We had been talking about the importance of family, and making time to see your parents. That point was driven home to me and my family when my father failed a stress test. The doctors figured there was a little blockage and that he would need Angioplasty or a stint to correct the problem. On Monday April 14 at 7:15 p.m., my mother called in a panic...they rushed my dad to Bon Secour hospital just outside of Richmond to do a quadruple bypass, he had 95% blockage in the main artery, and 75-80% in the other three. My wife and I quickly threw stuff in the truck, grabbed the dog & drove the two hours down to the Montross/Northern Neck area to be with my mom and to see my dad the next day. Needless to say, it was a very emotional time. We saw my dad at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. My sister and her husband were there, as well as the minister from my parents church. I've only seen my dad weep one other time, he was so scared!
It was unbelieveable to all of us, as "Poppy" Walker is one of those "larger than life" figures who never takes a break, he constantly has something he is working on. I grew up in a time when black haired men ruled the earth with iron-fisted diligence, their booming voices likened to the rolling of thunder to my mind. As tough as iron, these men were the leaders of the family, and great examples of strength and fortitude.
He is now in ICU, in alot of pain...but he is ALIVE! My dream has been to ride with him, me on my 07 Dyna CVO and him on his custom built three wheeler (when it finally gets completed). He sold his Road King a few years ago and invested in having a three wheeler built. The guy building it has had to put the project off for long periods of time, so I am going to go down and beg him to finish it soon. my wife and I have decided to create a Declaration making April 15th National Poppy's Day, that will give us one more reason to be with my mother and father. Precious are the days we have with our loved ones, don't take them for granted! I am extremely grateful to be a member of this site, which has taught me daily the value of human kindness, friendship and family.
Much love to all...
Flyndyna