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Carolina · 30 January 2008, 08:58 AM

Today, I received a watch as a gift! Here is a photo of it:

This is not something I would have ordinarily picked out. But, it comes from my Dad, and has a lot of sentimental value attached. My father was a heavy smoker for many years. As a result, he has suffered many health problems. He's gone through heart bypass surgery, surgery to unblock his carotid (sp?) arteries in his neck as well as one by his kidneys, and a very serious surgery to fix an aneurism in the artery in his stomach. This is the same health issue that killed his own dad at the same age.

Several years ago, while starting the journey to repair all of the above problems, he became a bit short of breath. However, this issue was put on the back burner due to the severity of the heart problems he had. He made it through the aneurism surgery this spring, and was given a green light. But, in August, his shortness of breath suddenly became critical, and he was rushed to the hospital. All four children, including me, received a call to get to Connectut ASAP - my dad might not make it another day. We drove through the night, and found out he had something called pulmonary fibrosis. This is advancing scar tissue of the lungs that chokes off your ability to breathe. If any of you smoke, STOP it!! My dad was in critical ICU, and it didn't look good.

Remarkably, he made it through the night, and actually improved. He thinks it is the fact that his four children and two grandchildren rallied around him. He has stabilized, and while he will never recover from this disease, he is able to breathe with the help of 24/7 oxygen, and can be in his own home with my mom.

Unbelievably, he was still working until this last lung problem. I guess he officially "retired", because I received the above watch in the mail today. Attached was a note from my mom, telling me that dad was given this watch for 40 years of service (I'm assuming he got to pick it out himself, considering it's a ladies watch). He wanted me to have it. It's enormous on me, so I'm going to need to have some links removed. But, then I am going to wear it with pride.

So, that's my watch story! Thanks for listening!!

Tools · 30 January 2008, 09:08 AM

There is no better gift than one given with sincerity and love..

away36 · 30 January 2008, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carolina

Today, I received a watch as a gift!

This is not something I would have ordinarily picked out. But, it comes from my Dad, and has a lot of sentimental value attached. it!! My dad was in critical ICU, and it didn't look good.

He wanted me to have it. It's enormous on me, so I'm going to need to have some links removed. But, then I am going to wear it with pride.

What a wonderful story. Gifts from the heart are the most priceless of all. You
are a very very lucky daughter.

Carolina · 30 January 2008, 09:19 AM

Absolutely, guys. It will be fun to call him tonight and thank him - I'm still in shock that I received an unexpected gift, and I can't wait to get over to the jewelers tomorrow to get it sized.

unclesallie · 30 January 2008, 09:46 AM

Carolina: very nice story. glad your dad is ok. i agree wear the watch with pride(or get his permission to trade it on a rolex!). just kiddin, just kiddin

best, dan

GerardoG · 30 January 2008, 09:54 AM

That is great, best part is that he is ok; I know that watch will always have a special place in your heart. Congrats!

mailman · 30 January 2008, 10:40 AM

That's a gift that will make you smile every time you look at Carolina. I'm glad your dad is home and doing well. That's most important.

Congratulations and enjoy your new watch in good health

Gedanken · 30 January 2008, 10:54 AM

Glad to hear your dad pulled through, Carolina - that's a wonderful gift!

Robb · 30 January 2008, 11:02 AM

Glad to hear he is doing okay!!! Im sure that watch means the world to you.

Dan Pierce · 30 January 2008, 11:12 AM

A great gift[s] you can share together. Beautiful story, thanks for sharing.

dP

Jedi · 30 January 2008, 01:17 PM

Thanks for sharing your story and all the best to you and your dad.

I took a good look at the watch (supposed to be checking my drawing files for a presentation tomorrow) and the proportions on it are simply spot-on. The curves work in what can be termed the golden ratio, in proportion to the radius of the case and the seamless transition into the bracelet.

While not a fan of diamonds usually, i think the placement of the gems on this piece are quite unusual and worthy of note. The crown proportions are also quite simply perfect. Your father has a great eye!! Many congratulations.

Downing · 30 January 2008, 02:20 PM

Great story, Carolina. Glad your Dad's ok.

And a very nice watch.

dman · 30 January 2008, 02:58 PM

Awesome story and special watch!!!

