Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Remembering....A Daughter's Love



My beloved father passed away on Tuesday.  And while he was 88 years old, it was quite unexpected.  He and we were blessed that he was active and enjoyed life right up until the end. He was often gathered to our table for celebrations and holidays.   


He was a most amazing man, and wonderful father and was loved by many.  He and our mother shared 50 years of marriage, raised four children and he showed what true commitment and love he had for her when he lovingly cared for her through Alzheimer's until her death almost 11 years ago.  He was one of eight children raised on a Virginia farm, a WWII veteran and a true southern gentleman.  He never met a stranger and had a great love of his family, his church, his fellowman and his beloved team the Chicago Cubs.

I will miss him greatly, but I cannot be sorrowful that he did not suffer any sort of long lingering illness.  Oh he had his health issues, but died suddenly at home rather than at the conclusion of a long decline.  Who can possibly regret that?  We were certainly blessed and for years I have spent Sunday afternoons with him discussing events and solving the world's problems.  Early next week our family will gather together and tell stories and laugh and cry remembering him and all he has meant to us and we will toast him with a bottle of "Sweet Walter" wine that he bought several years ago especially for that occasion.  While he often said that growing old was not for sissies....he did so with tremendous grace. Forever and always, I will love this man dearly.  He was greatly loved in this life and I am certain welcomed with great celebration into the next!

 

17 comments:

  1. Oh sweet friend, my heart is so sad. Thankful that your daddy had so many years with the love of his life, was able to enjoy love and time with four children and that he didn't suffer. Praying for you and your family!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  2. I am so sorry that you have lost your Dad. He sounds like a wonderful man and your memories will keep him alive in your heart forever. XO, Pinky

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  3. What lovely memories you have of your Dad. I am so sorry fr your loss, and I know you will miss him terribly. Take care.

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  4. Oh Martha, I am so sorry to hear of your lose, your father sounds like such a wonderful man and I am sure you will miss him everyday. God Bless to you and your family. Hugs, Marty

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  5. Martha, what a lovely tribute to your father! I know he will be sorely missed, especially by you. The father-daughter relationship is so special! My condolences.

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  6. Your Dad sounds like someone I would have enjoyed knowing. So happy he lived a long, full, life and left you with such love and beautiful memories. I'm glad you are finding comfort in hiss "well-lived" life...I'm very sorry, and I know you will miss him.

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  7. Oh Martha, I am so very, very sorry. I know exactly what it's like to lose a father and send my deepest sympathy. I can tell from reading that he was a remarkable man, and I loved the last sentence of this about the celebration welcoming him home.

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  8. Martha, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved father. It is so hard to lose a loved one, but even more so with a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with your and your family.

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  9. Martha, I am so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you and your family. Celebrate his life and remember what an amazing man he was. Sending Hugs.
    Sherry

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  10. Martha, My deepest sympathies.
    d

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  11. So sad to pop in here and hear the news. I am so sorry. I love my father 13 years ago, definitely one of the most difficult things I've ever had to endure. You have my deepest sympathies (((hugs)))

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  12. My heart is heavy for you and your family. You were so kind to me during the loss of my own father and know that I will be praying for you and your family. God Bless you my friend.

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  13. Oh Martha, I'm sorry to be reading this so late. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel about being glad he didn't have a long illness, but it doesn't make your loss any less difficult. What a beautiful tribute to someone who was obviously a very special man. I'm saying a prayer for you and sending you a big hug. laurie

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  14. Martha, That is a beautiful tribute to your father. We all loved him so much and will miss him greatly. He left behind four amazing children who are so much like him. I was so glad that Chad and I could be with all of you at the celebration of his life. Much love to you all. ~ Janet

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  15. Oh Martha, I'm so sad to hear of the loss of your sweet father! He was only 1 yr. older than my husband. We pray for just such a Peaceful death for him, without hospitalizations, tubes & any extraordinary measures.
    I'm sorry for your loss but it sounds like Heaven is a better place now, with your Dad's presence.

    Gentle Hugs,
    Rett

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  16. I am so sorry to red of your loss.

    I know some time has elapsed since you wrote this, but I hope my prayers and condolences added so late, offer you a little solace and peace!

    Hugs and Prayers.

    Your Father sounds like he was an absolutely amazing man!

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  17. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy with you and your family.

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