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03-15-2014, 11:09 AM
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#241
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,159
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Very well put, Gene.
Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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03-15-2014, 02:35 PM
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#242
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,077
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Thanks to all.
Doug's daughter composed this, slightly edited by me.
Obituary information:
Douglas Dwight Hayes of 907 Charlotte Drive in Normal, Illinois, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on Sunday, March 9, in Saint Mary's, Georgia. Retired from the State of Illinois, Department of Children & Family Services since 2007, he was doing what he loved best: drinking his morning coffee in a favorite campground, whilst tooling about the country in the Airstream Interstate he owned with Maggie, his wife of 21 years.
Our loyal son, loving father, adoring husband, and doting grandfather died three days later.
Doug was born in Washington, Iowa in 1949 to Lloyd Lyle and Harriet Louise (Eyestone) Hayes. A 1967 graduate of Washington High School, Doug went on to earn his B.A. in Political Science from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa (1971) and his M.A. in Political Science from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois (1975).
A voracious reader who believed—and oft reminded us—that life was too short to read bad literature, Doug finished Dostoyevsky's tome The Brothers Karamazov just weeks before his death.
We are infinitely grateful to fellow travelers at A Big Wheel RV Park in Saint Mary's, Georgia: strangers who came to Doug and Maggie's immediate aid in a time of acute crisis.
How Doug ended up in the competent hands of the Southeast Georgia Medical Centers, we do not know, but for this happenstance intersection of time and space, we are grateful. The family wishes to give special thanks to Doctors Michael Fletcher, Stephen Chitty, Enrique Fernandez, and all of the compassionate and competent medical staff at the Camden and Brunswick Campuses.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations or memorials be made in Doug’s name to FaithWorks ( FaithWorks : Home) in grateful remembrance of the enveloping care they provided to Doug and his family in Brunswick, Georgia.
Dr. Wright Culpepper and Karen's House of Hope provided spiritual support and physical shelter during our time of need so far from home.
Please join family and friends for visitation Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Beatty Funeral Home in Washington, Iowa. Doug's funeral will be held Saturday at 1:00 pm at the Gracehill Moravian Church in Washington, Iowa. Following the funeral, he will be buried in Gracehill Cemetery next to his father, who left this earthly world the day before Doug's fourth birthday and who Doug loved and missed every day for the past 61 years.
Doug was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Lyle Hayes, and by his stepfather, Lawrence Whetstine.
Doug is survived by his wife, Maggie (Wright), his 96-year-old mother, Louise Whetstine, his sister Sandra (Terry) Greiner, his sons Jacob Hayes and Patrick (Angel) Hayes, his daughter Christine (Adam) Ralston, his stepchildren Larry (Tami) Wright and Sara (Efrain) Curet, a beloved pooch, Lily, and nine grandchildren: Blake, Aaliyah, Indira, Justice, Quran, Caleb, Camden, Emma, and Alice.
Doug was a man who kept his things and kept his people. He leaves behind friends he has had since childhood and throughout his life. Doug also leaves behind many fellow travelers and friends that he and Maggie met and enjoyed as they lived their retirement dream of traveling the country together these past 6 1/2 years.
When reflecting on his life and good fortune, Doug often said that he had an embarrassment of riches. A truly great man, he will be missed by so many, so very much.
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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03-15-2014, 02:43 PM
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#243
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
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Dearest Maggie....this last journey of yours from Brunswick back home....you do know that all of us were riding co-pilot, don't you? As someone who's a "solo-'Streamer" let me just say that I never feel like I'm alone. Like you (with Lily) I have the BG's (basset girls...Rhoda and Nola) with me. So, in time -- and I think it will be sooner rather than later -- you will find yourself back behind the wheel (with Lily, of course) continuing the journey. And all of your hundreds of extended family members will be waiting for you! Hugs, Barry
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
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03-15-2014, 02:52 PM
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#244
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Cincinnati
, Ohio
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 146
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doug&maggie
Thanks to all.
Doug's daughter composed this, slightly edited by me.
Obituary information:
Douglas Dwight Hayes of 907 Charlotte Drive in Normal, Illinois, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on Sunday, March 9, in Saint Mary's, Georgia. Retired from the State of Illinois, Department of Children & Family Services since 2007, he was doing what he loved best: drinking his morning coffee in a favorite campground, whilst tooling about the country in the Airstream Interstate he owned with Maggie, his wife of 21 years.