Enjoy that beauty and best wishes to your Father.

ezmoney46 · 30 January 2008, 03:39 PM

Awesome story, thanks for sharing. I lost my father 11 years ago today. Cherish every second you have with him. I'm glad he's doing a lot better and home now. The watch is very beautiful. It doesn't have to be a Rolex, it's the thought that's behind it.

Steve

Lol-x · 30 January 2008, 03:52 PM

Great story thanks for sharing. The best thing is you still have your father around which means more than anything. It's been about 40 years now since my father passed on and it is scary to think of the time and experiences we might have had together.

Take care and congrats to you Carolina and to your father.

SPACE-DWELLER · 31 January 2008, 03:16 AM

Very elegant watch!

Congrats!

JJ Irani · 31 January 2008, 03:21 AM

Very heart-wrenching story, Carolina.....thanks for sharing.

Glad your dad's going to be okay.....and, after reading all of the above, I'm glad I've never even taken a puff in my life.

That watch is elegant and very lady-like. Wear it with pride and wear it with joy.....from someone who must love you a helluva lot.

My very best to you and your family,

JJ

Texsubmariner · 31 January 2008, 03:33 AM

Wow, a moving story and well told! Best of luck and hope your Dad will be OK. A great watch with lots of sentimental value!

Terry Newton · 31 January 2008, 03:37 AM

Carolina:

That is an awesome story. There is nothing as wonderful as a; "Good Dad".

I lost mine several years ago and still think of him fondly. You are both lucky and, remember to treasure the moments.

Life is short, but sweet.

Terry Newton

timetravel125 · 31 January 2008, 03:48 AM

Carolina:

Congrats on your new watch. Your story really touched me. Health, is wealth.

My daughter just turned 21, last January 17th. I gave her my gold Movado watch, that I had bought before she was born--as a birthday present. Being a dad, I know how your dad felt when he gave you the watch, as a gift. Cherish it and take care of it!

Carolina · 31 January 2008, 04:32 AM

Thank you, everyone!

GoldenBear · 31 January 2008, 04:35 AM

Glad he is o.k. Good lessons... to live every day like it is your last (and not to smoke).

kcmo · 31 January 2008, 06:59 AM

Wow, Carolina, what a story! I'm really glad that your dad is going better, and I hope he is able to stay away from the hospital. He's picked out a beautiful gift for you which I am sure you will cherish forever! A wonderful sentiment! Enjoy it!

Paulie · 31 January 2008, 07:27 AM

What a wonderful gift! Does he know about your watch forum habit?

Don't forget the wrist shots!

Alcan · 31 January 2008, 07:30 AM

Carolina, the best part about your new watch is that your Dad is well enough to pick it out for you.

JBat · 31 January 2008, 08:11 AM

Great story and watch. Enjoy it!

Carolina · 31 January 2008, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paulie

What a wonderful gift! Does he know about your watch forum habit?

Don't forget the wrist shots!

No, I don't think he does!! That thought did cross my mind, though!

Carolina · 31 January 2008, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenBear

Glad he is o.k. Good lessons... to live every day like it is your last (and not to smoke).

That thread you started the other day (Watches as Gifts) went through my mind when I wrote that post. And no, don't smoke!

<-- or you get this!

Triple Black 88 · 31 January 2008, 12:18 PM

Wow what a story. I'm glad your Father pulled through. Beautiful watch, and the fact that it came from him after all of this is definitly special.

Rockrolex · 31 January 2008, 12:23 PM

What a wonderful story, Carolina. And it's a beautiful watch that I know you will cherish for many, many years. Thanks for sharing.

