Sept. 4, 2009 My Saddest Day
Posted on the day he died:
Topic: My Saddest Day
Displaying posts 1 – 30 out of 65 by 50 people.
Post #1
You September 4, 2009 at 1:04pm
Funeral Blues
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead.
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
– W.H. Auden
George was 54 years old and acted like a 30 year old. He had so much to live for, so much spirit and humor. He saved my life when he looked me up after my divorce. He gave me Lily. I can’t imagine life without him. He certainly deserved a better, gentler end to his life. The violence of his accident and the amount of medical intervention he endured will always haunt me. Please join me in a prayer for my friend George Maddox, the only man I’ve ever known who loved me for exactly the person I chose to be.
Post #2
Cindy Petrovich Dorman (Charlotte, NC) September 4, 2009 at 1:23pm
Lisa, that’s a beautiful eulogy to your beloved George. I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will comfort you, Lily and Shirley. I’m just stunned and so sad.
Post #3
Susan Brumfield (Lubbock, TX) September 4, 2009 at 1:31pm
Dear Lisa,
Nothing we can say will be of any consequence to you or your family at the moment. I really do believe that God has had George in the palm of His hand since the moment of that accident. I believe that he was spared awareness of those things that you saw his physical body endure, through the mercy and grace of God. This thought brings me comfort, and I hope that it will comfort you as well.
By sharing your husband’s ordeal and your struggle with your friends, you made it possible for so many people to stop for a moment and cherish life, family and friends, and seeing the concern and kindness of the many people who love you and your family has deeply touched my heart.
We will all be holding you up, and if there is anything I can do for you or your daughter, please let Cathy pass the word. Meanwhile I am praying that you will be comforted in ways that are beyond human means to help. Sincerely yours, Susan Brumfield (Cathy’s sister)
Post #4
Denise Arguijo (Los Angeles, CA) September 4, 2009 at 1:33pm
Lisa,
I’m a friend of Cathy Hendrix and joined the group because I can “relate” to this kind of pain. I didn’t know George but was rooting for you all through this. I lost my ex husband in April – someone I still loved deeply. I love the poem you posted and I know how much this hurts. Take care. Denise
Post #5
JoAnn Seidel September 4, 2009 at 1:46pm
Lisa, I didn’t really know George…I had just recently met him at the Flight Ops office and you had called in one morning to check if he had landed yet because you thought he should have already been home. He was running late and when he came in the office I told him you had just called and his face lit up. Shortly after that somehow George, Debbie and I got into a conversation about Lily and the bunny on youtube. So I quickly looked it up and Debbie and I watched it and it was amazing and so is Lily. But what struck me the most was how George’s face lit up and how his eyes could not have smiled any more when he was telling us about Lily’s youtube. You could just feel the love he had for both of you. It is a great loss for sure and I will keep you all in my prayers. May God Bless You and Lily.
Post #6
Beverly Bunce Short Thomas (Asheville, NC) September 4, 2009 at 1:48pm
Oh Lisa….there just aren’t words right now…I can only hope that you find comfort in knowing how much you and Lily and all of George’s family are loved…
Post #7
Susan Doiron LeMaster September 4, 2009 at 1:50pm
Lisa: I am a friend of Cathy Hendrix… we will continue to pray for you and your Lily. Our hearts are with you.
Post #8
Joan Huntley Miller (Boston, MA) September 4, 2009 at 2:20pm
“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who Love, time is Eternity.” ~Henry Van Dyke
Lisa, my heart goes out to you and I am so touched that you have intimately shared your struggle and your loss with so many who loved George and who now feel such a kindred spirit with you and Lily. We love you as we loved George and will continue to pray for the strength to carry you through your sorrow and beyond. God has given you little Lily, the most wonderful of gifts to live for.
Post #9
Melissa Kerber (Reading, PA) September 4, 2009 at 2:26pm
That is a beautiful eulogy. We are so sorry for your loss.
