Help us honor our Father "Safety Pete" with funeral services

He loved the saying "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the Face!"

Our Father, a very proud Marine, passed away this Sunday morning the 22nd of September. Many people knew him as "SAFETY PETE"..

He always had a plan.. and plan B.. Well like the saying goes.. everyone has a plan until..

So in mid July, Dad got a Pacemaker, we were all impressed because who wants to step up and get that done? Things seemed to being going well and he seemed to be healing but about week after that he was taken to the hospital via ambulance, he was unable to move, had chills, and was writhing in severe pain. When he arrived, he was found to be dehydrated and had a fever and chills. Blood tests showed that he had a Staph infection. He was however instead sent home being treated for what the called a really bad UTI, combined with bad sciatic nerve pain.. Something just didn't seem right. Pain became unbearable again and he was rushed to the hospital again! This time a CT scan was done. They found his Spleen was enlarged. They did ultrasounds of his spleen thinking perhaps an abscess was the cause. All the while, he was actually in Sepsis. Everyone has a plan until....

There was no abscess, they did various tests like Echo's and a TEE, and he was transferred to another hospital that was supposed to be better suited to arrange the needed care. He arrived at Holy Spirit hospital and we all held our breath... this was the hospital that just a few years prior, we'd have to let go of our amazing Mother his wife Linda. He spared no expense making sure she got a send off suitable for such a loss.. I recall it being described as "Boujee"..

However, things would continue to get much worse.. They found that his Heart now had some nasty vegetation on 3 heart valves and an abscess in his heart. Doctors were buzzing around talking about Heart reconstruction and needing a team of surgeons more precise and equipped that they were. As they planned an emergency helicopter flight to John Hopkins or Pittsburgh or some other "heavy hitter", a spot opened at Hershey Hospital. He would need major major surgery..

Out from the threat of losing 2 parents at the same hospital we began to hope.. But things continued to decline. My sister got a hold of me and I hopped the first flight home I could get. Now the doctors were very clear.. He had less than 2% chance of surviving a surgery AND if we were lucky.. maybe... Hours to live.. My sisters were instructed to say their goodbyes.. and arrange any last words with loved ones.. I was on a plane.. Praying furiously and unceasingly... "Dad, please just hang on until I get there Please... "

He would ask my sister, "is Peter here yet..?" to which she'd reply, "Almost dad.. He's boarding the plane now..." .. A short time later, He woud start to drift.. and My sister would wake him.. He'd ask. " Is he here yet? How much longer..?" And She would reply.. "Just a little longer dad.. Please.." .. The doctors continued with medicine to try and keep his vitals up.

So, my plane landed and My nephew and I moved like the wind to get there.. My sister put my dad on speaker phone while he said "How.. much.... longer...." And she said... "Just a few more minutes Dad.." and I said "That's right Pop, I'm almost there.. we don't give up right?" and he quietly uttered.. "Okay Son.. " His vitals were impossibly low

I came into his room, while hearing the update of how its not looking good and say your goodbyes.. As my Dad drifted again.. and as a Gust of air came with me or air kicked on suspiciously at that same moment.. My sister's all said "Dad.. Peter is here!"

In that moment.. My dad took what I thought was his last breath... but then... He took another.. and.. then.. Another.. and another still.. Slowly but sure his vitals creeped back up, he was hungry again.. and thirsty.. and was more alert. This continued.. The doctors were SHOCKED.. this was no "impending doom scenario.." They made a NEW plan and we began to hope.. So many prayers answered!! They removed his Pacemaker in preparation for the next big surgery. Things were going GREAT.. Literally.. I even made a long winded speech about Chesty Puller.. it was great and emotional.. you had to be there .. just take my word for it.. (Just saying it was a notch above good thats all..)

But you see, Everyone has a plan until.... (they get punched in the face.. remember?) Well, The doc's wanted to make sure there would be no last minute surprises and took him for MRI. Well, evidently He had a heart attack and Much of that infection/vegetation/etc, broke loose and spread to several other areas.. worst of all his brain.. yes the worst had happened.. He had massive massive stroke. There was nothing left to do but be with him as the infection took him. The doctors made him comfortable.. He was given last rites.. Which he literally woke up for and rolled his like..he was trying to tell us this is silly.. I'm still fighting... (you'd need to read the speech)...

Dad left us Sunday morning while my sister played the Joni Mitchell song "Both Sides Now".

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.. My dad had a plan.. The doctors had a plan.. we all had a plan..

(Note.. don't block with your face.. super important lesson..)

That brings us to here. Dad's plans were in action given the recent medical affairs he began diligently getting things in order. But That plan did not come together.

We are seeking what ever you are able to spare... Hat in hand.. and with all humility.. To help cover Funeral Expenses and Estate affairs. As it turns out, Death costs far more than life... They are not joking when they say someone paid the highest price... its literally obscene. We have some items covered but, there will be attorneys in addition to the funeral. I called atleast 25 different insurance companies and checked with the national registry to find ... some .. Hope..

Well folks.. My Father was a great man who loved his kids, grandkids, dogs, and well talking to everyone.. I am am asking you to please contribute what you can.. we have significant hurdles to overcome and now face forced cremation as opposed to his wishes. The dollar amount requested will help but we need all the help we can get.

Please help us bury our father next our mother and let one plan not be a punch in the face.. Funeral arrangements and memorial service depends on your help. Thank you.