my Dad died

[medeak]

He was brilliant pianist and orchestra leader for 60 yrs....and resilient democratic advocate. In his 90's he was going to poor neighborhoods to advocate for Obama door to door. Scared the heck out of me....even cabs wouldn't go there. Will miss you playing "Rhapsody in Blue" Dad. xoxoxo

[Blecht]

1. Sorry for your loss

but glad you have so many nice memories!

[JI7]

2. i'm sorry

[NYC_SKP]

3. So sport to hear, medeak.

Take care.
: hug:

[Warpy]

4. I'm sorry for your loss and our loss, too

I wish some people could live forever.

[LittleBlue]

5. My condolences to you

From what you've said, he lived a very satisfying life.

RIP

[Summer Hathaway]

6. The best we can hope for,

when we are gone, is to be remembered as fondly as this - and to have such eloquent words spoken on our behalf.

The musician has passed. His music remains.

[BlueCheese]

7. So sorry.

It's a terrible thing to watch one's parents get older. It sounds like your dad was a good man who lived a long and fulfilling life. Best wishes to you in this difficult time.

[rppper]

8. I'm saddened by your loss....

You have my hopes, prayers and positive thoughts for the coming weeks. I lost my mother in '05....keep those songs in your head...it'll help....

[arthritisR_US]

9. Your words of him are beautiful, he sounded

like a wonderful and gifted man. I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts of love and strength being sent to you. My deepest sympathies to the pain you're enduring, please take care

[mercymechap]

10. My condolences go out to you

and your family. What a wonderful thing your dad was willing to do, he is to be admired for his courage. May your memories of him make you smile every time you bring them to mind.

[FourScore]

11. I'm so sorry for your loss, medeak. So sad.

[applegrove]

12. Vibes for you dad, you and all of your family.

[defacto7]

13. My condolences...

My father died almost 20 years ago at age 89. I still miss him very much sometimes. But the music does go on.

[napoleon_in_rags]

14. Thanks for sharing his memory.

I can just imagine an old man with talent to hammer out Gershwin on the keys, the compassion to help the poor, and the courage to go to dangerous neighbourhoods to do it. The idea that behind the scenes and the noise, the world has/had this kind of people in it, makes me happy.

[sabrina 1]

15. He sounds like a wonderful father.

I'm so sorry

[snappyturtle]

16. I am so sorry for your pain and loss.

[Violet_Crumble]

17. My condolences to you and yr family...

[davidpdx]

18. I am sorry for your loss

Losing a parent is hard. I lost my dad 10 years ago this month and he was only 55. Your dad lived a long happy life. If he had a favorite conducting baton (I had to look that up because I had no idea what to call it) you should make sure it stays with him.

[mazzarro]

19. My sincere condolence to your family -- n/t

[tblue]

20. So very sorry, sweetie.

Sounds like a wonderful man. Talented too.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

21. Oh, medeak

I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He sounds like such a wonderful, spirited person who could light up any room. Looks as if there are many baby boomers at DU who are experiencing the horrific loss of their parents these days. They were of a generation that so profoundly contributed to this country and are so sorely missed. And as hard as we try, we can never really repay them, can we?

My dad celebrated his 92nd birthday today. It was a surprise, and he was deeply touched. Since there is a little bit of champagne left, I'll raise a toast to your dad as I'm listening to "Rhapsody in Blue."

And for you...sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved father.

[DFW]

22. Condolances for your loss

Be thankful you had him for so long. I lost mine when he was only 78.

[ConservativeDemocrat]

23. So sorry for your loss

He lived a good life and lives within you still...

- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[jtuck004]

24. Rhapsody in Blue. I remember that one from my piano lessons years ago.

We will have some good thoughts for you.

[Yooperman]

25. My condolences...

As we all at some point cross this bridge... It's good to hear he lived a full and rewarding life.

You were blessed to have such a father in your life.

YM

[Control-Z]

26. "In his 90's..."

After so many years together I can only imagine your loss. In just a few sentences you've given us a lovely memory of your father. Even in your grief, you must be so very grateful, and proud, for having had him in your life for as long as you did.

My deepest condolences.

[PoliticAverse]

27. My sympathies for your loss. n/t

[tomm2thumbs]

28. Sounds like a life lived to its fullest - and one of note!

Sorry for your loss - no doubt someone who is so much alive leaves a huge void when they leave, but hopefully in time that life will echo in all those who knew him and was touched by him.

[life long demo]

29. I am so sorry for your loss medeak

There are no words that can ease your pain now, but in time, the smiles will return. Know that we all have you in our hearts at this time of sorrow.