30 January 2008, 08:58 AM	#1
Carolina "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North Carolina Watch: it, Bubba! Posts: 6,271	My new watch! Today, I received a watch as a gift! Here is a photo of it: This is not something I would have ordinarily picked out. But, it comes from my Dad, and has a lot of sentimental value attached. My father was a heavy smoker for many years. As a result, he has suffered many health problems. He's gone through heart bypass surgery, surgery to unblock his carotid (sp?) arteries in his neck as well as one by his kidneys, and a very serious surgery to fix an aneurism in the artery in his stomach. This is the same health issue that killed his own dad at the same age. Several years ago, while starting the journey to repair all of the above problems, he became a bit short of breath. However, this issue was put on the back burner due to the severity of the heart problems he had. He made it through the aneurism surgery this spring, and was given a green light. But, in August, his shortness of breath suddenly became critical, and he was rushed to the hospital. All four children, including me, received a call to get to Connectut ASAP - my dad might not make it another day. We drove through the night, and found out he had something called pulmonary fibrosis. This is advancing scar tissue of the lungs that chokes off your ability to breathe. If any of you smoke, STOP it!! My dad was in critical ICU, and it didn't look good. Remarkably, he made it through the night, and actually improved. He thinks it is the fact that his four children and two grandchildren rallied around him. He has stabilized, and while he will never recover from this disease, he is able to breathe with the help of 24/7 oxygen, and can be in his own home with my mom. Unbelievably, he was still working until this last lung problem. I guess he officially "retired", because I received the above watch in the mail today. Attached was a note from my mom, telling me that dad was given this watch for 40 years of service (I'm assuming he got to pick it out himself, considering it's a ladies watch). He wanted me to have it. It's enormous on me, so I'm going to need to have some links removed. But, then I am going to wear it with pride. So, that's my watch story! Thanks for listening!! __________________ . .Member #5380 .

30 January 2008, 09:08 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	There is no better gift than one given with sincerity and love.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

30 January 2008, 09:19 AM	#4
Carolina "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North Carolina Watch: it, Bubba! Posts: 6,271	Absolutely, guys. It will be fun to call him tonight and thank him - I'm still in shock that I received an unexpected gift, and I can't wait to get over to the jewelers tomorrow to get it sized. __________________ . .Member #5380 .

30 January 2008, 10:40 AM	#7
mailman TRF Moderator & SubLV41 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,510	That's a gift that will make you smile every time you look at Carolina. I'm glad your dad is home and doing well. That's most important. Congratulations and enjoy your new watch in good health __________________ JJ

30 January 2008, 10:54 AM	#8
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Glad to hear your dad pulled through, Carolina - that's a wonderful gift! __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

30 January 2008, 09:46 AM	#5
unclesallie 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: dan Location: Pennsylvania Watch: keystone pocket Posts: 5,917	Carolina: very nice story. glad your dad is ok. i agree wear the watch with pride(or get his permission to trade it on a rolex!). just kiddin, just kiddin best, dan

30 January 2008, 09:54 AM	#6
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	That is great, best part is that he is ok; I know that watch will always have a special place in your heart. Congrats!

30 January 2008, 11:02 AM	#9
Robb 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Robb Location: USA Watch: BLNR Posts: 4,939	Glad to hear he is doing okay!!! Im sure that watch means the world to you. __________________ 126610LN l 166610LV l 126619LB l 116710BLNR l 126710BLRO l 126720VTNR l 126718GRNR l 116500 white l 116500 black l 116508 john mayer l 116519LN l 116503 white l 126655 l 226627 Ti Master l 116518LN

30 January 2008, 11:12 AM	#10
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,215	A great gift[s] you can share together. Beautiful story, thanks for sharing. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

30 January 2008, 01:17 PM	#11
Jedi "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Lee Location: Malaysia Watch: 16750 Posts: 2,534	Thanks for sharing your story and all the best to you and your dad. I took a good look at the watch (supposed to be checking my drawing files for a presentation tomorrow) and the proportions on it are simply spot-on. The curves work in what can be termed the golden ratio, in proportion to the radius of the case and the seamless transition into the bracelet. While not a fan of diamonds usually, i think the placement of the gems on this piece are quite unusual and worthy of note. The crown proportions are also quite simply perfect. Your father has a great eye!! Many congratulations. __________________ Lee This is my watch. There are many like it but this one is mine... Flickr Blog

30 January 2008, 02:20 PM	#12
Downing "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Downing Location: Portland, Oregon Watch: SD ExpII GO Nav ND Posts: 1,640	Great story, Carolina. Glad your Dad's ok. And a very nice watch. __________________ One if by land, one if by sea, one if by air and one uh, just to tell time. Rolex Explorer II White Rolex Sea-Dweller Glashütte Original Navigator Panerai 183 G Black Seal

30 January 2008, 02:58 PM	#13
dman Lifetime TRF Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Daren Location: Austin Watch: the road Posts: 13,585	Awesome story and special watch!!! Enjoy that beauty and best wishes to your Father. __________________ You either get it or you don't, if you have to ask, YOU DON'T!! I really hope that midget cop doesn't find me in Kokomo.

