Please..

[Crushzilla]

SteelersFever family,

My father passed away this morning. He suffered a heart attack, early, before going to work. My mother discovered him after he did not wake her up for work. It was already far too late for the paramedics to do anything.

I should elaborate. He was my step-father. My biological father left when I was very young. John came into my life at 6 years old and even though he had already raised two kids with his previous wife, he accepted the responsibility again because he loved my mother so much.

After I graduated high school, we became much closer, and last year, while I was in Italy I had the opportunity to tell him how much I loved him. That I had always loved him, even as a kid who wasn't always quick to except him. He was my father. He is my father. He taught me everything I know about being a man and I was so glad to let him know how much he meant to me. Now, not even a year later, he's gone...

My mother, sister, and I didn't have a lot before he came into our lives. He gave us a home, he gave us security, he gave us love, he saved our family. My sister was married two months ago and I am finishing my college career, everything is falling into place for us to live successful, happy lives. He came and saved us and stayed long enough to make sure that we would make it on our own and then his strong heart finally gave out. He was 62.

I am grateful, though. He had smoked for almost 50 years and quit last year. I don't know if I could have handled him wasting away from cancer. I can only assume that it happened quickly.

The point of this message is to ask my family here at SF to keep my amazing mother in their prayers. My sister and I are staying at the house for the week with her, but this day has been hard on all of us.

Please remember us in your prayers...

[fansince'76]

Ryan, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that I will have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.

[Steelman16]

My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.

May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Jacob (Steelman)

[tony hipchest]

im sorry crush. my dad had heart valve replacement surgery last week and i briefly imagined what you must obviously be feeling right now. it was an awful thought and feeling. may your mom find peace and healing in this time of pain and may you have the strength to help see her through.

[GBMelBlount]

Hey Crush, sounds like you had a wonderful father. Hang in there, we are praying for you and your family.

[HometownGal]

Ryan - my deepest and sincerest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your step-father. I'm sure it meant so much to him knowing that you loved him and appreciated his presence in your life and that of your Mom and sister. He sounds like he was a truly extraordinary man, full of love and wisdom.

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers, my friend. If there is anything we can do to help you through this difficult time, please just ask. We're "family" at SF and we'll be here whenever you need us.

[83-Steelers-43]

Sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

At you least you had the opportunity to tell him how you felt when you were in the old country.

[stlrtruck]

Continual prayers for you and your family!!!

May God's Peace and Comfort flow.

[Preacher]

I can only echo the sentiments you have already read here.

I pray that our Lord will help your family through this time. What a blessing to have a man like that in your life. Love, mourn, wail, and cry for him, and know that people across the country are praying for you and your family.

If you need to talk to someone, PM me and I will give you my phone number.

[The Duke]

Oh man this is just terrible, I hope you're ok.

Best thing to do right now is take care of your mother, she must be taking this really hard. Only thing I remember from when my father died, I was 4, is that my mother was just devastated, but everyone was there for her and she managed to raise me and my brother very well.

So take care of her alright dude. And I'm so sorry for your dad.