Happy Atheist Forum

Community => Life As An Atheist => Topic started by: superfes on January 25, 2012, 04:32:21 PM

Title: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on January 25, 2012, 04:32:21 PM
My father was hit on his motorcycle on his way home from work last night.

Currently he's in the ICU.

How does one handle all the phone calls, facebook updates, etc. from family members asking for prayers and such?

I get the feeling that I come off cold most of the time without telling people that prayer doesn't do any good >_>

Has anybody else had something like this happen?
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Tank on January 25, 2012, 05:03:39 PM
Quote from: superfes on January 25, 2012, 04:32:21 PM
My father was hit on his motorcycle on his way home from work last night.

Currently he's in the ICU.

How does one handle all the phone calls, facebook updates, etc. from family members asking for prayers and such?

I get the feeling that I come off cold most of the time without telling people that prayer doesn't do any good >_>

Has anybody else had something like this happen?
Far more importantly, how is your dad? How are you feeling?

No personal experinces of any thing like this so just hang in there for your Mum and close family. This is not a time to do anything but grin and bear the good intentions of others however annoying they may be. They're just expressing comfort in the best way they know how.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Ali on January 25, 2012, 05:19:11 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 25, 2012, 05:03:39 PM
Quote from: superfes on January 25, 2012, 04:32:21 PM
My father was hit on his motorcycle on his way home from work last night.

Currently he's in the ICU.

How does one handle all the phone calls, facebook updates, etc. from family members asking for prayers and such?

I get the feeling that I come off cold most of the time without telling people that prayer doesn't do any good >_>

Has anybody else had something like this happen?
Far more importantly, how is your dad? How are you feeling?

No personal experinces of any thing like this so just hang in there for your Mum and close family. This is not a time to do anything but grin and bear the good intentions of others however annoying they may be. They're just expressing comfort in the best way they know how.

I agree with this.  So sorry to hear about your dad, and I hope that you and your family are hanging in there, and that your dad makes a full and speedy recovery.  Usually when people offer me their prayers with good intentions, I respond with "Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts." 
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on January 25, 2012, 05:47:35 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 25, 2012, 05:03:39 PM
Far more importantly, how is your dad? How are you feeling?

No personal experinces of any thing like this so just hang in there for your Mum and close family. This is not a time to do anything but grin and bear the good intentions of others however annoying they may be. They're just expressing comfort in the best way they know how.

I'll find out more in an hour or two how he's doing (I live out of state from my parents).

I'm okay, it's difficult, sick to my stomach, haven't been hungry at all today -_-

Quote from: Ali on January 25, 2012, 05:19:11 PM
I agree with this.  So sorry to hear about your dad, and I hope that you and your family are hanging in there, and that your dad makes a full and speedy recovery.  Usually when people offer me their prayers with good intentions, I respond with "Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts." 

Yeah >_>

Usually I just say thanks or okey dokey myself.

That said, I've become pretty outspoken about how much religion is ruining the world, I find myself fighting against it all the time these days, I just want the world to be a better place <_<

I just don't want to come off cold during a time when my mother and my dad's sisters need support o_O

Guess I just have to think about everything I say 3 or 4 times before I let it out ;-)
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Stevil on January 25, 2012, 06:12:45 PM
Hope your father is OK.

Motorcycles are a dangerous way to travel, not much protection in case of an accident.

I guess other people praying to their god is a complement. It show they care and are willing to invoke their all powerful imaginary friend into thinking about whether or not to carryout his already determined plan, that he would have done anyway regardless of the prayer.

Prayer is BS, but the person making the prayer is showing they care and are feeling helpless, I guess prayer makes them feel that they can at least do something. It is a helpless time for all, all you can do is wait and leave it up to the skilled Doctors and Nurses.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on January 25, 2012, 06:36:40 PM
Quote from: Ali on January 25, 2012, 05:19:11 PM
Usually when people offer me their prayers with good intentions, I respond with "Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts." 

That seems quite appropriate.

Superfes, let us know how your dad is doing.

Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Buddy on January 25, 2012, 06:47:38 PM
Ohh I hope your dad make it out of this okay. I do agree on what everyone else is saying. It's a nice gesture and it's also comforting to them.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: AnimatedDirt on January 25, 2012, 06:55:10 PM
Quote from: Stevil on January 25, 2012, 06:12:45 PM
Prayer is BS, but the person making the prayer is showing they care and are feeling helpless,

Let me add my BS prayer that the hands your father is in are capable and caring about him, that he make it through this fine.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on January 25, 2012, 07:11:30 PM
Thanks for the support guys ^_^

I guess he went back into surgery to investigate a hematoma near his colon.

Hope to hear more soon <_<

AnimatedDirt, you are a very strange dude... not because you have the compassion to pray for people at random, but because you seem to belittle your own beliefs... I don't understand why o_O
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: AnimatedDirt on January 25, 2012, 07:23:48 PM
Quote from: superfes on January 25, 2012, 07:11:30 PM
AnimatedDirt, you are a very strange dude... not because you have the compassion to pray for people at random, but because you seem to belittle your own beliefs... I don't understand why o_O

While my prayer is not something I take lightly, I sincerely pray and hope for your father's full recovery, I'm simply going with what makes some here at HAF feel better.

Does your dad ride a Harley or just a 'regular' bike?  I'm more of a crotch-rocket (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=crotch%20rocket) person myself, although my "crotch-rocket" is just a small Honda Elite 80 to get me to and from work cheaply on warm days and when I just want some fresh air.


Edit:  Added Crotch Rocket Urban Dictionary definition
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on January 25, 2012, 08:02:05 PM
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on January 25, 2012, 07:23:48 PM
Quote from: superfes on January 25, 2012, 07:11:30 PM
AnimatedDirt, you are a very strange dude... not because you have the compassion to pray for people at random, but because you seem to belittle your own beliefs... I don't understand why o_O

While my prayer is not something I take lightly, I sincerely pray and hope for your father's full recovery, I'm simply going with what makes some here at HAF feel better.

Does your dad ride a Harley or just a 'regular' bike?  I'm more of a crotch-rocket (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=crotch%20rocket) person myself, although my "crotch-rocket" is just a small Honda Elite 80 to get me to and from work cheaply on warm days and when I just want some fresh air.


Edit:  Added Crotch Rocket Urban Dictionary definition

It's a Ducati, no word on the condition of the bike ;-)
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Stevil on January 25, 2012, 09:34:01 PM
Quote from: superfes on January 25, 2012, 07:11:30 PM
AnimatedDirt, you are a very strange dude... not because you have the compassion to pray for people at random, but because you seem to belittle your own beliefs... I don't understand why o_O
Yes, his behaviour as of late is weird to say the least.
I can respect a person that speaks from their own perspective, but the way AD is approaching things, it is hard to know if he is being snarky or sarcastic or what.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Tank on January 25, 2012, 09:36:49 PM
Let's stick to the OP please and not head off on some unrelated thological tangent please - Tank
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: AnimatedDirt on January 25, 2012, 09:38:17 PM
Quote from: Stevil on January 25, 2012, 09:34:01 PM
Quote from: superfes on January 25, 2012, 07:11:30 PM
AnimatedDirt, you are a very strange dude... not because you have the compassion to pray for people at random, but because you seem to belittle your own beliefs... I don't understand why o_O
Yes, his behaviour as of late is weird to say the least.
I can respect a person that speaks from their own perspective, but the way AD is approaching things, it is hard to know if he is being snarky or sarcastic or what.

Are you suggesting that being snarky and sarcastic is frowned upon here on HAF?

In no manner, shape or form was I being snarky or sarcastic concerning the well-being of Superfes' father.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on January 25, 2012, 09:39:15 PM
Sorry to hear about your father.

My uncle had a pretty serious motorcycle accident a few years ago. It can be scary stuff.
Let us know how things go
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Tank on January 25, 2012, 09:40:54 PM
AD are you blind? What the fuck did I just tell you and Stevil to do? - Tank
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: AnimatedDirt on January 25, 2012, 11:05:02 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 25, 2012, 09:40:54 PM
AD are you blind? What the fuck did I just tell you and Stevil to do? - Tank

Not blind.  I just clicked through the "warning another post..." thing.  Apologies.

