Wednesday 7 October 2009

A Tribute...


I must admit, I have been 'umming' and 'arhhing' about whether to include this post. I wondered if it was too personal for my blog and whether my family would mind.


But it's such an important thing to me, I didn't think it appropriate for a whimsical outfit post today. So forgive my self indulgence. Consider it my therapy!

3 years ago today, we lost my dad. He passed away aged 55.

It completely devastated our whole family as you can imagine. My dad could make me laugh until I cried, daily. He was the 'hub' of our family. I would call him up for advice on everything, from a car problem to work issues, he always had the answer.

He was very poorly, but never complained. In his last few weeks he did not sleep well. I know this because I would go into work in the morning and my first email of the day was always from dad. Usually sent at silly o'clock in the night. It would always make me smile. I printed out all those emails and put them in a private box which I read now and again.

But something strange happened. A week or two after dad's funeral, I discovered I was a few weeks pregnant, with a little boy. I went 2 weeks overdue and was invited in to discuss induction. They gave me 3 dates, one of which was 07.07.07. Whilst in itself this seemed a nice lucky birthdate (and certainly one I can remember!), more importantly it was also 9 months to the day that dad died. And out popped Joseph Paul.

Joseph gave me a new focus in life and he (along with the rest of my family, extended family and friends) helped me start to come to terms with our loss. Naturally it doesn't go away, but having a focus helps a tiny bit.

Rest in peace Dad, I hope you are proud of me and everyone else in our family, we all miss you more than ever, but you're always, always in our thoughts.


20 comments:

Unknown said...

A lovely post. God bless.

Victoria said...

God bless.

Lots of love xxx

Mary said...

ThiS is a beautiful tribute. He seems like a wonderful man!

Lisa said...

What a lovely post.

xx

Daisy said...

This is such a lovely post- you've just made me cry! xxx

Emma x said...

A lovely post, i love that you've kept the emails in a private box X

Lisa said...

Beautiful post. Sounds like he was a wonderful man, and you're certainly keeping his memory alive.

Leah said...

What a lovely tribute to a wonderful man... I literally cried while reading your post.

TheStrawberryFields said...

This is a lovely post,and R.I.P to your dad.
When people leave your life and are no longer here in person you do still feel them around you, or in certain little things.For instance the date your son was born,and i am sure your dad is way more than proud of you.
Im glad you felt you could discuss this it shows perhaps you are finding it a little bit easier to talk about his passing.
Take Care
x

Unknown said...

That was so touching, thanks for sharing something so personal with us. (hugs)

C A said...

Hi, I am very sorry for you.. He looked too young.. :)

Gerri Ward said...

OMG! I feel for YOU because I too lost my father be four years ago! My dad was my BEST FRIEND, everyday something reminds me of him and it only gets harder during the HOLIDAYS!
Thank you for sharing this HEART FELT post, it brings tears to my eyes!!!
p.s. YOU look like your DAD, this explains why YOUR sooo BEAUTIFUL but I'm sure your MOM is Beautiful too!!!
xoxox,
Gerri

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute. My Uncle Roy passed away within minutes of my son being born. I've always thought there was something to that!

Kari said...

Reading this post brought tears to my eyes. Your dad sounds like such a fantastic and courageous man. (How sweet and special that you have all of his emails saved!) My heart goes out to you and your family.

My dad is the same age, and I cannot imagine losing him - I hope we'll have him around for a very long time. He's honestly my real-life hero.

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

A lovely post and it appears he left you so much behind and not just the emails. I am up early to take my dad to hospital. I am tired but after reading this post it has made me more appreciative. Thanks for remininding me what is important.

Sharon S said...

A lovely tribute post my dear, well done.

nicknick said...

You just made me smile and cry all at once xx

eednic said...

Not much to say except this is a really nice way to remember your Dad, who seemed to be a great man.

Timeless Fashion... said...

What a beautiful tribute.

Pauline Wiles said...

Lovely post.