Post #10
Aimee Kellner (Madison, WI) September 4, 2009 at 2:35pm
Lisa…
My mom is here in Wisconsin with me…Holly just told us the news on the phone…I am at a loss for words now but in time you will find comfort in the memories the 2 of you shared and mostly by the hugs given to you…by him…through Lilly…
Much love,
Aimee
Post #11
Elaine Ward (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 2:44pm
Oh Lisa…I’m so very sorry.
I knew George many years ago. Your family has been in my heart and my prayers ever since his wreck, and will continue to be…
Post #12
Jeanna Hampstead Cannarozzo September 4, 2009 at 2:44pm
Dear Lisa,
We don’t know each other nor did I know George, but I am so sorry for your loss and will be in prayer for you and your daughter. May God bless George’s soul.
Post #13
Doreen Cochran September 4, 2009 at 2:44pm
I knew George. I was so happy when his name came up on FB. I knew George at a really fun exciting time of my life. I will remember him always with great joy. Lisa and Lilly, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so grateful just to have known George, I can’t imagine how you feel…..those of us who have spent some time around George were lucky indeed. A beautiful Eulogy. I can’t believe it…..
Post #14
Gerald Lichtenstein (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 2:45pm
Lisa, I roomed with Kyle back in the “Producer” days and got to know George then.I am so sorry for your loss. God must have needed a good man today.
Post #15
Vanessa Vego Dolak September 4, 2009 at 2:45pm
Beautiful words, Beautiful Wife, and a Beautiful Baby Girl…shedding a tear for you dear friend. I am so sorry to hear this.
I am however comforted knowing that you are blessed with his daughter, and you will hold so much of him forever, he will be right there in your arms to look at him through her eyes,,,you will see him there, and always have him.
Please keep in touch,,,
Love,
Vanessa
Post #16
Andy Orlin (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 3:19pm
Lisa, I am so saddened by your loss – it is truly a loss for all of us. You are wrong about George though – he was 54 going on 18 … forever and that is what we all loved about him and will remember about him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Lily and Shirley.
Post #17
Tara Lee Gregory September 4, 2009 at 3:20pm
Lisa and Lily ……
I am so terribly sorry for your loss …. you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers… he is gone … but will never be forgotten !
Tara
Post #18
Donnie Graves (Los Angeles, CA) September 4, 2009 at 3:31pm
Funny, but I hadn’t seen George in twenty years, yet I thought about him often…certain people come into your life and make a spot forever.
I love George Maddox, and where I want to breakdown…his face in my memory won’t allow it. I am crushed for you Lisa and Lily…please give that bunny a hug for me.
Post #19
Debbie Lawson Maye (Charlotte, NC) September 4, 2009 at 3:44pm
Beautiful Lisa, I hope you find some comfort that George had so many friends that loved him. I know you will see George in your little Lily. She was lucky to have had him as a father. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I can only imagine the loss that you feel right now.
Post #20
Heidi De Salvo (New Orleans, LA) September 4, 2009 at 4:27pm
My heart is filled with a deep sorrow on the loss of your George. You and Lily are still in my prayers and thoughts. You and George fought a good fight. If you need anything at all please let me know. I am sending a big hug filled with love to you and Lily.
Post #21
Laura Roach Dragon (New Orleans, LA) September 4, 2009 at 4:48pm
Love you Lisa. I’m so sorry the man who showed up at such an amazing time and gave you such a crazy, fabulous, goof-ball kid is gone. It doesn’t seem fair that he walked out of the crash and then fell. Seems cruel. But we were lucky he showed up at all, and at such an opportune time. I wish he hadn’t left us so soon.
Post #22
Joy Wu (Los Angeles, CA) September 4, 2009 at 5:01pm
Lisa, I have no words, just thoughts and the hope that you will lean on farmily and friends. I know you will find strength within yourself to endure the sorrow and sadness. The poem is beautiful. HUGS to you and Lily.