Our loyal son, loving father, adoring husband, and doting grandfather died three days later.
Doug was born in Washington, Iowa in 1949 to Lloyd Lyle and Harriet Louise (Eyestone) Hayes. A 1967 graduate of Washington High School, Doug went on to earn his B.A. in Political Science from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa (1971) and his M.A. in Political Science from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois (1975).
A voracious reader who believed—and oft reminded us—that life was too short to read bad literature, Doug finished Dostoyevsky's tome The Brothers Karamazov just weeks before his death.
We are infinitely grateful to fellow travelers at A Big Wheel RV Park in Saint Mary's, Georgia: strangers who came to Doug and Maggie's immediate aid in a time of acute crisis.
How Doug ended up in the competent hands of the Southeast Georgia Medical Centers, we do not know, but for this happenstance intersection of time and space, we are grateful. The family wishes to give special thanks to Doctors Michael Fletcher, Stephen Chitty, Enrique Fernandez, and all of the compassionate and competent medical staff at the Camden and Brunswick Campuses.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations or memorials be made in Doug’s name to FaithWorks ( FaithWorks : Home) in grateful remembrance of the enveloping care they provided to Doug and his family in Brunswick, Georgia.
Dr. Wright Culpepper and Karen's House of Hope provided spiritual support and physical shelter during our time of need so far from home.
Please join family and friends for visitation Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Beatty Funeral Home in Washington, Iowa. Doug's funeral will be held Saturday at 1:00 pm at the Gracehill Moravian Church in Washington, Iowa. Following the funeral, he will be buried in Gracehill Cemetery next to his father, who left this earthly world the day before Doug's fourth birthday and who Doug loved and missed every day for the past 61 years.
Doug was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Lyle Hayes, and by his stepfather, Lawrence Whetstine.
Doug is survived by his wife, Maggie (Wright), his 96-year-old mother, Louise Whetstine, his sister Sandra (Terry) Greiner, his sons Jacob Hayes and Patrick (Angel) Hayes, his daughter Christine (Adam) Ralston, his stepchildren Larry (Tami) Wright and Sara (Efrain) Curet, a beloved pooch, Lily, and nine grandchildren: Blake, Aaliyah, Indira, Justice, Quran, Caleb, Camden, Emma, and Alice.
Doug was a man who kept his things and kept his people. He leaves behind friends he has had since childhood and throughout his life. Doug also leaves behind many fellow travelers and friends that he and Maggie met and enjoyed as they lived their retirement dream of traveling the country together these past 6 1/2 years.
When reflecting on his life and good fortune, Doug often said that he had an embarrassment of riches. A truly great man, he will be missed by so many, so very much.
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Maggie,
Thanks for posting Doug's Obituary. We can reflect on this full life and to those who knew and loved him.
Thanks for the link to Faith Works so we can participate in memorializing him.
Many prayers and good thoughts to you and all your family. And Lily!
Mockinbrd
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03-15-2014, 02:53 PM
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#245
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,077
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I truly felt carried home on a sea of love and well-wishes.
Never felt for a moment that I wouldn't make it.
Many have been very insistent that I accept help when I need it. Please know that I am accepting help that I need, doing for myself what I can as being dependent is not my thing.
If I accepted every offer of help extended, I would still be in Georgia. I need to be home, arranging a funeral and burying the love of my life.
It feels very good and nurturing to be arranging this funeral, another thing I have never done. It is my final act of caregiving for him, and brings me peaceful feelings as I arrange a simple but beautiful service, befitting the old country church which will have the service and internment.
A great-niece of Doug's with a beautiful, clear voice will sing a couple of favorite hymns during the service, his best friend from high school will speak, there will be a simple service and then An Irish Blessing graveside.
He will like it.
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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03-15-2014, 02:56 PM
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#246
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Site Team
2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere
, South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,436
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Maggie,
Just a quick hello, best wishes, a hug and thanks for taking the time to keep your friends informed.
Gary
__________________
S/OS #001 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook. BMV-712. DEMCO 21K Lb Cast Iron coupler
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03-15-2014, 05:00 PM
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#247
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Site Team
2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere
, South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,436
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OK thinking of you.