I've not had the pleasure of riding a Ducati.  I hear they are amazing!  I've only ridden on Kawasaki and Honda bikes.  I don't know that I dislike Harley bikes, but some just seem uncomfortable, others seem QUITE comfortable.  I'm more interested in the speed and handling I have felt on these others.

Please do let us know at your earliest convenience how your father is doing.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Gawen on January 26, 2012, 12:36:27 AM
I'm hoping your dad pulls through and no lasting damage. Having been run off the road twice in the last 3 years (but not hit), I know what he felt. Tell him and your family that a biker in Texas is rootin' for him.

As for handling all the theist well wishers, what you've been doing is fine.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Whitney on January 26, 2012, 01:47:10 AM
I hope your dad is doing okay.

Quote from: superfes on January 25, 2012, 08:02:05 PM
It's a Ducati, no word on the condition of the bike ;-)

Let me guess...he's more worried about the bike than himself?
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Firebird on January 26, 2012, 03:30:23 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 25, 2012, 06:36:40 PM
Quote from: Ali on January 25, 2012, 05:19:11 PM
Usually when people offer me their prayers with good intentions, I respond with "Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts." 

That seems quite appropriate.

Superfes, let us know how your dad is doing.



Agreed. They're just expressing their concern in the way they're familiar with, though I understand why you feel that way. As for this atheist, I will not be praying, but I will be thinking of your dad and hoping he'll be ok. Do keep us up to date.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Amicale on January 26, 2012, 03:44:22 AM
Superfes, I'm really sorry to hear about your dad's accident! I hope everything goes OK, and that your dad, you, your mom, and your dad's sisters (and any other family of course) get some comfort out of being there for one another through this. Let us know, when you can, how you and your family are doing. Take care.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on January 26, 2012, 04:35:26 PM
No real new news as of today, out of a second surgery, needs to be transferred to another hospital to finish fixing up his hip I guess.

Everyone seems hopeful ^_^
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Buddy on January 26, 2012, 04:36:51 PM
That's great Fes! We're all rooting for your dad.  :)
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Tank on January 26, 2012, 04:45:12 PM
Quote from: superfes on January 26, 2012, 04:35:26 PM
No real new news as of today, out of a second surgery, needs to be transferred to another hospital to finish fixing up his hip I guess.

Everyone seems hopeful ^_^
Great relief alround!! Excellent news.

Now we know he's safe and sound can he sue for lots of compensation!
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on January 26, 2012, 05:44:41 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 26, 2012, 04:45:12 PM
Quote from: superfes on January 26, 2012, 04:35:26 PM
No real new news as of today, out of a second surgery, needs to be transferred to another hospital to finish fixing up his hip I guess.

Everyone seems hopeful ^_^
Great relief alround!! Excellent news.

Now we know he's safe and sound can he sue for lots of compensation!

By the Gods, if my parents never had to work another day of their life... o_O

They deserve a break (7 children!).
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Sweetdeath on January 26, 2012, 06:27:21 PM
Glad to hear your dad is doing better!
Anyway, dont worry about 'seeming cold.'
People are always going to think what they want no matter what you do. Smile and nod a lot if you have to, but remember, you have NO obligation to anyone but your dad and his recovery. :)

Prayer is BS; so some real advice is ask the doctors lots of questions so you can understand the medical treatments more clearly. That's what I did with my mom.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Ali on January 26, 2012, 06:29:19 PM
Great to hear the good news about your dad! 
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: AnimatedDirt on January 26, 2012, 08:31:32 PM
My BS prayer worked!   ;D

Seriously, I'm happy he's better.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on January 29, 2012, 06:34:53 AM
So my father was transferred to another hospital to get more surgery on his leg, hope it all goes well ^_^

AD, thanks for the self-fulfilling prophecy ;-)
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Amicale on January 29, 2012, 06:48:40 AM
Quote from: superfes on January 29, 2012, 06:34:53 AM
So my father was transferred to another hospital to get more surgery on his leg, hope it all goes well ^_^