Post #23
Debra Nichols Talbot (Asheville, NC) September 4, 2009 at 5:04pm
LISA , YOUR AS AMAZING AS GEORGE WAS. THAT WHAT MAKES YOUR LIFE SO STRONG. YOUR IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS . LOVE DEB
Post #24
Toni Michel Svoboda September 4, 2009 at 5:04pm
Lisa,
There are no words….
My Heart and Prayers go out to you and Lisa as George is now at Peace with Our Lord! I pray Jesus gives you strength, comfort and courage to get through all of your difficult days!!!
Post #25
Cindy Freeman (Spain) September 4, 2009 at 5:08pm
Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. Just listening to you describe George makes me feel as if I knew him. What a wonderful person he must have been.
I have mainly been following your posts from hospice in New Orleans, where my mother has been for the last 2+ months.
Please continue to keep us informed on how you and Lily are doing.
Post #26
Leesa Patton Gibbs September 4, 2009 at 5:10pm
Oh my dear! I can’t express how deeply sorry I am to hear the news. I have been keeping up through this site – thanks to you and Cathy. From all I’ve read and seen, George was an incredile man. I read about the crash in the newspaper article you posted. I will continue to pray for all of you. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through and what you’re feeling.
Post #27
Clare Butler (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 5:14pm
I am so saddened to hear the news. George was a wonderful man who loved you and Lily dearly. My heart goes out to you on this sad day. Please know you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to you both always.
Post #28
David Dopp Colvin September 4, 2009 at 5:16pm
Dear Lisa,
George was fortunate enough in life to have found you, and to have had a career that he loved. The last time I saw him, He spoke passionately about his love of flying. It is hard to understand that his time here with us is up. His spirit will live on, in all of us that knew him, and who’s lives he touched.
My love and condolences to you and Lily, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dopp
Post #29
You September 4, 2009 at 5:30pm
thanks to all of you. i’m heartbroken. i can’t stop thinking of lily and her future without her dad.
i loved him very much, never more than at the end. he is in my heart, but i’m still very lonely already.
Post #30
James Kelly (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 5:31pm
Oh. Oh. This really really hurts. Much love and condolences to you and Lily, and George’s Mother. I am paralyzed. I cannot stop crying…
Post #31
You September 4, 2009 at 5:33pm
james, he liked you. we’re sick up here and feel so alone. i keep thinking they’ll call and say he has woken up and is on his way home. love you
Post #32
James Kelly (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 5:38pm
George saw how much love you and I had for each other, and that made him feel good. How is Lily? She has been on my mind since this happened. I am so sad right now…
Post #33
You September 4, 2009 at 5:41pm
she’s schitzy and saying weird stuff
Post #34
Debby Stephan September 4, 2009 at 5:43pm
Oh, Lisa, I feel as though I can’t swallow for the heavy lump in my throat and my vision is blurred through my tears. My heart is absolutely broken for you, and for Lily. As Lily grows up she will remind you of George in so many ways through her mannerisms and her words. He has left a piece of himself with you forever in her. Cling to each other in these hard times and don’t hesitate to cling to your family and friends. You are so very loved by so many people, none more than myself. You have been my best friend and confidante for quite a few years now and your loss feels like my loss. There are no words that I can say and nothing that I can do to ease your pain right now, I know that. Still, please just say the word and I’ll be there for you — not just now but whenever you need me in the future.
My love is with you and Lily.
Post #35
Ruth Leitman (Chicago, IL) September 4, 2009 at 5:52pm
Lisa,
We are so sad. We love you and we grieve with you. Lilly will say weird stuff and so will you -grief is so hard and so cathartic. And only you know how you feel. Though we all try our best to feel it with you/ for you. You, Lilly, Shirley and all who knew George- will keep him so present in the Universe. Talk, cry, scream- and when you can at some point- laugh- I know Lorna helps with that… and ask anything of anyone at anytime and give yourselves whatever you need.
