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12.07.2007

Wonderful Father



Wonderful Father
Originally uploaded by jonnyups.



How does one even begin to describe the life of a 62 year old man who meant the world to him? Bare with me as I search in my mind to find words that don't seem to come easily.

My dad. I knew him all my life. I could talk for days about the experiences I've had with him. From the car shows, to the drive to Utah and back, to camping, fishing, bird watching, ambulance chasing, and even him giving me my first camera. He has shaped my life in a way you could not know. I could talk for the same amount of days about the things I've learned from him. How to change my tires, how to treat a lady, how to appreciate the beauty in a pile of metal with 500 horsepower in it, and how to love. These are just the tip of the iceberg.

In his final days he was in pain. Cancer is a bitch. Cancer is ugly and cancer is dirty and cancer does not fight fair.

March 18th, this was the day my dad went to Urgent Care thinking he had pneumonia. Later that day he was told that it was not pneumonia, but a mass in his lungs. This morning, less than 9 months after diagnosis, my dad took his last breath. My mom and I were at his side, and it was peaceful.

He was a man of integrity, I hope you knew him. I'm sorry I can't paint a picture that even begins to portray how amazing this man was.

~ Ronald Edward Upson ~
September 11, 1945 - December 7, 2007



24 comments:

Corrigan Vaughan said...

Jonny, I praise God that you and your dad had such an amazing relationship and that it sounds like you look back on the time you had with him with fond memories and no regrets. You and your family are in my prayers. Love you. And if you need anything, you know how to get a hold of me.

Mike said...

Sorry for your loss, friend. My prayers are with you and your family. If you need anything, you have my number.

j a f f r e y said...

i'm so sorry.
but it is so good to see there is still some peace there.
may it continue and grow even more full.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and all those who knew this man you have portrayed in a beautiful and amazing way.

ARBC Youth said...

Jonny, I lost my father 4 years ago on Dec. 16 to cancer. I will pray for you and your family as you go through this time of loss. And I thank you for writing about your father. You honor him well.

ARBC Youth said...

Jonny, I lost my father 4 years ago on Dec. 16 to cancer. I will pray for you and your family as you go through this time of loss. And I thank you for writing about your father. You honor him well.

Anonymous said...

Jon, your blog about your dad was wonderful. My heart breaks for you. My grandfather was the closest thing to me as a father and being present when someone leaves this earth is an incredible thing, especially when you have no doubt where he is now. He raised a wonderful man in you. Words don't help much I know but I hope you feel the prayers around you and your family.

Anonymous said...

It's an interesting thing, having served him coffee for years and then getting to know you so well... and then finding out that that guy that I served was your dad. You'd like to know that all the time that I served him (back in the day) he was a warm and caring person to strangers and friends alike. He had a smile that eminated from deep down and it would glow in the brightest and busiest of rooms. It's a trait that he definitely passed on to you Jon, and I thank God that I've been blessed in having you as a friend. I'm crying with you buddy, but I'm glad he isn't in pain anymore.

Anonymous said...

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss, You and your family are in my prayers. Let me know if you need anything ~ Travis "T"

~gift~ said...

I'm crying with you right now.

Anonymous said...

<3

Anonymous said...

What a nice tribute to dad. I love you Jon.

Anonymous said...

Jon, I hope it's alright that I add a little of my own reminiscing.

Your dad in three words: What A Guy! I remember the many mornings I'd be leaving for school, and he'd be outside, scraping the frost off of your mom's car windows--and I'd say out loud to myself, "Wow, what a guy. Sue's one heck of a lucky woman!" And he could make anyone feel special--I can't remember a day that he didn't greet my sisters and myself with a "Hey sweetie!" Even on this past Thursday night, he reached out and greeted me with a "Hey sweetie." Always loving others, right up to the end. What a guy. And gosh was it easy to see how proud he was of you three guys, and how much he adored your mom. It radiated throughout his smile, laughter, and gentle spirit. I can't wait to hear that "Hey sweetie" again someday.

From one of the members of 'that-crazy-family-down-the-street' to your family, we love you guys so much, and we're so glad that we'll always be so much more than "neighbors".

Unknown said...

I never knew your dad, but if you are any reflection of him, then he must have been an amazing person. my thoughts are with you and your family, my friend.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jon, I'm so so sorry you're Dad passed on so soon, it is unfair and I'm sorry your lovely family had to live through that. So it's 10 years next year that your fam took me to Disneyland, it was the only time I met your Dad, but we had such an awesome day and it made my trip incredibly special. My love to your Mom, who I think is the sweetest thing, and to you, love you long time. xoxo D.

Anonymous said...

Jon, just know how much you are loved by everyone!!! You have an amazing support group all around you and just know you have many to lean on! Your support group is sooo large and wonderful because you are such an amazing person. Thank you for sharing about the amazing man who taught you so much! Much love to you and your family!

Anonymous said...

wow...I cant say i had the honor of meeting your father, but I can honestly say that I am looking forward to someday Jon.

my heart is broken with you...

amy said...

love you, jon. my thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, Jon.
I really can't imagine what things must be like for you and your family right now. I love you bro, and I'm praying for you.
hang in there and remember the good times.
this is a great tribute. I know he is proud of you. you look like him too, I think. :)

Anonymous said...

I had no idea your dad was sick. I'm so sorry you had to lose him at such a young age. I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Jon...we are thinking of you and praying for you and your family. We love you bro.

Jon said...

Jon, I can't imagine the difficulty of going through this loss at all...let alone at this time of the year. My prayers are with you truly. I have a hard time when thinking of the mortality of my parents...
this blog is a good reflection on your dad, I hope that there is some comfort to be found for you and your family during this time.

ren said...

jonny i know how hard it is to capture the depth of ones love in mere words. i am so sorry for your loss and tearing up thinking of you. i will be praying for you and your family to find god's peace in his good time. much love, my dear friend,
ren

Kasper Martyr Phantom said...

I'm crying right now...