__________________
S/OS #001 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook. BMV-712. DEMCO 21K Lb Cast Iron coupler
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03-15-2014, 07:06 PM
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#248
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Rivet Master
2012 27' Flying Cloud
W
, New England
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 7,402
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What a beautifully written obituary. I am not going to lie - I have cried several times reading this thread though I've never met you or Doug - only through the forums. It's more than the Airstream connection, it's the shared human family to which we all belong.
Sue and I have made a donation in Doug's memory and in your honor, Maggie. I continue to pray for your peace and comfort in mourning and that when the time is right, dear memories will bring great joy to you. I hope someday we'll meet on the road but whether or not that happens, I'm so grateful for who you are and the amazing example you've been all along, never more moving as from your own deep grief. You are one of the most generous people I've ever known. Peace, peace and more peace to you and yours always.
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03-15-2014, 07:18 PM
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#249
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Rivet Master
1993 30' Excella
whitewater
, north of cheddar curtain
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,259
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Maggie~
We are so sorry to hear about Doug's passing. We only met you both a few times at the Moraine View forum, but we felt that you were both very wonderful people. Our thoughts go out to you and your family.
Peggy and Steve
__________________
Illegitimous noncarborundum(dont let the bastards wear you down)
The only true nobility is found through giving good food to your friends- Anton Careme
beauty is in the eye of the beerholder-cosmo fishhawk
if something is too good to be true, its usually gone before i get there-mister boffo
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03-15-2014, 07:34 PM
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#250
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4 Rivet Member
2012 30' Classic
Wildwood
, Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 285
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We are so glad you are home safe and sound. Our prayers were with you during your journey home and you will continue to be in our prayers as this difficult week unfolds for you. May God Bless you and give your the courage and strength to go from one day to the next at this difficult time.
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03-15-2014, 07:53 PM
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#251
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,077
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Thank you all so very much for the support and love you extend.
Many fine and good people here, who never fail to rally round and provide whatever is needed to a stricken comrade.
It has been a long day. Family here, we got the Interstate emptied and everything into the house. So much to do, I will be busy for a very long time......and that is a good thing.
One thing we came to realize some years ago was how quickly a life can be taken. We never passed up an opportunity to express our love to each other, share a kiss, a pat, hold hands, etc., and to be grateful for our life together and this wondrous vagabonding about the country we have loved so much.
You never know when this moment might be your last.
Don't wait to tell those you love how important they are to you, or to do a kindness for someone else simply because you have the opportunity.
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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03-15-2014, 08:22 PM
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#252
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flygrrl
1962 19' Globetrotter
Winchester
, Ontario
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 251
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doug&maggie
One thing we came to realize some years ago was how quickly a life can be taken. We never passed up an opportunity to express our love to each other, share a kiss, a pat, hold hands, etc., and to be grateful for our life together and this wondrous vagabonding about the country we have loved so much.
You never know when this moment might be your last.
Don't wait to tell those you love how important they are to you, or to do a kindness for someone else simply because you have the opportunity.
Maggie
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Truer words were never spoken.
I am so relieved that you are home safe. We WERE all riding shotgun with you.
Beautiful obituary, thank you for posting.
Warmest wishes to you and your family at this oh so difficult time.
We also hope that someday, somewhere on the road, we will finally get to meet you and Lily.
Leonie and Paul
__________________
TV: 2007 Jeep GC Laredo diesel
Toy: 1995 Jeep YJ
Experience is what you get from not having it when you needed it.
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03-15-2014, 09:06 PM
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#253
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Rivet Master
1986 32' Excella
Currently Looking...
Canton
, Georgia
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,342
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We are so sorry, Maggie. And we are so glad you got home safely. Thinking of you. Rob and Katie
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03-15-2014, 10:41 PM
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#254
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,376
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Hi, so sorry to hear about Doug; Happy that you and Lili are safe and at home. This type of situation makes me speechless, or wordless. I have read every post on this thread and this is a huge group of great people.
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
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03-16-2014, 10:02 AM
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#255
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Rivet Master
NOVA SCOTIA
, CANADA
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,448
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Maggie, I have followed this thread from the beginning and thought about replying many times but just didn't know what to say.I am sorry for your loss but truly inspired for the strength you have shown through this difficult time.