We love you,
Ruth, Steve & Ella
Post #36
Clare Butler (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 5:53pm
Lisa – through all of your pain, you focus on Lily and how she will manage without him. What a true reflection of your deep love for her that you can set aside your own feelings and feel so deeply for her. I know George must have seen that in you so many times. That is the kind of mother and woman you are. through all of the sadness I feel now for you and Lily, it is a beautiful thing to see that so clearly in you. Lily deserves that and how lucky she is to have that in you.
Post #37
James Kelly (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 6:00pm
Lily is going to have a very difficult time with this. Try not to get too wigged out on anything she says, just keep her grounded and comforted as much as possible. The grief process is somewhat different for kids, hopefully someone with more direct experience can fill you in on that. Just remember that it is ok to let her see you grieve, and to share the emotions with her.
George thanked me 2-3 times for helping put the RWTK anniversary thing together. It was so obvious how proud and happy he was to see you get the recognition you deserved. My only consolation in light of this terrible loss is knowing that he and you and Lily shared a deep and real love. When the pain starts to fade a bit, the love will carry you through.
Post #38
You September 4, 2009 at 6:01pm
thanks clare. she’s a magical child. she is so unsure about things right now.
i hope she’ll be able to have the happy life she deserves now that this has
happened. all girls need a daddy.
Post #39
Clare Butler (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 6:10pm
Lisa – Here is a site that has resources for grieving children and families:
Type in Pennsylvania in the search box for a listing of several organizations in your state that provide grief services for children. It helped Kitty tremendously to have regular activities with kids sharing her life experience.
Love to you always, Lisa.
Post #40
Bridget van Dalen September 4, 2009 at 6:10pm
Lisa
George will always be with you both. Just know that all you have to do is look into Lily’s eyes to see him. God bless you both and I am thinking of you.
Post #41
You September 4, 2009 at 6:21pm
thanks clare. we are considering a memorial in atlanta. perhaps we can see you then.
Post #42
You September 4, 2009 at 6:30pm
lily’s calming down. just resting her head on lorna’s shoulder and getting sleepy. i never considered i’d be a single mom…. oh, in passing, yes. but not really.
we used to call george Hawkeye, because he was always out there in front when we were out on vacation or exploring. Motioning to us to catch up, come see, check things out. He’s gone ahead again, but I can’t catch up. He was so full of life and fun. I’ll miss seeing the back of his head as he strides ahead looking for adventure.
Post #43
Caroline Rutter McEntee (Austin, TX) September 4, 2009 at 6:31pm
Lisa, I would like to be at the memorial. Will you be posting when the arrangements will be? If not, can you have someone let me know. I am so empty feeling today. I know we just re-connected lately, but as I said before, George was a large part of a very fun part of my life. He will always be in my heart and I will always remember what a “big brother” he was to Susan and I in our wild travel days. Hugs and Kisses. Love you much.
Post #44
You September 4, 2009 at 6:32pm
thanks. yes i will. i’ll let everyone know what we decide.
Post #45
Cathy Hendrix (Nashville, TN) September 4, 2009 at 6:33pm
Lisa, I can think of that kind of loping walk… he’s just so easy to picture in one’s mind. It’s just too hard to write now but you know I love you and am here for whatever you need.
Post #46
Barri Marsh Bronston (New Orleans, LA) September 4, 2009 at 6:33pm
Lisa: I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know George, but I could tell from all the notes what a wonderful husband, father, son and friend he was. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. You have such a tremendous support group, friends and family who will help you get through this. My prayers to you and Lily. Barri
Post #47
Lynne Boelens Bouquet September 4, 2009 at 6:43pm
Lisa,
Words can’t express. I’m so, so sorry. My parents and Chuck send their sympathy and love as well.