30 January 2008, 03:39 PM	#14
ezmoney46 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: steve Location: florida Watch: several Posts: 711	Awesome story, thanks for sharing. I lost my father 11 years ago today. Cherish every second you have with him. I'm glad he's doing a lot better and home now. The watch is very beautiful. It doesn't have to be a Rolex, it's the thought that's behind it. Steve

30 January 2008, 03:52 PM	#15
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,587	Great story thanks for sharing. The best thing is you still have your father around which means more than anything. It's been about 40 years now since my father passed on and it is scary to think of the time and experiences we might have had together. Take care and congrats to you Carolina and to your father.

31 January 2008, 03:16 AM	#16
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	Very elegant watch! Congrats! __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

31 January 2008, 03:21 AM	#17
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Very heart-wrenching story, Carolina.....thanks for sharing. Glad your dad's going to be okay.....and, after reading all of the above, I'm glad I've never even taken a puff in my life. That watch is elegant and very lady-like. Wear it with pride and wear it with joy.....from someone who must love you a helluva lot. My very best to you and your family, JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

31 January 2008, 03:33 AM	#18
Texsubmariner "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Khanh Location: Texas Watch: SSGMTc Posts: 1,227	Wow, a moving story and well told! Best of luck and hope your Dad will be OK. A great watch with lots of sentimental value! __________________ Sea Dweller M series SS GMT IIc M series Omega SMP Electric Blue Dial Wife's SS WG MOP Ladies DJ Z series

31 January 2008, 03:37 AM	#19
Terry Newton "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Terry Newton Location: Michigan Watch: Rolex TT GMT II c Posts: 6,644	Carolina: That is an awesome story. There is nothing as wonderful as a; "Good Dad". I lost mine several years ago and still think of him fondly. You are both lucky and, remember to treasure the moments. Life is short, but sweet. Terry Newton

31 January 2008, 03:48 AM	#20
timetravel125 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Louie Location: California Watch: Rolex Posts: 644	Carolina: Congrats on your new watch. Your story really touched me. Health, is wealth. My daughter just turned 21, last January 17th. I gave her my gold Movado watch, that I had bought before she was born--as a birthday present. Being a dad, I know how your dad felt when he gave you the watch, as a gift. Cherish it and take care of it!

31 January 2008, 04:32 AM	#21
Carolina "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North Carolina Watch: it, Bubba! Posts: 6,271	Thank you, everyone! __________________ . .Member #5380 .

31 January 2008, 04:35 AM	#22
GoldenBear "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: San Francisco Watch: Submariner Posts: 2,480	Glad he is o.k. Good lessons... to live every day like it is your last (and not to smoke). __________________ ____________________________________________ Rolex Blue TT Submariner Rolex SS Submariner Breitling Emergency Mission They are just watches, wear 'em. ____________________________________________

31 January 2008, 06:59 AM	#23
kcmo "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: Karis Location: USA Posts: 19,377	Wow, Carolina, what a story! I'm really glad that your dad is going better, and I hope he is able to stay away from the hospital. He's picked out a beautiful gift for you which I am sure you will cherish forever! A wonderful sentiment! Enjoy it!

31 January 2008, 07:27 AM	#24
Paulie "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicagoland Watch: GMTII and OP! Posts: 1,272	What a wonderful gift! Does he know about your watch forum habit? Don't forget the wrist shots! __________________

31 January 2008, 07:30 AM	#25
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Carolina, the best part about your new watch is that your Dad is well enough to pick it out for you. __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

31 January 2008, 08:11 AM	#26
JBat "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: John Location: Washington Watch: 16710, 16610, DJ Posts: 7,329	Great story and watch. Enjoy it!

31 January 2008, 12:18 PM	#29
Triple Black 88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Steve Location: Collegeville PA Watch: Day-Date Posts: 752	Wow what a story. I'm glad your Father pulled through. Beautiful watch, and the fact that it came from him after all of this is definitly special.

31 January 2008, 12:23 PM	#30
Rockrolex TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: God Location: Washington, D.C. Watch: What do you think? Posts: 37,967	What a wonderful story, Carolina. And it's a beautiful watch that I know you will cherish for many, many years. Thanks for sharing. __________________ Despite the high cost of living, it's still very popular. *Tosser Cabinet Member* Official Member: 'Perpetual 30' Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2019

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