Just wanted to share

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Sam Harris

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So this past month has been really difficult for me and for my wife. Her dad, technically her stepdad- but always was much more of a father to her than her real dad. He has been fighting cancer for almost 2 years. This is a rare and aggressive cancer called Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

When I first met Ken, I immediately knew he was an awesome guy. He was into cars, guns, a patriot, and he and I really clicked and had so much in common. He has always been a car guy and we talked at length about the 2 current fun cars he had built up, a 72 and a 77 El Camino -he built and installed 454’s in both.

I flew out to his home in Texas 2 weeks ago, my wife had already been there a week. Ken was worried about the 77 El Camino, since the seats were not installed, and he knew his wife would need to sell the cars. Ken asked me to install the seats for him, so I spent 2 days figuring out how they went, finding the tools I needed in his shop, installing the seats, seat belts and carpet. Reinstalling the interior panels and new sill plates.

Sunday, February 23rd, I drove the car up from the shop to the house, so he could see it, and let me know what he thought.

I flew home that day. Two days later he was gone. After sitting in his car, he went back in the house, laid in bed, and never got back up again. I wish I had been able to stay, I was worried about my kiddo missing too much school while I was unable to take her. It was a mistake to leave. I should have been there when he left us to be with God.

Ken passed away on Fat Tuesday, very appropriate for him, as he loved to party. He was laid to rest on leap day. Keep those close to your heart with you as much as possible. Always make time for them.

RIP: KP

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Joseph Garcia

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Sam,

I am very sorry to read about the passing of your father-in-law and your family's loss. On the positive side, you did have the opportunity to know him and share car/truck-related passions and experiences with him over a period of time. Further, you did get the opportunity to visit with him one last time, just prior to his passing. That is something that not everybody has the good fortune to be able to do. As long as we remember someone who has passed, they are not really gone.

When my Dad passed, a relative gave my Mom a piece of finished wood with the following words inscribed on it, and it now sits on her fireplace mantle, under a portrait of my Dad.

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

I hope that you find some solace in these words.

Joe
 

drakon543

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you gave him that extra bit of peace he wanted and let him see his car back together before he left.
i really clicked with my wifes grandfather. i dont have any awesome stories but he was a great guy too. he is missed by alot of people as im sure her dad will be missed by alot too. sorry for your loss wish the best for the days moving forward.
 

adventurenali92

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@Sam Harris ,
Spending quality time with those you love is so very important! I’m sure you made him a happy guy in those last few days! Lucky for you to have a father figure in that sense! I’m jealous of that! Stay fresh my friend and remember in these days that he’s home with Jesus, and that’s it’s just a goodbye for know until you meet him again on the flipside!
 

Tonyrodz

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I'm really sorry to hear about yours and your family's devastating loss. Try to remember the good times you had with him, and those smiles and that great joy you were able to bring him in those last days. Remember that my friend. Sorry again Sam.
 
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