Longtime HAMB member John B needs our support

[hotrodladycrusr]

I'm not usually one to post an "off topic" thread on here but if there ever was a "right" time, this is it. Our good friend, and long time active member JohnB, needs our support and prayers right now. John is a very, very dear friend of mine. I've known him for many years, way before I was a HAMB member. In fact, he's the one who turned me onto this place I love so much.

John's father is not doing well and could use our positive thoughts and prayers. The following is in John's own words from a private email. I believe I'm doing the right thing in sharing this. I'm a firm believer in the power of prayer even though I'm not a very religous person.

"Monday morning dad went into the bathroom at about 6:45 AM and mom heard a crash. When he didn't answer she opened the door and found him slumped half way into the tub. She pulled him back onto the floor and called 911 and then me. By 6:48 I was busting through the door and we drug him to the living room and started CPR. The next 20 minutes or so are a blur. The EMTs arrived and took over and then transported him to the hospital. He's never came to.

I wish I could say things were getting better but they aren't. Every time I've walked into his room and saw him hooked up to all those machines my brain screamed that it was wrong. He did not want this and I think we need to do as he wanted. So, at 10AM today, we had them take him off the ventilator and have left the rest in God's hands. His blood pressure is low, there is definate kidney and liver damage, as well as very low brain waves. The machine was just prolonging the inevitable. As long as I can remember he has told us never to keep him alive with a machine. We have made some of the hardest decisions ever over the last three days. He's still breathing on his own but it has became more labored. He's a tough old guy and will fight it to the end. But now it's his fight and thats how he would want it. No outside help. He has always been one to shoulder his own load and do his job without complaint. Now he can go to his destination with his head held high, proud in the fact that he alone choose his way. As some of you know my dad had a 5 bypass operation in 1989. The "experts" say that the average life span is 5 years and at the best about 10. Well once again he proved them wrong. His lasted for 15 years , see I told you he was a tough one. He has lived well in his 82 years and will always be my hero and the one who taught me the lessons I needed to know. Please keep him in your prayers."

John, my heart goes out to you and your family at this most difficult time. I'll keep your dad in my prayers and if there is anything you or your family needs, please don't hesitate to ask.

[Donzie]

My dad just turned 80 and my mother is 81. These are the things we don't like to think about but are inevetable. I wish John and his family all the best. And may his dad a painless journey.

[Fat Hack]

That's a damn tough call to make, but it sounds like the right one for him.

John, you and your family will be in many thoughts and prayers...you ain't in it alone, Bro!

[plmczy]

JohnB, you and your family are in our prayers. Both my in-laws have had heart problems, father in law, quad bypass and mother in law congestive heart failure. plmczy

[straykatkustoms]

Our family is going through some medical problems and you get to feeling helpless, but you have to try to remember that God is always in control. John B, the family and his father is defintely in my prayers. Do you have John's mailing address? If so pm it to me so I can send him a card.

HT

Mick

[Deuce Roadster]

My prayers are with JohnB and his family.

This is a very difficult thing to do.
If you have never been thru it.......it is hard.

My own Dad is in the hospital now.
He is 83. He had triple by-pass surgery in 1979....25 years ago. He has another heart attack April 3. We have signed a DNR slip ....do not resucitate. It is very, very difficult.


But my Dad is doing better. They took took him out of Heart ICU and put him in a regular room Tuesday. Hoping to get to go to a Rehab center in a week or so....... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Life is good.


My prayers are for you JohnB .......



Randy Nash....aka Deuce Roadster



.

[hotrodladycrusr]

I do, it is at home. I'll PM it to you later tonight.

[Roothawg]

Hang in there Bro...........

[C9]

Our prayers are with you.

Me & Sweetie.

[Django]

Prayers...

[junk runner jr]

John your family will be in our prayers.

[Bob K]

John you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

B http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif B

[40StudeDude]

John, I'm glad to hear that your father wants it HIS way...I'll say a prayer for him...and you.
R-

[Peter Pan of Chicago]

In an hour I am meeting my Sister and Mother for a Birthday lunch. My Mom is 80 today and spry and in good health. I am fortunate.

My heart felt prayers go out to JohnB's Dad and his family. May God bless.

Joel

[TooMany2count]

john even though i dont know you my prayers go out to you & your family, cause i know that pain personally.....joe

[Jester]

As I am new here I don't know John but I do know the pain of loseing someone you love. In the last few weeks it seems we have all been losing loved ones, mentors, and dear friends. To see the out pour of emotional support the members of this site have giving should give the whole world a model to live by. My prayers and best wishes to you and yours John.

[4t64rd]

My Grandfather was in a similar situation, when we decided to take him off, it took less than an hour.