__________________
Mike
AIR # 7916
Ex WBCCI #32083
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03-16-2014, 11:25 AM
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#256
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,077
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Thanks to all of you who read and post and send support.
Lest anyone be concerned that I have dissolved into a puddle somewhere, be assured that I have not.
Hard to get off the phone and email this am, finally did that, brought wood in from out of doors and working on putting things away, setting the house in order.
Wrote a long email to his children this am, as I feel part of my responsibility to Doug is to take care of his children as he would want that done. They needed information on some things, and I needed to lay some words out for their dad.
Going to make myself take Lily to doggie day care on Tuesday, get groceries at Cub foods with the Tuesday senior citizen discount, and coffee at Starbucks....our Tuesday morning routine.
Going to Washington, IA, on Wed, be gone the day. Meeting with the funeral director, picking out a casket and headstone....I think granite....ordering flowers.
Will meet with Doug's mom, sister, pastor and daughter in the afternoon, along the family member who will sing at the funeral and graveside.
Our close friends from MN will be down Fri-Sun, which will be so helpful at the services. College friends, first mine and then both of ours.
Family are close, staying in close contact and taking care of Mom for a change....as they should. I have wonderful, wonderful adult children,
Doing okay, feeling good about putting all of this right for him.
XO Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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03-16-2014, 11:43 AM
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#257
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Rivet Master
2013 25' FB Flying Cloud
2011 23' FB Flying Cloud
Branson
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 734
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I started reading this thread day before yesterday, and am saddened you've lost your best friend. I've been with mine 49 years, come August, and the thought of that happening to me is unbearable.
That said, you have me throughly convinced, that after a brief period of grief, you will be stronger than ever, and totally at peace with yourself.
I can only hope that my best friend (or me) can follow in your footsteps!
Put me down as one of your admirers!
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03-16-2014, 11:51 AM
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#258
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Moderator
1968 17' Caravel
Battle Ground
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,255
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doug&maggie
One thing we came to realize some years ago was how quickly a life can be taken. We never passed up an opportunity to express our love to each other, share a kiss, a pat, hold hands, etc., and to be grateful for our life together and this wondrous vagabonding about the country we have loved so much.
You never know when this moment might be your last.
Don't wait to tell those you love how important they are to you, or to do a kindness for someone else simply because you have the opportunity.
Maggie
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That right there is the truth I try to base my whole life around. Best wishes to you in this difficult time, but you sound like a strong woman. I hope I have a chance to meet you around a campfire someday.
__________________
Stephanie
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03-16-2014, 12:35 PM
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#259
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Master of Universe
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Grand Junction
, Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,711
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Maggie,
I saw you have never organized a funeral before. Neither had I when my father died. I was worried I'd screw up something. There were so many details and I didn't want to forget anything. My mother made everything far more difficult—just like she always had. I hope you have no relatives like that—if so, assign another member of the family to take care of them so you can do what you need to—my wife could handle my mother much better than I could.
It was a very simple ceremony. Though heavy with emotion, another challenge were the details and more details to handle outside of that ceremony (bank and investment accounts to retitle, insurance to deal with, how many death certificates will I need?, funeral directors with their hands out for more and more money, what to do with his clothes [that was the hardest part of all of it, a surprise to me], etc.).
What I found out is we all know what to do. We've seen others organize these things and we learn from them without realizing it. At times everything seemed a fog to me and I got pretty tired of all the things I had on my mind, but I just kept going forward and trusted my judgment and it worked out as best it could.
From your writing here, it is obvious you are able to compartmentalize and keep a reasonably clear head as you work your way through this. I would not be surprised to learn you have also spent some very personal time grieving. All (compartmentalizing and grieving) are part of this journey. Maybe women are better prepared for a partner's death. We all know men usually go first.
Thank you for keeping us informed on how you are doing. You are a template for us if in a similar situation.
Gene
__________________
Gene
The Airstream is sold; a 2016 Nash 24M replaced it.
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03-16-2014, 01:56 PM
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#260
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Rivet Master
2006 22' Interstate
Mont Vernon
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 537
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So Sorry for You Loss
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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