calfoxwc Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 I'll always remember that I went to a Browns game - before I was born. All these many years, Dad and I loved watching our Browns. I remember one time, in the second grade, Dad and I went fishing one morning - 5:30 AM early. We drove to the lake, and after a while of fishing, I got bored because the fish hadn't starting biting, so I went walking out on a tree over the shoreline, and stopped at the end, over about five feet of water. As I turned around to walk back.... I skipped and fell in with a giant "kerploosh!". On our way home, to get me into some dry clothes, I told Dad I was so sorry for ending our fishing outing. He just grinned, and said that we were coming right back out, I just did us a favor and woke the fish up. And we did go right back out, and caught at least a hundred nice bluegill and redears. I always admired how he handled situations - I never forgot how cool he was that time. Well, he always was. Another time, one afternoon, the fish weren't biting as we sat out in our 17 foot canoe, and I was still a youngster, and I got fidgety. He looked at me, and asked me how high I thought the sky was. Well, that turned into a long, very interesting conversation about how if the sky/universe ended, and if it did, well, what was beyond that end? And, sure enough, before we figured it all out, the fish started biting. Before I got my first shotgun, in the fifth grade, he said they'd get me one, but I'd have to carry my bbgun when we went hunting, and I had to always carry it per his safety rules. For that whole year in the 4th grade. Sure enough, I did, and I still have that old 12 gauge single shot today. I've always learned a ton of cool things from my Dad - he always could make you laugh in his quiet way, and was always so very smart, and knew the outdoors stuff like crazy. We fixed all our own cars over all those years. He could fix anything - he really could. He'd just figure it out, and never once get tired of tackling fix it jobs. And watching Browns games together all these years, I always knew I would take us to a Browns superbowl no matter what it would cost. We went to a last Browns game, this year - preseason, tickets compliments of a great friend. He had a tough time doing all the walking to the stadium and to our seats, but simply joked about it the entire time. We always dreamed how great that would be - going in person to that superbowl. All the lost years of wasted coaching picks, bad drafts, stupid personnel people....... and it's all gone now. I'll never go to one. That dream died tonight. I have always admired him. We have always been friends in a huge way, me and Dad. But tonight, after several bouts of cancer over the years, we lost him. Too many things hit him at one time, this time. There isn't one man on earth I would have wanted to be my Dad instead of him. He was 85 - a long time to hang in there, with us, watching the Browns every single season. I'm a very lucky guy, but it doesn't make the heartbreak stay away. Goodbye, Browns Super Bowl Dreams. One day, I'll see him again - and I'll tell him I'm ai sorry we never made those superbowl dreams come true. And, sure enough, he'll grin at me, and talk about where the sky ends, if it does, until the fish starting hitting. Goodbye, Dad. Love you always and forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vagitron Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Really sorry for your loss man. Cancer is absolutely awful. Just pass your love of the Browns to a child of your own if you haven't already. The Browns can't be awful forever and they're already hanging tough in most games this season. I'd wager those games spent with you meant more to your dad than the Browns winning and losing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BadNewsBrowns Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Really heart felt post Cal, top notch writing..beautiful stuff. Sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballpeen Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Sorry for the loss Cal. It's never easy losing a parent. Take comfort to know they will always be with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRREBEL Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 I'll always remember that I went to a Browns game - before I was born. All these many years, Dad and I loved watching our Browns. I remember one time, in the second grade, Dad and I went fishing one morning - 5:30 AM early. We drove to the lake, and after a while of fishing, I got bored because the fish hadn't starting biting, so I went walking out on a tree over the shoreline, and stopped at the end, over about five feet of water. As I turned around to walk back.... I skipped and fell in with a giant "kerploosh!". On our way home, to get me into some dry clothes, I told Dad I was so sorry for ending our fishing outing. He just grinned, and said that we were coming right back out, I just did us a favor and woke the fish up. And we did go right back out, and caught at least a hundred nice bluegill and redears. I always admired how he handled situations - I never forgot how cool he was that time. Well, he always was. Another time, one afternoon, the fish weren't biting as we sat out in our 17 foot canoe, and I was still a youngster, and I got fidgety. He looked at me, and asked me how high I thought the sky was. Well, that turned into a long, very interesting conversation about how if the sky/universe ended, and if it did, well, what was beyond that end? And, sure enough, before we figured it all out, the fish started biting. Before I got my first shotgun, in the fifth grade, he said they'd get me one, but I'd have to carry my bbgun when we went hunting, and I had to always carry it per his safety rules. For that whole year in the 4th grade. Sure enough, I did, and I still have that old 12 gauge single shot today. I've always learned a ton of cool things from my Dad - he always could make you laugh in his quiet way, and was always so very smart, and knew the outdoors stuff like crazy. We fixed all our own cars over all those