[renate]

30. in his nineties...? he sounds *awesome*

What a fantastic life he must have led. He really sounds like a wonderful, interesting, interested guy.

And what a joy to make a living out of music, which he must have loved so much. A good life.

I'm so sorry.

[Granny M]

31. So sorry for your loss, medeak.

What an awesome thing to be out there for Obama in his 90's. I only hope I can be of service like that as I get older. Thanks for sharing your memories of him.

Peace to you and yours.

[dhill926]

32. damn, man.....

Dad sounds like a real cool guy...raising a glass...

[JDPriestly]

33. Please accept my sympathy for you and your family.

[Egalitarian Thug]

34. Oh no. Our condolences. n/t

[democrank]

35. I`m so sorry for your loss, medeak.

May your Dad rest in peace.

[Kurovski]

36. Condolences...

Musicians are like magicians to me.

He sounds spectacular.

[idwiyo]

37. Hugs

[MADem]

38. Heartfelt sympathy.

It's so hard, no matter how old they, or you, are. You're always their child. They're always your parent.

I wish you strength in the days and weeks ahead. In time the pain recedes, and you're left with fond memories that overtake the sadness. It takes a while, though.

He sounds like someone I would have enjoyed getting to know.

[leftynyc]

39. You have my deepest sympathies

He sounds like he was quite a wonderful man.

[catbyte]

40. Please accept my condolences. He sounds like he was a wonderful man with a

life well lived.

[peace13]

41. Peace and love to you!

You father sounds like a wonderful person. May the light guide his way home!

[dembotoz]

42. sorry for your loss and our loss-a dem with courage needs to be treasured

[cherokeeprogressive]

43. So sorry for your loss.

[malaise]

44. Deepest sympathy

[spanone]

45. sorry....

[ucrdem]

46. thanks medeak. . .

So sorry to hear this. He sounds like a great guy.

[reflection]

47. So sorry.

I'm going through this also now... mine is right behind yours. Won't be long. I'm sorry about your dad and I sure hope he didn't suffer too much.

[LiberalEsto]

48. So sorry for your loss

Peace to you.

[JNelson6563]

49. Heartfelt condolences to you Medeak

That is an eloquent tribute you've posted. Hugs and encouragement to you and yours.

Julie

[jwirr]

50. Condolences.

[hedgehog]

51. I'm sorry for your loss.

[JustAnotherGen]

52. I"m so sorry for your loss

[joeybee12]

53. Very sorry to hear this...our thoughts are with you...

[raouldukelives]

54. Sounds like a great father and friend.

So sorry for your loss.

[SlimJimmy]

55. I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my parents quite a few years ago.

Please take comfort in the fact that time *does* heal all wounds, and although you will always miss him, the sorrow you feel today, will ease with time. All my best wishes to your and your family in this time of grief.

[Eleanors38]

56. Our memories have mostly good thoughts. You will have plenty.

[woo me with science]

57. I am so sorry.

[Tikki]

58. Oh, a music man...so sorry for your loss..

I love music and the people who bring it to me. He was your daddy and a special man.


Tikki

[Solly Mack]

59. My condolences.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Sounds like your dad was awesome.

[grantcart]

60. Sounds like he was a classy guy. Thanks for sharing memories of your Dad.

[Walk away]

61. I'm so sorry for all of us. It sounds like we all lost a friend.

I wish I could hear his music. It would be great to hear him play Gershwin. Maybe you could post some here when you get a chance.

[elleng]

62. So sorry, medeak.

My Dad, not a concert pianist but a music lover (my brother has 'our' baby grand, which I recall being hauled through our Brooklyn apartment window 60? years ago,) passed about a year ago at age 98. They'll enjoy music in forever land now.

[Bertha Venation]

63. I'm very sorry, medeak.

[Unknown Beatle]

64. My condolences and deepest sympathies..

Sorry for your loss.

[AndyA]

65. I'm sorry to hear about your Dad.

I lost mine almost five years ago, he was 81. It's rare that a day passes that I don't think of him.

Your Dad sounds like he was a great guy, who stood up for his beliefs. That's a trait that's becoming harder to find these days.

Will keep you in my thoughts, I know this is a difficult time for you. I hope your Dad rests in peace and that your memories of him will give you the strength you need during this sad time.

Wishing you and yours peace.

[pacalo]

66. Your memories of him must be wonderful. He sounds like a good person to have known.

I'm so sorry for your loss, medeak.

[Festivito]

67. Sounds like his whole life was a wonderful concert. nt

[LoisB]

68. I am so sorry. Love "Rhapsody in Blue".

[glinda]

75. Ditto. RIP Sir.

[Bossy Monkey]

69. So very sorry. Sounds like a great one. All condolences. n/t

[joesdaughter]

70. Blessings to you and family n/t

[SalmonChantedEvening]

71. My condolences on your loss, medeak.

Bless his memory and your grieving heart.