I feel for him and what he is going through. I can't promise you I'll pray, but I will think about him for you.

[Assdragger]

You can be proud of your strong father and you can be proud that you have done what your father wants, the rest is up to him and his maker.

You have our support and prayers...hang in there!

[Satinblack]

I was going to post a pic of 58 for my 400th post, but that can wait.

My prayers are with you. Hang in there. Satin

[John B]

I don't have the words to say how I feel about all you people. The HAMB is like a family to me and to get this support from you means alot to me. The doctors told us to come home for awhile as there's nothing we can do but wait.

The first couple nights were the hardest. I constantly questioned myself and if we were doing the right thing. After we talked with the doctors yesterday we came to a decision and the machines came off. I feel like a load has been lifted from my shoulders. My dad was very active and spent much of his time in the garden and the woods that cover our land. Any life less then what he had been living would be a hell on earth for him. I know we have made the right decision.

We came home and I checked my mail and in it was a postcard that I had bought off ebay. It's shot of a place called Camp 60, which was a diner,gas station and cabins that sat just outside Olive Hill,Ky. My dad and his ex-wife had managed it at one time in the late 40's or early 50's.
I was going to hide it and suprise him with it later. Now I'll think of it as a tribute to another member of the Greatest Generation.

I have a favor to ask of you all. When the time finally comes,his wishes are to be cremated. During WWII he was in the pacific on the Phillipine Islands. He always wanted to go back there. He even said that part of him was always there. Do any of you know someone who could scatter a few ashes on a remote beach someplace? Later when I'm able I'll be making a trip to find part of old RT.66 and leaving a prt of him there as well. He loved the mother road with a deep respect born from countless trips to California and back.

I really appreciate the emails, PMs and the messages posted here. I'll pass along your well wishes to my family and let them know you all are thinking of us.

[Satinblack]

Looks like Morrisman has a friend in the phillipines shoot him a PM when you have time

[Petejoe]

John, my heartfelt sorrow and prayers for you dad, you and your family.
This brings to mind the time I had one of those middle of the night calls us parents have nightmmares about.
Were called to the hospital to find out our son was in an accident and was killed. It wasn't any more than 10-15 minutes that had past when they came in to ask us if we would give his useful body parts for donation. I tell you it was the hardest thing in the world to sign the approval right after his death. It was like.. I spent my whole life taking care of him..now with a stroke of a pen..he was gone.

[Bumpstick]

My prayers go out to you and yours. I lost my dad last month (he was 76). He had signed a DNR a week before he passed. I was with him when he went and it was tough but I knew this is what he wanted. Taking care of my father near the end was the proudest thing I've ever done. Be strong. -stick

[CharlieLed]

John, it sounds like your Dad is really a great guy...it is always the hardest to let go of the ones that really mean so much to us. Take care of yourself, you are in our thoughts and prayers. As for the Phillipines, I live in San Diego and have a very nice young Phillipina lady working for me. Many of her family members are still in Manila and she and her US family make frequent trips back to the islands. I am sure that she would be honored to help fulfill your father's wishes...

[CGkidd]

My Prayers are with you. Try contacting whiever branch of the Military your father was with they might be able to help with the ashes. Just a thought.
EM1 Eric Krohn

[Skate Fink]

.....our prayers are with you also......Pat & Erin

[dixiedog]

John - My prayers are with you.

[Brooding Swede]

John, if you need anything just ask or call me HM#784-7985 and my work# is 783 2787 I'm at work the most. If need anything call and I'll be right over. Try to keep good thoughts. We all will be praying for your father and family. See you, take care and call if you need anything. Greg P.

[porknbeaner]

John,
Like Denise I'm not overly religious but prayer is something that happens around here.
Hard to deal with your Dad ill or worse, I know. We've got the you all in our prayers.
Let us know if there is anything we can do.
The PknBner

[general gow]

Among many others, my prayers are with you. I am from a very close knit family myself, and I can't even fathom what you are going through. I wish you all the best.

Mark

[Germ]

John has been here for 5 or 6 years ? I think..
weve all been together off and on for along time...
I wish him the best,,, and his family
I like JOHN,..

He has NAPA shoes....
GERM

[fatabone]

John our prayers are with you and your family. I have an uncle working in the Philippines who could help you out.
Howard

[John B]

You guys with the phillipine contacts, I'll be contacting you all some time. This is a hard time and the support you all show is the best medicine I could get. I'm blessed to have found the HAMB.

[yorgatron]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[chopolds]

Hey, John, I recently had to help make a similar decision in the family. Please don't doubt that you made the right one, you DID! Prolonging suffering by artificial means is not natural or God's wish. Other than saying that, I wish you well.

[Tony]

You guy's are in my thoughts and prayers.. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Tony.

