As in 2006,
I always wanted to see a color photo of FU-539.. So it was like a
goal to me to find a photo online. Then it evolved to, I really wanted
to show my father a color photo (since he did not have one). After
searching for many years - it seemed impossible.
Even though
I never did accomplish finding a color photo before his passing, my
website helped create a senerio that led to a model company. Eduard
contacted me and inquiried about building a model
kit (#1163).
They released
their latest magazine in December 2015 showcasing the FU-539.
That started another event early next year, when a person in a facebook
group decided to model it. Another key sabre fan saw pictures of it
in it's early stages, and had to research the Sweet Rose sabre. After
reviewing the website, that sabre fan contacted me of the early stages
of the model in creation.
I joined the
group, and contacted this builder, Torsten Schumacher, in Germany.
On February 15, I told him great work on the progress of FU-539, and
would it be ok if I could eventually add your pictures to my website.
He said no problem. He would send me the pictures of the finished
aircraft. He figured out quick that I was the son of Rose. He said
it was an honor to make the aircraft.
Torsten
Schumacher:"I love the story of this aircraft and
your parents! I'll give me (it) a lot of effort! Greetings to your
dad and a big thank you !!".
So it was
neat that I got to show my father it progress pictures as I would
visit him on my lunch breaks.
February
23, 2016
Today was
not the day I hoped it would start out. My father called me at work,
and knew something was wrong. Harder breathing, chest pains and sweat.
I left work immediately to aid him. After talking to him for a few
minutes, I called 911 immediately. The ambulance team did some vitals,
and they took him to the hospital. I followed the ambulance there
while messaging my family.
After I got
to the hospital, I was directed to wait in the waiting room. While
I was in the waiting room, I got a message from Torsten.
Torsten
Schumacher:Hello (hand wave graphic)! One daylight picture!
It's done! More pics Saturday! Have a nice day!
Webmaster:Thats really cool. Thanks! My dad called me today at work, chest
pains and sweat. I left, seen (saw) him at home, called for emergency
right away. Hes in the hospital now - once Im allowed back to him
I will sure to share! Ems crews feels he will be ok, based on initial
checks. So crazy timing you completed this! Thanks for sharing!
Torsten
Schumacher:Oh no! I wish your father a speedy recovery
and good luck! All the best for you!
Webmaster:Thanks!
Afterwards,
I got to see my fathers for 5 -10 minutes. I showed him the picture
of the model shot above. My father enjoyed looking at it, and talked
greatly about the daylight in the background. He thought it looked
neat. At that point, I was thinking what if this is really bad, and
this was my chance to show him this model, in full color. It's not
a photo, but life works miracles sometimes. A few minutes later, my
father started feeling uncomfortable again, and the hospital crew
attended to him immediately. This would be the last time we talked
in a full real time verbal conversation back and forth again.
He had surgery
that day and had two stents placed near his heart.
February
25, 2016
Dear Mr.
Yocum,
First I wish your father a healthy recovery and all the luck on earth!
- Here are now some pictures of the Sabre. I hope you like them. If
not, please tell me if I should make other pictures! - I was very
happy about your request! It is a great honor for me, because I love
this aircraft and the story of it!
Webmaster:Just showing up we have some of your pics (collage) in his room!
Thanks!
Torsten
Schumacher:Cool! That pleases me very much!
Torsten
Schumacher:(thumbs up graphic)
Wally got
to see the photo collage the best he could the next day.
February
27, 2016
The bed my
father used for the week he was at the hospital. The angled yellow
and black '539' would always remind me of his airplane.
The last few
days he showed responsiveness, and enjoyed it when I played the song
Panzerlied from the movie Battle of the Bulge.
My father always commented it was a great song, even mom (Rose) liked
it. He would move his legs, as I a sign I knew he heard me.
February
28, 2016
Today was
a good day for my father. He was looking around, seeing the family
again. He got to see the collage pictures the best he could. That
night he kissed my sons hand twice before we left. It was the best
way he could communicate that he loved him.
February
29, 2016
May
he fly amoung the angels with Rose. We all loved and enjoyed his time
with us. Excellent husband, father, mechanic and a true symbol on
how to live life.