I’m so sorry that I wasn’t able to get online last night, and didn’t see this till now. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Amy, for being so kind and considerate and let us know what’s happening with you and your family.
I can only echo what the others have all said. We are a family, albeit an odd one to be sure :p; and we are all here for you and yours, anytime you need us. I do hope, when you’re ready, that you’ll come back and grace us with your presence, your humor <so much like your dad’s>, and your words.
Thank you Shayna, for sharing some of your conversations with Wally with us here. It must be hard to do, yet you are willing to endure the pain to share a little more of this wonderful man with us. You are truly a classy lady, and I’m honored to call you friend. {{{{{{Shayna}}}}}}
Let me also echo the question about any charities close to his heart, I’d like very much to do something in memory of your Dad, Amy.
For one who doesn’t ‘get’ the online community, Amy, your thoughtfulness in reaching out during this incredibly painful time, is amazing. It is much appreciated. Take care, sweet, and ya’ll are in our prayers, especially in the coming weeks. Life will never be the same for any of you again, and now the search to make a ‘normal’ life when the resentment will inevitably surface from time to time at having to do so, please be gentle with yourself. Go for walks, follow whatever timetable your heart sets, rather than any calender. Please know, that wherever you go, you’ll always find a ‘home’ here too. ----Judy
I’m glad you like the memorial… I’m still working on it… I want it to be nicer since it is a permanent thing. Again… if anyone has any more pictures of Wally, especiallyd doing things he loved to do, please send them to me. If you don’t have access to a scanner, you can send them to my PO box with an addressed return envelope and I’ll scan them and send them back. OpalCat / PO Box 3874 / Reston VA 20195
Amy, your dad was a close friend, he was our neighbor in this global community the internet has created. We love him and our thoughts are with your family.
PS there is a “forgot your password?” link on my board that will email it to you.
Many thanks, Amy, for taking the time out of what is certainly a time-consuming effort to keep those of us who only knew your father thru the 'puter appraised of how things went. Wally is still in our thoughts and so will you all be for a very long time. Allow me to echo the sentiments that you are indeed welcome to the SDMB any time you wish.
Amy: Just wanted to thank you for checking in here during your time of grief and keeping everyone updated. I know everyone here would love to hear from you and what is going on with your family from time to time. I will keep a watchful eye out for threads from you. Your whole family has been in my prayers and will continue to be.
Shayna - if you hear of any charity that Wally’s family would like memorial donations made to, please let us know. Perhaps a gerbil-rehabilitation program?
I’ve been out of town for two weeks. The first thing I did when I got back last night was fire up the computer, and I was stunned and heartbroken when I saw the banner. Wally was one of my favorite posters: always funny, always sharp, usually right. I always read any thread with his name on it. I will miss him a lot, although not as much as your family will. I will keep you all in my prayers. Please keep in touch.
I’ve been out of town for two weeks. The first thing I did when I got back last night was fire up the computer, and I was stunned and heartbroken when I saw the banner. Wally was one of my favorite posters: always funny, always sharp, usually right. I always read any thread with his name on it. I will miss him a lot, although not as much as your family will. I will keep you all in my prayers. Please keep in touch.
Dear Amy,
I don’t know whether or not you’re still reading this thread, but I haven’t introduced myself, so now is as good a time as any (well, really it probably isn’t but I guess I should). I read that you are (have) graduated Grade 13 so I’m assuming you are about the same age as I.(wouldn’t it be embarassing for me to learn Grade 13 means that she was just inished her thirteenth doctoral thesis.) I’m Wes McGee, age 19. I went through a similar tragedy some 15 months ago when my mom died. It’s still difficult to think about her without breaking down. I guess she meant a great deal to me as I see Wally meant to you. So if you need anyone to talk to, you can put me on your list, even though all I can offer you probably are the platitudes and sentiments that my friends gave me those few months back. I’ll try.
There is a saying I think “No man is successful who doesn’t have friends.” Wally was successful beyond his dreams. He has dozens of ‘strangers’ grieving over his departure.
Whatever I was going to say, I mangeled it out of recognition. I wish you the best, Amy.
I wanted to add my hugs here too. {{{{{Amy&family}}}} You’ve definitely got your dad’s gift of eloquence, Amy. Thank you so much for coming back during this heart-wrenching time for you. Please let us know if there’s a charity your father held dear, as I know that in lieu of hugs in person, many of us here would like to do something, anything, in your dad’s name.
I think I’m going to go down to our local pet store and free some gerbils…