years. He could fix anything - he really could. He'd just figure it out, and never once get tired of tackling fix it jobs. And watching Browns games together all these years, I always knew I would take us to a Browns superbowl no matter what it would cost. We went to a last Browns game, this year - preseason, tickets compliments of a great friend. He had a tough time doing all the walking to the stadium and to our seats, but simply joked about it the entire time. We always dreamed how great that would be - going in person to that superbowl. All the lost years of wasted coaching picks, bad drafts, stupid personnel people....... and it's all gone now. I'll never go to one. That dream died tonight. I have always admired him. We have always been friends in a huge way, me and Dad. But tonight, after several bouts of cancer over the years, we lost him. Too many things hit him at one time, this time. There isn't one man on earth I would have wanted to be my Dad instead of him. He was 85 - a long time to hang in there, with us, watching the Browns every single season. I'm a very lucky guy, but it doesn't make the heartbreak stay away. Goodbye, Browns Super Bowl Dreams. One day, I'll see him again - and I'll tell him I'm ai sorry we never made those superbowl dreams come true. And, sure enough, he'll grin at me, and talk about where the sky ends, if it does, until the fish starting hitting. Goodbye, Dad. Love you always and forever. Cal, A very beautiful tribute. I am so sorry for you loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cysko Kid Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Cal...sorry man... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieHardBrownsFan Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Sorry Cal. I lost my Dad to Cancer back in 1995. He was only 68. I know what you have to go through. It's a horrible disease for sure. May he RIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClevelandFanForLife Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Sorry to hear that Cal. Thoughts and prayers with your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosar_For_President Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Cal, man sorry to hear for your loss. It is not the end but just the beginning. RIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USFBrown Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Sorry to hear about your loss brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. The pain of a loss loved one hurts deeply but it also reminds us of how much we loved them and they in turn loved us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roach Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Cal, so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing that touching tribute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canton Mike Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Mike, When you told me your Dad ASKED you to take him to the hospital, I Prayed, thinking he KNEW his time was near. I am so sorry for your loss, but you have countless great memories. I'll always remember & treasure the memories of watching the Browns vs Steelers, the 2012 NFL Draft, & making Training Camp with your Dad. I'm sure there were times your Dad was in pain, but no one would ever know. He was a MAN who I'm proud & Blessed to have known. My Dad passed in 1973, but I still feel his presence sharing events in my life. Your Dad will watch that Super Bowl by your side. Love & Prayers go out to you, Pat, and Family. If you need anything or just need to talk, call or stop by ANYTIME. God Bless, Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zombo Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 So sorry to hear this Cal. You sure gave him a beautiful tribute. Hang in there, prayers and thoughts your way. Zombo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FALCON7 Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 I got on this board to complain about the Browns. Then I read your beautiful tribute to your Dad, I'm very sorry for your loss. Cal, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrownsFan4Evr Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 My dad died in 1983..............STILL miss him..................God bless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrownRebel Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 I'll always remember that I went to a Browns game - before I was born. All these many years, Dad and I loved watching our Browns. I remember one time, in the second grade, Dad and I went fishing one morning - 5:30 AM early. We drove to the lake, and after a while of fishing, I got bored because the fish hadn't starting biting, so I went walking out on a tree over the shoreline, and stopped at the end, over about five feet of water. As I turned around to walk back.... I skipped and fell in with a giant "kerploosh!". On our way home, to get me into some dry clothes, I told Dad I was so sorry for ending our fishing outing. He just grinned, and said that we were coming right back out, I just did us a favor and woke the fish up. And we did go right back out, and caught at least a hundred nice bluegill and redears. I always admired how he handled situations - I never forgot how cool he was that time. Well, he always was. Another time, one afternoon, the fish weren't biting as we sat out in our 17 foot canoe, and I was still a youngster, and I got fidgety. He looked at me, and asked me how high I thought the sky was. Well, that turned into a long, very interesting conversation about how if the sky/universe ended, and if it did, well, what was beyond that end? And, sure enough, before we figured it all out, the fish started biting. Before I got my first shotgun, in the fifth grade, he said they'd get me one, but I'd have to carry my bbgun when we went hunting, and I had to always carry it per his safety rules. For that whole year in the 4th grade. Sure enough, I did, and I still have that old 12 gauge single shot today. I've always learned a ton of cool things from my Dad - he always could make you laugh in his quiet way, and was always so