[hankcash]

Sorry man....
We have had too much sorrow and woe on here lately....
You are in my thoughts.

Jeff-

[Big A]

All the best John. I'll be thinking of you and your dad.

[Drewfus]

Thought's and prayers.

Carla & Andrew

[fab32]

Just got on the HAMB and found this. It's really sad when the end is near. I've experienced it twice in the last year and there is nothing that is much harder than saying goodbye to a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, John,may HIS love sustain you during this time of sadness.

Frank

[Pist-n-Broke]

The first couple nights were the hardest. I constantly questioned myself and if we were doing the right thing. After we talked with the doctors yesterday we came to a decision and the machines came off. I feel like a load has been lifted from my shoulders. My dad was very active and spent much of his time in the garden and the woods that cover our land. Any life less then what he had been living would be a hell on earth for him. I know we have made the right decision.

Never doubt that you made the right choice. We as parents make these requests known while in sound mind so that our adult children can do our will at the time needed. Feel his hand on your sholder and rest your mind.
May God be with you and your family.
The Wizzard

[bufordtjustice]

John,
I'll be praying. My family had to make the same decision years back, has to be one of the toughest decisions anyone can make in their life. I wish you and your family the best.
Greg

[Upchuck]

John,

I can't say anything thats not already been said so I'll just let you know my family and me got you and yours in our thoughts.....

[av8]

John -- First, please except my thoughts and prayers for your dad, you, and your family. My dad passed away several months ago and it's not an easy time for the survivors. It does get easier with time, however.

Don't beat yourself up over the decision. It wasn't yours to make, it was your dads's, and you're honoring him by respecting his wishes.

Mike Bishop

[Boones]

My prayers are with you. I had to go thru something very similar and it is tough...

[AHotRod]

God will give you courage and comfort, if you ask for it!
God Bless!

[Tman]

Thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your dad.

[tikiranch]

In our prayers.

[John B]

Dad passed away at 4AM , we thank each and everyone who has had our family in their thoughts and prayers.

[Dragrace66]

My condolence.

[plmczy]

He has gone to a better place,please accept our condolences. plmczy

[Ron]

John
I'm sorry, and wish you and your family the best.

[Deyomatic]

Hang in there John, you are in my thoughts as well.

[atch]

john,

i'm just now seeing this for the first time & i read it all the way through.

sorry i didn't see this when i could have offered prayers for your father, but he's with his maker now and i hope you're comforted by that.

however, i'll keep you and the rest of your family in my prayers. i can't claim to have the slightest idea of the hurt, stress, and strain this is causing, or any of the emotions you are feeling, but as best i can i sympathize and empathize with you.

[hotrodladycrusr]

John, I would also like to extend my condolences to you and your family.

[InPrimer]

ohn, my condolences to you and your family, FWIW, check with the postmaster in your neighborhood Im pretty sure you can mail ashes via the US mail I used to deliver ashes to and from funeral homes all the time when I was a letter carrier Serge

[Germ]

JOHN boy,
You need anthing holmes, call..
you know my current situation,,
we can all relate,,

SORRY MAN,,,
TRUELY am,,,
you can reach me at the SAME NUMBER .....
TAKE A BREATH,,,,
I feel for you..

your bro,
germ

[Ham]

Shit man, sorry to hear the news. Our prayers are with you and your family...

[Fast Elvis]

My deepest condolences to you JohnB.....my your Dad's spirit comfort you and your family and bring healing thru fond memmories of such a great person.

[Tony]

John,
i'm very sorry to hear this.
My condolences.
You and your family are in my thoughts.

Tony.

[whodaky]

John to your and your family, I am truly sorry for your lose. As I have said here in the past, things happen for a reason, some times those reasons are hard to under stand. But so much of what we learn from life comes from hurt and pain. Life will continue and your father will be watching over, just as he did for all the time here was here in this earth. Look around you at your life and the person you are. Your father had a big hand in that.

[Kustm52]

Praying for you and your family...

Brian

[Roothawg]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[shoebox72]

My condolences to you & your family during this difficult time.

Billy

[chromedRAT]

sorry to hear the news, buddy, i just found out tonight. wish i could do something for you guys. i've only met you twice, but you and the rest of the guys i always see in lancaster feel like old friends to me. best wishes...

[Kerry]

We'll keep them in our hearts and prayers.

[v8minor]

Thats bad news , its something we will all have to go though ,My granddad lay for years ,after a stroke ,It would have been better if he had gone guick..

[Toqwik]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....

[48bill]

John, Please except our prayers for your dad, you, and your family. My dad passed away several years ago and it's not an easy time, but as time passes it does get easier to accept.

As others have said accept the decision as your dads's, and you've again respected his desires.