Saying "Goodbye" to my old man

[duncan_idaho]

My dad passed away this week. He was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer earlier this year, and had been going through chemo.

I think the family had been lulled a little into a false sense of security, of time, because he had been tolerating the chemo so well. The doctors had found a concoction they thought his heart and liver (the two most vulnerable organs he had) could work through.

I don't know if it was complications from the chemo, but his heart gave out earlier this week.

Now, I'm not writing this as a look-at-me or cry for sympathy. I'm doing this because when I think about my dad, I think about the Chiefs, and watching games with him. He's the reason I care so much. There's another reason, too, but I'll talk about it at the end.

I am so, so thankful my dad and I got to see the past five years of the Chiefs together. That he got to see them get back to the top of the mountain this year.

He was always a more even-keel, optimistic fan than me. He endured the succession of washed up QBs with eternal optimism and belief that they could turn it around in KC, just like Lenny did.

I used to sarcastically thank him for raising me as a Royals/Chiefs/Mizzou fan, but damn if that didn't make 2014, 2015, and 2018-now all the sweeter. Now I thank him in earnest.

I'm so thankful he got to see that run end (and return the good-natured digs to his fraternity brother from Colorado, who never stopped reminding Dad about the 1983 draft).

We'll put him to rest tomorrow. Going to be a hard day, no doubt about it. But I'm confident that when I watch the Chiefs, it's going to bring the good things out. When I talk about them on here, it's going to bring the good things out.

Now, that other thing I mentioned at the top; if you're wondering if there's anything you can do, what I'd really like is for you to commit to taking care of yourselves. Go to the doctor. And please, please, please get your colonoscopies. My dad's cancer started as colon cancer before spreading. He never had a colonoscopy, and I can't help but think if he just HAD, he'd still be here. We would have caught it early enough and stopped it.

And I wouldn't be standing in his place at my sister's wedding next spring. I wouldn't be giving the speech, I'd be helping him write it.

If you've read all of this, thanks for letting me ramble. Sometimes, getting the words out is the best thing for this.

Go to your check-ups. Get the colonoscopy.

[BWillie]

Lost my old man when he was only 58 about 5 years ago. Hardest thing Ive ever had to go thru. He was an avid Chiefs fan. He would have loved Mahomes. Sorry to hear of your loss.

[seclark]

Sometimes we never know what we have until it’s gone.
Sometimes we do know.
You’re one of the lucky ones Duncan.
May your father rest in peace, and best wishes to you and yours.
sec

[spanky 52]

I'm sorry for your loss. Kudos for advocating for early colonoscopies. So glad he got to witness the last five years of the Chiefs.

[tredadda]

Condolences on the loss of your father. Thank you for sharing that as it must not have been easy to write. Also thank you for sharing that advice as it could possibly save someone on here's life.

[Prison Bitch]

Got my GI two years ago when I turned 45. One miserable night of prep that’s for sure, but it’ll be every 5 years going FW


Good message.

[burt]

Sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad a year and a half ago. Still occasionally have issues with dust in my eyes....

Sent from my SM-A526U using Tapatalk

[Bowser]

Condolences, Duncan. I'm glad you had such a relationship with your dad and thank you for sharing how you've become a rabid fan due to his influence. Scream a little louder next time you're at a game for him.

**** cancer

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

Got my GI two years ago when I turned 45. One miserable night of prep that’s for sure, but it’ll be every 5 years going FW


Good message.

You love a good jet streaming shit.

[JohnnyHammersticks]

My condolences to you and your family. Going through something similar with my dad, and like you, he's also the reason I'm a Chiefs' fan. Hang in there.

[Mephistopheles Janx]

Losing someone that close is a heart-wrenching experience. You have my condolences.

I can tell you that it doesn't ever get easy but every day that passes takes me further away from overwhelming grief and there are now times I can look back and smile or laugh instead of just breaking down into a heap.

Big hugs man.

[Kramerica]

Lost my father in November to complications from Alzheimer's. He took me to my first Chiefs game, the infamous Elway asking the ref to quiet the crowd game. He was absolutely the reason I became a Chiefs fan...and he wasn't even all that big of a fan. He just wanted to spend time with me.

My thoughts with you and your family. Thanks for sharing.

[JPH83]

Very sorry to hear Duncan. For what it's worth from a total stranger...you always seem a good natured, good dude in the little I've interacted with you, normally in the draft section. I imagine that's partly down to your old man. Take it easy

[Sure-Oz]

So sorry for the loss of your father. I'm glad your father got to see this version of the Chiefs. What a gift. Hang in there tomorrow.

[mnchiefsguy]

Sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories. Some of the greatest memories with my Dad are Chiefs related, and I think of him often while watching the Chiefs, especially in the postseason.

[notorious]

Sorry Duncan. He will live on through you and your kids.