AD, thanks for the self-fulfilling prophecy ;-)

Superfes, I'm really glad that it seems as though your father is slowly on the mend! I hope all goes well, too! :)
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Tank on January 29, 2012, 06:55:30 AM
Quote from: superfes on January 29, 2012, 06:34:53 AM
So my father was transferred to another hospital to get more surgery on his leg, hope it all goes well ^_^

AD, thanks for the self-fulfilling prophecy ;-)
So. Has he learned his lesson? Will he be hanging his leathersup?
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on January 30, 2012, 07:06:17 AM
Wouldn't know about the quitting on the riding parts, I know he won't be riding for a while >_>

Next surgery scheduled for Tuesday o_O
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Tank on January 30, 2012, 07:58:46 AM
Quote from: superfes on January 30, 2012, 07:06:17 AM
Wouldn't know about the quitting on the riding parts, I know he won't be riding for a while >_>

Next surgery scheduled for Tuesday o_O
How is he feeling? Not too fed up one hopes.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on January 30, 2012, 04:31:30 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 30, 2012, 07:58:46 AM
How is he feeling? Not too fed up one hopes.

I'm sure he is fed up, neither he nor I have ever been particularly fond of hospitals and doctors >_>
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Tank on January 30, 2012, 07:33:35 PM
Quote from: superfes on January 30, 2012, 04:31:30 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 30, 2012, 07:58:46 AM
How is he feeling? Not too fed up one hopes.

I'm sure he is fed up, neither he nor I have ever been particularly fond of hospitals and doctors >_>
No pretty nurses? Bummer!
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: xSilverPhinx on February 02, 2012, 01:18:25 AM
Good to hear your dad is doing better, superfes. :)

As for prayer - I don't know. In that case it's the intention that counts? ??? Even if they're just as powerless as they always were they like to feel like they're doing something about it.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on February 02, 2012, 05:16:23 AM
So he's out of his hip fixeration surgery, haven't heard anything more than that so far.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.retortnation.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F03%2Fprayer-does-nothing.jpg&hash=9ea9d4e27284ab2478f48af3f65576f01dab79d2)
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Amicale on February 02, 2012, 07:45:06 AM
Quote from: superfes on February 02, 2012, 05:16:23 AM
So he's out of his hip fixeration surgery, haven't heard anything more than that so far.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.retortnation.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F03%2Fprayer-does-nothing.jpg&hash=9ea9d4e27284ab2478f48af3f65576f01dab79d2)

Glad to hear he's out of surgery, please do tell us how he's doing when you can.

And regarding your picture... yeah, some people do WANT to help, and think they can do nothing, so they pray.

However, I know lots of people who do constructive things, and I sure hope someone's doing them for your family: calling to say hello. Cooking meals. Taking care of some household chores. Helping with home repair or lawn care. Helping with childcare, if needed, or pet care. Running errands, or going grocery shopping. Really, there's a ton of little things that people can do instead of praying. Even if they live far away, it's still possible to find ways to help.

Anyhow, I really wish your dad, and all of you, all the best.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Tank on February 02, 2012, 07:50:18 AM
Good to hear things are progressing in the right direction.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Sweetdeath on February 02, 2012, 06:47:07 PM
That picture is LOL.
I find it most annoying when people say they "pray to god for strength." Placebo effect? ;)
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on February 03, 2012, 07:45:57 PM
Done with his final scheduled surgery and in recovery.

Thanks for the support guys ^_^
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Whitney on February 03, 2012, 08:14:06 PM
Quote from: superfes on February 03, 2012, 07:45:57 PM
Done with his final scheduled surgery and in recovery.

that's good news.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Ali on February 03, 2012, 08:58:58 PM
Yay, such good news!
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Tank on February 03, 2012, 11:44:18 PM
Quote from: superfes on February 03, 2012, 07:45:57 PM
Done with his final scheduled surgery and in recovery.