Post #48
Elisa Highley September 4, 2009 at 6:49pm
This saying has helped me through alot of grief over the last few years. I hope you and Lily find comfort and peace. Love, hugs and tears…Elisa Ken & Emma Highley
AND GOD SAID
I said, ” God, I hurt.”
and God said, “I know.”
I said, “God, I cry a lot.”
and God said, “That’s why I gave you tears.”
I said, “God, I am so depressed.”
and God said, “That’s why I gave you sunshine.”
I said, “God, life is so hard.”
and God said, ” That’s why I gave you loved ones.”
I said, ” God, my loved one died.”
and God said, ” So did Mine.”
I said, ” God, it is such a loss.”
and God said, ” I saw mine nailed to a cross.”
I said, ” God, but Your loved one lives.”
and God said, ” So does yours.”
I said, ” God, where are they now?”
and God said, ” Mine is on My right and yours is in the Light.”
I said, ” God, it hurts.”
and God said, ” I know.”
Post #49
Chris Andreychik September 4, 2009 at 6:50pm
Lisa -
I had a feeling come over me today around 3:30 PM, a need to pray for George. I called my wife to have her pray as well. Now I know the reason…
…our hearts are heavy, and words cannot comfort you at this time. Just know that I was one of the people who learned from George when I was new to Quest, and one of the ‘old hands’ who I looked up to. He was a great pilot, and he and I often talked of our families together. There was always a sparkle in his eye when he would mention you and Lily.
I know you will take some comfort in the fact that he is in a better place, without pain, waiting to be with you and Lily again some day.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Lily, and your family. God Bless -
Chris & Colleen Andreychik
Post #50
Teri Robinson September 4, 2009 at 6:58pm
Oh Lisa, my heart is with you and Lily. Your life with George has had all the makings of a great love story–destiny, happiness, inspiration, true partnership–that shine through in your moving tribute. And there’s not a more perfect, touching poem than the one you posted. But I say Auden got it wrong, while the loss is tremendous, overwhelming and unexpected I think love does last forever and will continue to grow even though your beloved “Hawkeye” has rushed ahead.
Post #51
Allison Burrow Callan September 4, 2009 at 7:30pm
Lisa, you are a true and guiding light. Yours and George’s love is not over. It has grown and takes the shape of Lily. I am so very sorry that George’s person can not hold you but his love is everlasting. I pray that peace will comfort you and George’s love inspires you to live a fullfilling life. We (meaning your friends and loved ones) are here for you.
Post #52
Sean Bourne (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 9:01pm
My stomach just fell, my eyes are burning with tears, it hurts to lose a friend as good as George, a ‘road pal’, a funny boy, a good helper, a fine musician, a really good human being, the blueprint of husband and father and a real man. I will treasure forever the memories I share of him and I grieve with you and Lilly and all friends of George.
God bless you and your beautiful daughter. I wish there was something you could take from me to help replace the hole, to ease the pain.
Take care of yourselves now.
Post #53
Jenine de Shazer (Los Angeles, CA) September 4, 2009 at 9:29pm
Hi, Lisa,
I heard of the news through my friend Cathy Hendrix and feel honored to have been made aware of George’s being and his plight, and participate in his journey via prayer. May the prayers and healing continue to rise and surround you all in love and grace.
Post #54
You September 4, 2009 at 9:34pm
thanks sean. so sad. loved him so long. but we both agreed when we got married we should have just done it the first time around. we lost a lot of time for happiness.
jenine, i appreciate your kind words.
i’ll be letting people know about a memorial.
Post #55
You September 4, 2009 at 9:39pm
thanks again, all. i’m trying to process. being with a person as they leave this world is surreal, because the tv movie side of you feels maybe they’ll suddenly get better, sit up and grab your hand. the phone rang today, the hospital, and for a crazy second i thought maybe they were going to say he was still alive. nuts.
i’m having a tiny wake right now with lorna and her husband, buster, the bunny and sara. we’re dangerously low on vodka, but we’re trading george stories and laughing and crying. lily conked out after singing “oh, ho,ho it’s magic” over and over again and “you make me feel mighty real” to the rabbit and explaining to him about george’s death. poor little girl. she is one of a kind.
