held on to life like a barnacle, which astonished the doctors, but not anyone who knew him. Smooth sailing, Carl...and many, many thanks to everyone who responded to this post. It's greatly appreciated...

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»My closest friend is goin...