Thanks for the support guys ^_^

Definitly time to (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg338.imageshack.us%2Fimg338%2F3057%2Fyipeesh7.gif&hash=0d60ef5d360fad8f5d8b5baa4ba35aa77de31725)
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Firebird on February 04, 2012, 03:34:50 AM
Awesome, glad to hear
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Tank on February 16, 2012, 09:33:38 PM
How is Dad doing?
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Davin on February 16, 2012, 09:39:40 PM
Had some swelling in one of his legs, but seems to have gotten over it without the need of another surgery. He's still in pain but seems to be doing fine.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Tank on February 16, 2012, 09:40:47 PM
Quote from: Davin on February 16, 2012, 09:39:40 PM
Had some swelling in one of his legs, but seems to have gotten over it without the need of another surgery. He's still in pain but seems to be doing fine.
Is he at home yet?
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Davin on February 16, 2012, 09:42:57 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 16, 2012, 09:40:47 PM
Quote from: Davin on February 16, 2012, 09:39:40 PM
Had some swelling in one of his legs, but seems to have gotten over it without the need of another surgery. He's still in pain but seems to be doing fine.
Is he at home yet?
Not for a while yet, he can't put more than 30 lbs on his legs. So he requires very special things that make it much more reasonable to remain in a care facility.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on February 16, 2012, 10:58:29 PM
Quote from: Davin on February 16, 2012, 09:42:57 PM
Not for a while yet, he can't put more than 30 lbs on his legs. So he requires very special things that make it much more reasonable to remain in a care facility.

Maybe we should just cut off his torso for the time being >_>
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Firebird on February 17, 2012, 03:13:40 AM
Quote from: Davin on February 16, 2012, 09:39:40 PM
Had some swelling in one of his legs, but seems to have gotten over it without the need of another surgery. He's still in pain but seems to be doing fine.

Glad to hear. Hope his recovery continues to go well
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Amicale on February 17, 2012, 03:15:25 AM
Davin and Superfes, I didn't realize you were related! (you are, right?)

Anyhow, I'm glad your dad's doing slowly better, and that he doesn't need another surgery. :) Hope it keeps getting better and better, ASAP!
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Davin on February 17, 2012, 03:08:56 PM
Quote from: superfes on February 16, 2012, 10:58:29 PM
Quote from: Davin on February 16, 2012, 09:42:57 PM
Not for a while yet, he can't put more than 30 lbs on his legs. So he requires very special things that make it much more reasonable to remain in a care facility.

Maybe we should just cut off his torso for the time being >_>
Only if we're going to attach a pair of robotic legs.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Davin on February 17, 2012, 03:09:37 PM
Quote from: Amicale on February 17, 2012, 03:15:25 AM
Davin and Superfes, I didn't realize you were related! (you are, right?)
Aye, we are. Maybe.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: superfes on February 21, 2012, 06:55:38 PM
Quote from: Davin on February 17, 2012, 03:09:37 PM
Quote from: Amicale on February 17, 2012, 03:15:25 AM
Davin and Superfes, I didn't realize you were related! (you are, right?)
Aye, we are. Maybe.

We're all pretty sure Davin was a genetic experiment from teh aliens in outer space!

^_^
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Amicale on February 22, 2012, 02:29:30 AM
Quote from: superfes on February 21, 2012, 06:55:38 PM
Quote from: Davin on February 17, 2012, 03:09:37 PM
Quote from: Amicale on February 17, 2012, 03:15:25 AM
Davin and Superfes, I didn't realize you were related! (you are, right?)
Aye, we are. Maybe.

We're all pretty sure Davin was a genetic experiment from teh aliens in outer space!

^_^

LOL :)

So, how's your dad? Swelling, pain levels and stuff going down?
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Davin on February 22, 2012, 02:25:00 PM
Aye, it went down without another surgery, and he's been busy in rehab. Still has a lot to go before he can go home though.
Title: Re: How Do I Handle My Family?
Post by: Amicale on February 22, 2012, 06:25:42 PM
OK, good. I know it's a long process, but the rehab helps. Keep him busy with books, magazines and other fun stuff :)