My 84-year old father, who has been struggling with hydrocephalus for a few years, took a very serious fall this morning at about 2 am and hit his head. What followed was massive inner-cranial bleeding, a coma, a do-not resuscitate order, and he is now in hospice waiting for the inevitable.
David M. Burns was born to the town drunk in the poorest town in Kentucky, never graduated from high school, and yet he got his GED in the Air Force, graduated from Princeton, married the love of his life, Sandra Dunlop, toured the world as a representative of the U.S. Government (living
in Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Zimbabwe, Mali, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria), learned both Arabic and French, bought and gave to the State of Kentucky a square mile of land to protect an old growth forest forever, started the first climate program at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, wrote the first editorial on climate change in The New York Times, built a custom house on Dupont Circle, and toured the world with the Buck Clayton Quintet playing upright bass and trombone.
He married well and stayed married for 58 years. His greatest bequest to his two sons is a sense of honesty and integrity. His greatest find was his lovely wife who shared those values and who smoothed out his wrinkles as best she could.
I am proud of the Old Man. Proud to be my parent's son. You bastards should have been so lucky.
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17 comments:
I am sorry for the turn in your dad's health. I wish him talented healers around, peace within.
Mr. Burns the elder is without a doubt an extraordinary self-made man. A rare breed. Thinking of you and your family.
Seahorse
Sorry about what happened to your dad. Sounds like a helluva guy.
Good on your dad. He had a full and happy life. No doubt he will be sorely missed when he goes, and, to be hones, there are few words that can console that loss. Hang in there Patrick, and my wishes that, whatever happens, happens in the least painful way for all.
..and as you should..a champion from any perspective.
My thoughts to you and your family.
A fine tribute to both your father and the country that allowed him to rise to his potential.
A lovely and heartfelt tribute - thanks Patrick, may the road rise up to meet him.
Cheers to a great man, and peace on his family.
A long and interesting life, a peaceful death, and family who will mourn him. Grieve for him, and as you have - acknowledge the patrimony he gave you, his life as an example to follow.
Man was a champ! Take care Mr. Burns.
I'm sorry for the grief you and your family are facing. He sounds like a helluva guy!
What a life story! There are few like him left in this world. My condolences.
Mate, what a great life he has had and he has given you and your family. I try to set the same example for my family as I am sure you do. My thoughts to you and your family.
My thoughts are with you and your family :-(
What a talented man your Dad is!! My thoughts are with you and you family.
I am truly sorry to hear of your impending loss.
Richard Grossman
Pennsylvania
It's hard to lose your dad, but I am glad that you are taking that course of action for his last days instead of all the "heroic medicine" crap.
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