Post #56
You September 4, 2009 at 9:45pm
i am considering asking for donations to lily’s college fund in lieu of flowers. that would make george happy… and he really didn’t care much about the flora and fauna. but he was crazy about lily.
hope its not crass, but i gotta start thinking of her future. i’m feeling very vulnerable about longterm solvency. i can’t work here, can’t ply my trade in this small town. and i don’t know if i want to do that anymore. gotta have health insurance tho, and his policy will only cover during cobra period and that’s hugely expensive.
probab;ly time to try to stop planning. i’m just spinning, free floating anxiety, so many memories and thoughts hitting me all at once. george liked to tell me all the time the story of lily’s birth. he said, “there was a person coming out of my person.” that always made me laugh.
he liked to tell me the story of how i wouldn’t “get in the van” with him the night after we met (euphemism of course) when i came to see the producers at a show. he teased me all the time for fending him off for years no matter what he tried. but if we meet in heaven i’m hopping right in the van, let me tell you.
Post #57
Sean Bourne (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 9:47pm
you go, girl! and no ‘if’ you meet in heaven. Two nicer people haven’t been made yet.
Post #58
Scott Ross September 4, 2009 at 10:11pm
So sorry, it just plain hurts!
Post #59
Doug DeLoach (Atlanta, GA) September 4, 2009 at 10:20pm
There are no words. May he rest in peace, and you, Lily and everyone who knew or loved George find joy and solace in the life he was able to lead during his all too brief time with us.
Post #60
Jimmy Nuskey (Albright) September 5, 2009 at 1:28am
Lisa,
I just wanted you to know we are thinking of you and Lily, please let us know if there is anything that we can do!
We are going to miss George and his smiling face, his jokes, his personality and laughter and all the stories he use to tell us, its not going to be the same here at flight ops without him!
Donna and Jason
flight ops dispatch
Post #61
Kyle Henderson (Madison, WI) September 5, 2009 at 8:20am
Lisa, this is the first chance I’ve had at opening a computer since I heard yesterday during sound check. We raised a toast to George last night. I am so very sorry. Your eulogy was just stunning. Big hugs and warm love to you and Lily.
Post #62
Holly McKenzie Garner September 5, 2009 at 8:45am
So very sad to know that George has left this world. I just know his light is shining on…a light as bright as George can never be extinguished. I believe his soul is at peace and his spirit has been set free to shine light on all of the world now. When I look up at the night sky from now on I’ll know that he is one of those stars and I will smile and thank God that I knew him when he was here on Earth.
Praying for peace and comfort for you, Lily and Aunt Shirley.
Post #63
Daphne Ireland Lisenby September 5, 2009 at 9:12am
Hi Lisa,
Bill and I are so very sorry to hear your sad news about your husband
George passing away. I can only imagine the emotional roller coaster
ride of emotions you have been on for the last 2 weeks. I am sure you
are exhausted and so sad. We pray God will give you peace and strength
to go forward. It’s encouraging to know you have many friends and family to help you through this time in your life. Bill and I will be praying for you
and Lily. Much love, Daphne
Post #64
Margaret Adams September 5, 2009 at 10:02am
“The violence of his accident and the amount of medical intervention he endured will always haunt me.”
My heart breaks for you + your loving family…We cannot even imagine the horrors you have seen–the medical treatments you have endured, the pain you feel. The emptiness in your heart…The abject heartache…
Oh, Lisa. With time, the ICU memories will fade and give way to memories of that which was your East + West + your Sunday rest…
I pray to God that your peace of mind returns one day…This is the part of life where you depend on the love of others to get you by.
Life is never EVER the same.
One cannot say NO to that which life brings…
George knew you loved him, and that is EVERYthing.
Keep your faith, and never give up–especially now.
