Semper Fi, maggots

[Viking88]

My father is a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps., I would never dain to call him retired. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Oorah.

He's 68 years old, we're 40 years apart. Though he keeps a fitness regimen and eats well he's lived a rough life, and recently informed me that he has a brain aneurysm. I don't know the scope of it but aim to find out if I can. In his eyes, it's a blessing. His father died of ALS when he was 14 and he had a primary role in his care during his decline. It has had a profound effect on him to this day, and he is thankful for the opportunity to die in a way that doesn't leave his loved ones suffering along with him.

I'm not concerned about advice or comfort for the inevitable, we've made up for lost time as much as any duo could hope for. He's made his standpoint clear. He's ready to go. I'm more than happy to let him, after the shitshow he's been through. I won't get into it. I more than anything just wanted to share this time somewhere where someone might give a damn. It's sad to see someone I respect so much now fading away in the VA like so many other forgotten souls. I'd love to hear your stories of hardasses passing and what their lives meant to you. I wouldn't be the same steel-forged man I am without his experience behind me.