very smart, and knew the outdoors stuff like crazy. We fixed all our own cars over all those years. He could fix anything - he really could. He'd just figure it out, and never once get tired of tackling fix it jobs. And watching Browns games together all these years, I always knew I would take us to a Browns superbowl no matter what it would cost. We went to a last Browns game, this year - preseason, tickets compliments of a great friend. He had a tough time doing all the walking to the stadium and to our seats, but simply joked about it the entire time. We always dreamed how great that would be - going in person to that superbowl. All the lost years of wasted coaching picks, bad drafts, stupid personnel people....... and it's all gone now. I'll never go to one. That dream died tonight. I have always admired him. We have always been friends in a huge way, me and Dad. But tonight, after several bouts of cancer over the years, we lost him. Too many things hit him at one time, this time. There isn't one man on earth I would have wanted to be my Dad instead of him. He was 85 - a long time to hang in there, with us, watching the Browns every single season. I'm a very lucky guy, but it doesn't make the heartbreak stay away. Goodbye, Browns Super Bowl Dreams. One day, I'll see him again - and I'll tell him I'm ai sorry we never made those superbowl dreams come true. And, sure enough, he'll grin at me, and talk about where the sky ends, if it does, until the fish starting hitting. Goodbye, Dad. Love you always and forever. Nothing I can say that hasn't been said cal. I am awfully sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. Sincere condolences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark O Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Great tribute Cal. Sorry for your loss.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrb12711 Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 I can't say I know you Cal but God bless you and sorry for the loss. Just take solace in the fact that despite all the losing and misery the browns put on us fans the time spent with his son watching them are I'm sure the most cherished memories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Couch Pulls Out Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Sorry for your loss, Cal. My father passed away last year at 55 years old. There's never a "right" age for them to go. Reminiscing about him on here really helped me get through it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comeonman Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 By far the best post I've ever read on here. Awesome tribute, you painted a wonderful picture of your father Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sisky fringo Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 thanks for sharing with us Cal, so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how you must be feeling...horrible stuff to have to handle. !! hang in there Bud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Bone Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Wow, what a beautiful tribute to your Dad. I am sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miktoxic Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 feel blessed you had him for all those years (lost my mom at seven and my dad at thirty) and the memories that will last with you until you meet him again. take solace in the fact that your god is now with him watching over you and the rest of your family. sorry for the loss and the heartache. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfox227 Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Cal, I have been on this board for many years now. Have been and always will be a Browns fan no matter what. So many times I get very frustrated with the maturity level of some of the posters here on the board. Many times have thought aboout just quiting and not coming back. Thank you for reaffirming my faith in Browns fans. As I read your post to my wife I genuinely had tears in my eyes and had problems reading the post without having to take a break. What a tribute to your father...I wish I could have met him...someday I hope to meet you..you truly are your fathers son..God Bless you in your time of loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob806 Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Nice writing Cal, helps us keep things in perspective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medicineman Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 that is very sad. I am sorry. Your Dad seemed like a great person. I read most of everything you write and I am willing to bet you made him a proud man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAVENS PURPLE RULES Posted November 19, 2012 Report Share Posted November 19, 2012 Sorry for your loss. Best to you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pavo Joe Posted November 20, 2012 Report Share Posted November 20, 2012 Wow, what a touching tribute to what must have been a great man. Although we have never met we have a kinship through the Browns. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoeticG Posted November 20, 2012 Report Share Posted November 20, 2012 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowburn Posted November 20, 2012 Report Share Posted November 20, 2012 Hopefully, your post was theraputic as you process your grief. Your pops sounds like a wonderful father. No matter what our accomplishments are in our lifetimes, if we give our children unconditonal love and support then we can consider our time on this earth a success. My relationship with my deceased father was not a good one and I made a promise to myself that I would do things much differently in raising my two sons. Reading your letter inspires me further to live up to that committment. Although it's sad that he never got his dream of seeing the Browns in the Super Bowl....never forget that his spirit will be with you when the Browns do play in that magical game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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