Wednesday, January 3, 2024

My dad



My favorite picture of me and my dad, circa 1980ish

My dad died on New Year's Day, around 1:15 in the afternoon. I was at home when I got the call. We had been expecting it at any moment for two or three days at that point, but it still somehow felt like a shock. It still doesn't seem real sometimes. How can my dad not exist anymore? It's hard to wrap my head around. 

Dad was kept comfortable those last few days and slipped away quietly and peacefully at the end. I'm so grateful for that. He had been very, very sick for a long time. As sad as it is that he's gone, it's a comfort to know that he's beyond all pain and suffering now. 

My dad was a kind, gentle, and generous man. Although he had lots of faults and made plenty of mistakes in his life, he was a good father to me. I never remember him so much as raising his voice to me, ever. For all the issues my family had when I was growing up (and we had plenty), I never once doubted his love for me. I hope he never doubted mine for him.

I was always my dad's little girl. I always will be.

34 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry. I too was a daddy's girl and lost him in 2021. Although he was 92 years old, I still miss him every day and think of him at random moments, often when I want to share a political opinion or have a book discussion. Enjoy your wonderful memories of him and of his love for you.

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  2. My sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad!. May God strenghten you and family during this period of grief!

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  3. I'm so sorry about your dad. Hope your mom is doing okay. I know how hard it is when a parent passes. My dad passed away 4 years ago, and it still seems like yesterday. My mom was a difficult parent; my dad made life not just livable but wonderful.

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  4. I am sorry Jennifer. Even when you are expecting it, it still comes as a shock. It may not seem real for a while. It is a hard thing to lose a parent. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time. I love the picture you have shared. It shows a lot of love and happiness. I wish I could hug you but I can send you a virtual hug along with my love and care. xxx

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  5. My sincere condolences, Jennifer.
    Be kind to yourself, and hold the memories of your father close in your heart.

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  6. Sorry for your loss Jennifer. All other words fail me.

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  7. I'm sending you my condolences from here Jennifer. Indeed he is beyond pain and suffering now.

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  8. Sad for you, but you have lovely memories of him to hold in your heart.

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  9. πŸ’” Never ready. Never easy. Pax.

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  10. I'm glad you have sweet memories of your Dad to comfort you during this sad time, Jennifer.

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  11. So sorry for your loss, but you have those memories of him which will never fade.

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  12. I am also a Daddy's girl and always will be. I lost my Dad in February of 2019. I am thinking about you, keep his memory always in your heart. I know you will. xx

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  13. I'm sorry for your loss. Take care. The love you shared and wonderful memories will live on forever.

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  14. A lovely tribute and remembrance. I am sorry for your loss.

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  15. My condolences and hugs from New Zealand. Being expected doesn't make it any easier.

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  16. Prayers and sympathy...difficult to lose a parent.

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  17. My condolences, Jennifer. The passing of a loving father is a terrible loss. I hope your memories of his love bring you comfort in the time to come.

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  18. I'm very sorry, Jennifer. Having been your dad's special girl makes the loss even harder. I'm glad, though, that you have good memories of his love for you.

    Love,
    Janie

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  19. My condolences on the loss of your dad. Those were kind and sincere words about him. Take care. -Jenn

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  20. Very sorry to hear this Jennifer, but I know you were expecting it. My mother was with me when I took my first breath, and I was with her when she took her last. Sadly my Father had just been moved from one hospital to another so I wasn't with him; just a phone call. Put your Dad's photo up, and talk about him often; it does help. xx

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  21. Dear Jennifer, I am very sorry for your loss. You know I can relate exactly to what you say about your father's love for you and how it is hard to believe he's gone. Sometimes I still wonder at how well my Mum, my sister and I are doing in our second year without him, but I am sure last but not least this is because he gave us so much love while he was alive that it still lasts us for the rest of our lives.

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  22. My condolences, Jennifer. I hope that happy memories will ease the pain of your loss.

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  23. Oh, I love that you have those sweet memories of your Dad. Sending peace to you and your Mom.

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  24. Wishing you only the good memories now. Sending you hugs as I always do.

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  25. Jennifer, I haven't been checking blogs over the holiday, and today I am catching up. I've read all of your posts leading up to your dad's passing. Of course, the tears started flowing as I know how hard this is having just gone through this with Michael's dad. I When Michael's dad died, it was expected, but still it was a shock. I love that photo of the two of you, it is perfect. Life is so incredibly bittersweet. You will be in my thoughts.

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  26. that was quite tender; thank you for sharing this.

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  27. I'm glad you have positive memories and that wonderful picture.

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  28. A time to remember and time to grieve all takes place on its own path at its own time.

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  29. That is a sweet photo of the two of you sharing a moment of love and togetherness. It can be hard to believe that such an important person in your life is dead, I thought when my hubby died, how come life goes on. But it does. Peace to you.

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  30. You have such positive memories there Jennifer. Thinking of you.

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  31. Wonderful photo of you and your Father. I still don't feel like I understand my Mother's death so fast in a matter of day and the same with my baby girl. Life will go on day by day and I am thinking of you.

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