[Tumbulu]

72. So so sorry for your loss nt

[Stuart G]

73. Sorry for your loss.

[nolabear]

74. He sounds like he also lived, and that's wonderful. I'm sorry for your loss, medeak.

[TDale313]

76. I'm so sorry.

[liberal N proud]

77. My condolences to you and your family

[coljam]

78. sorry

sorry

[Swede Atlanta]

79. My condolences.......

I lost my father last July at age 88. He saw so much change in the world, not always for the better.

It sounds like your father was a true advocate for people in recognizing the importance of avoiding a Romney presidency.

[adric mutelovic]

80. God bless him

He will be missed.

[freshwest]

81. What a fine man. Sorry he's not here for you to talk to now. Thanks for telling us about him.

He made the world a better place.

[libdude]

82. Condolences

To you and family and to those who will feel your loss as their own. He created a wonderful world which will continue on in the lives that he touched.
Thanks to all the heartfelt expressions that have preceeded my post and how sharing your stories have made us all a little better than we were.

[MissDeeds]

83. I am so sorry for your loss, medeak

and for ours. It sounds like your dad was a great man. Although you are hurting right now, you were fortunate to have such a fine fellow to call "Dad". You're in my thoughts.

MissDeeds

[mecherosegarden]

84. Sorry for your loss! N/T

[RainDog]

85. condolences

[Mira]

86. So very sorry and so sad for you.

He is loved and missed I can tell, and was a wonderful example. Celebrate the good times, with gratitude.

[oneshooter]

87. My condolences to your family.

[LibDemAlways]

88. Sincere condolences, medeak.

It sounds like your dad lived a long and interesting life. Hope memories of many good times shared will bring peace and comfort.

[upi402]

89. It's a sad thing

I know it too

I'm sorry for your loss

[Triana]

90. I'm so sorry.

He sounds like a fantastic person. Well-lived. Well-loved. And of course, irreplacable.

[rgk7]

91. You are in our thoughts

You can tell by your words you loved him very much. Sorry for your loss

[sueh]

92. (((hugs)))

[yardwork]

93. I'm very sorry for your loss.

[TuxedoKat]

94. So sorry

for the loss of your beloved dad. He sounds like he was an absolutely wonderful person and to be out working for Pres. Obama in his '90s! -- Wow! I'm glad you had him so long though it's never long enough and that he got to see Pres. Obama elected twice. (((HUGS)))

[Liberal In Red State]

95. So sorry for your loss . . . My the music he loved bring a smile to your heart . . . Always!

[Stinky The Clown]

96. Peace to your Dad and all who loved him.

Rhapsody in Blue. The elegance of the Duke, embodied in your Dad.

[Mnemosyne]

97. I am sorry, medeak. May you find comfort from having had him with you, and feisty, for so long.

[trublu992]

98. Your Dad sounds Amazing!!! I'm sorry for your loss sorry we never knew him

Happy we got to know something of him thru you

[calimary]

99. I'm so sorry to hear this, medeak.

Even when it's expected (of an elder), it's STILL awful when it finally happens.

I'm glad you shared this here. I'm glad I did when my mom died in 2006. People were so sympathetic, and empathetic, and kind. There's so much love and support here. It will buoy you up, too.

[ReRe]

100. I really do know of your loss.....

My own Mother, who I lost 5 yrs ago, also was a gifted pianist all of her life. She had a cousin that came to visit us on occasion who was a concert Pianist. I would always ask him to play Hungarian Rhapsody and Mom's favorite was always George's "Rhapsody in Blue." George Gershwin was so ahead of his time. Rhapsody in Blue was ritten back around 1926, I believe. What a musical genius. And if your Father could play it, I wish I could have heard him. Of course, I can in my mind. I made a CD of Mom's favorite tunes and gave it to her friends when she passed. Whenever I see them, they say they still enjoy listening to it on a regular basis.

My heart is with you and your family at this time.

[nadinbrzezinski]

101. Hugs

[rl6214]

102. Very sorry for your loss.

[timdog44]

103. Sorry for your loss.

I felt really bad when my Dad died. He was a minister and a very liberal thinker, any path to God, kind of guy, and a straight D party voter. That has been 10 years now. I still cry, but of happiness, mostly, because I got to know him when I was an adult. I am still sad sometimes when I think of him, but selfishly because I would love for him to see that I, in my opinion, turned out to be a good guy too. There will be lots of good memories and sounds like they have already started. Good on you.