Double G | 01 Mar 2017 8:43 a.m. PST |
My Dad Christy Guerriero passed away a week ago tomorrow peacefully at the age of 88, surrounded by my Mom, my 2 sisters and 2 brothers and my nieces and nephews. My Dad had been battling health issues the past few years, specifically the past 6 months, he fought the good fight, but it was time for him to go. I'm fortunate that I own my own business and my Dad stepped in ten years ago to come to the toy soldier shows with me when my previous helper could no longer attend. We shared many adventures and a million laughs, I feel blessed to have had that time with him. My Dad received a full honors send off by the Boston Police Department, with whom he served for 38 years. Motorcycle escort from the funeral home to the church, honor guard at the church as well. Come to find out, my Dad knew the current Boston Police commissioner as he attended the wake. I thought he was there to represent the department due to my Dad's long time service, but he told me he was there for himself as my Dad took him under his wing when he was a rookie and taught him everything he knows. He told me my Dad was a legend, all the young police officers looked up to him; I was floored. He also served in the US Army, so there was an honor guard, taps and the folding of the flag at the cemetery. What a sendoff for my Dad, just unreal. He taught me to be generous with my time, my love and my money. So many people have told me I'm exactly like my Dad; I'll wear that like a badge of honor. He's gone now, but he'll never be forgotten. I no longer fear death as I now know my Dad will be waiting for me when my time comes, that gives me a great sense of comfort. Words like "hero" and "best friend" get thrown around a lot but for me, they ring true, he was both of those to me. I hope each and every one of you has/had a relationship with your Dads like I did with mine; we loved each other unconditionally, he meant the world to me, my heart is forever broken. To all of you; cherish your parents, love them and be there for them when they need you, life is way too short, there is often times no warning when God decides to come and take one of them, it's too late at that point to make good with them and undo all the wrongs. I have no regrets about my relationship with my Dad, I hope you all do too…………….. |
ZULUPAUL | 01 Mar 2017 8:47 a.m. PST |
Condolences to you & your family. I lost my Father when he was only 56 but have many fond memories of time spent with him. You are so correct to cherish moments with our loved ones, life is short. |
OldGrenadier at work | 01 Mar 2017 9:03 a.m. PST |
Thank you for sharing this experience. Your Dad was obviously someone worthy of respect. I'm glad you have such good memories of him. |
Who asked this joker | 01 Mar 2017 9:11 a.m. PST |
He sounded like one heck of a guy. I am very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. |
boy wundyr x | 01 Mar 2017 9:20 a.m. PST |
My condolences, losing your dad is a very hard thing but he was a great man. |
Double G | 01 Mar 2017 10:32 a.m. PST |
Thanks very much to all of you for your comments; one thing I forgot to mention in the beginning that in addition to my mother and my siblings and nieces/nephews, I also was there. Sorry fellas, my head is a million miles away at the moment………………. |
Tacitus | 01 Mar 2017 10:59 a.m. PST |
Of course you have my condolences; I'm sorry for your loss. You also have my thanks. I don't even know you, but your few sentences gave me an insight into your dad's character and what a good job he did. Thank you for sharing. May the pain leave quickly but the memories stay forever. |
eagleteacher25 | 01 Mar 2017 11:26 a.m. PST |
George, So sorry to hear about your dad. May he Rest In Peace. |
Gunfreak | 01 Mar 2017 11:53 a.m. PST |
My condolences and deep sympathies. Sounds like just that dad a son would want to have. |
tkdguy | 01 Mar 2017 12:56 p.m. PST |
Sorry to hear about that. Stay strong. |
Ed Mohrmann | 01 Mar 2017 1:41 p.m. PST |
Condolences and my deepest sympathy on your loss. I lost my Dad in 2003 and think of him everyday. |
galvinm | 01 Mar 2017 1:47 p.m. PST |
So sorry to hear this. You and your family are in our prayers. Lost my Ma to the big C last month, so know what you are going thru. She was the rock of our family. I also have the honor of being told, I am just like her. Could not receive a better compliment. She was so strong. The pain is still very present. Really miss being able to just pick up the phone and hear her Southie accent. I know it will get better. Thoughts are with you. Your Dad sounds like he was a great guy! |
Double G | 01 Mar 2017 1:57 p.m. PST |
Sorry for your loss Glavinm; you hit the nail on the head for me, I used to call my Dad all the time with funny stories just to make him laugh as he loved to laugh. Since his passing, I've wanted to call him a dozen times, but it's not going to happen. I'm going to miss trying to bust him up the most; I used to bend the truth a lot to make stories funnier than they were just to get a laugh out of him. This is soul crushing……………. |
Editor in Chief Bill | 01 Mar 2017 4:26 p.m. PST |
You were so lucky to have such a wonderful dad in your life. |
pmwalt | 01 Mar 2017 7:08 p.m. PST |
Thanks for sharing that wonderful recounting of your Dad's life .. and the positive effect it's had on you, your family and many others. You were certainly blessed to have such a wonderful father. |
Skeets | 01 Mar 2017 8:11 p.m. PST |
My condolences to you and your family for your loss. |
zoneofcontrol | 01 Mar 2017 8:27 p.m. PST |
Sorry for your loss. My prayers go out for you and your family. Cherish all those memories you mentioned. And one more, he not only shared his life with you but also you shared yours with him. Sounds like he was kinda lucky too, it takes two to tango. |
abelp01 | 01 Mar 2017 8:43 p.m. PST |
Thanks for sharing your remembrance of your dad, sounds like a heckuva guy! My condolences for you and your family's loss! |
Double G | 01 Mar 2017 10:26 p.m. PST |
Thanks very much everyone for the kind words, it means a great deal to me. I know for the most part I haven't met a lot of you in person, but this is a great community and we all share the love wargaming and toy soldiers here. I appreciate all of you taking the time to comment; my Dad was a terrific person, I was lucky to have him for 56 years……………… |
Great War Ace | 02 Mar 2017 8:37 a.m. PST |
"The world is more than we know." I too believe that you and I will see our fathers again……………… |
Old Wolfman | 02 Mar 2017 9:43 a.m. PST |
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Patrick Sexton | 02 Mar 2017 10:10 a.m. PST |
Your father was obviously an outstanding human being and I am sorry for your loss, but my firm belief is that you will see him again. |
Double G | 02 Mar 2017 12:01 p.m. PST |
Thanks Patrick; not to sound morbid, but I'm already counting the days……………… |
Shagnasty | 02 Mar 2017 3:52 p.m. PST |
Please accept my condolences. |
Terrement | 03 Mar 2017 7:47 a.m. PST |
You were doubly blessed – to have a father like that and having the ability to recognize your blessing. I'd say the streets of heaven are a little safer tonight, but suspect that isn't an issue and he's visiting with many of the boys in blue who proceeded him. Equally certain he's patiently waiting for you and his other loved ones when it is their time. In my thoughts and prayers. JJ |
Double G | 03 Mar 2017 4:06 p.m. PST |
Thanks JJ, that was awesome…………… |
bandit86 | 03 Mar 2017 10:37 p.m. PST |
God bless thoughts are with you and yours |
Bismarck | 07 Mar 2017 7:18 p.m. PST |
My condolences, sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family. Sounds like your Dad could definitely say he made a difference. Your tribute attests to the fact that he must have been a fine man. May your memories ease your grief. Good advice to all whose parents are still living. Lost my Mom in '89 and Dad in '09. It is like yesterday and as you said, time is so brief. God bless you. |
Mithmee | 08 Mar 2017 2:37 p.m. PST |
May your father Rest in Peace. |