It's a very sad and hard time for us all at the moment, but sometimes it pays to look at things from a different perspective. Yes we're losing Dad.......but we had him! While we have him we need to let him know that he made us so proud, of all he accomplished and all that he gave, mostly that he was the man he was. And we in turn made HIM proud.
The photo at the tops was Jasons' graduation day when he got his Masters Degree, Mum and Dad were so very proud of him that day. All of us were, we all helped him through his years at University and he worked so hard to get his two degrees, it was fantastic to be there to help him celebrate that time.
Simon made his Grandad proud in a very different way. He was the first younger member of the family to join the Army. He served his country well, in many war torn areas and bravely took part in the Iraq war. We were lucky we got him back, although the war took it's toll. Writing to him while he was overseas, occasionally speaking on the phone, sending him parcels and keeping in touch brought back many memories for Dad. And when Simon finally came home there were many army chats with his Grandad. Sad chats and happy chats, he gave his Grandad the chance to discuss his National Service times and the things that only fellow soldiers can talk about.
We very proudly all went on holiday to celebrate the great achievement of their 50th wedding anniversary, happy times with presents and balloons at the table in a hotel in Scarborough. A week spent together forged tighter bonds with his two beloved grandsons.
And a few drinks were consumed with much laughter in the evenings. Even the photo is blurred....hic!!
But the proudest day of all.....
... was the day he made an honest woman of my lovely Mum. June 13th 1959 the day our family began, such a special day.
So today I'm trying hard not to be sad, I'm trying to think of what we wouldn't have had without my Dad. I'll be back in Manchester to spend time with him tomorrow, and let him in on the very widely spread secret that I am a very proud daughter.
Sue xx
Continuing to think of you...
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post Sue, it brought tears to my eyes. It's so brave of you to open up your thoughts to us all and share all this. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Sooze x
A lovely post Sue. Be brave.x
ReplyDeleteAs our loved ones age, we do certainly need to ponder the good and blessings rather than the sadness.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely post.
You have such a positive and practical way about you and I know although it does and will hurt as time progresses, you will come through a stronger person.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad but, you have lots of Blogger 'friends' out here sending loving healing thoughts.
And HUGS!
Sandie xx
I am sad for you and your family but like you say, you have known him and his presence has brought many good memories to keep. Our dad was not even in the same league as yours, never around, never made any effort to get to know us but moaned that we didn't love him. How can you love someone you don't know. Keeping my fingers crossed that warm weather will stay to warm you all at this time.
ReplyDeletePraying for your family. Love. Verónica
ReplyDeleteGreat post Sue - and so good to see a family loving and caring for each other.
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for you all x
What a lovely post, Sue!
ReplyDeleteIn my prayers.
Jane x
This is a lovely post and I am sure your Dad is also very proud of his caring, sharing daughter. My thoughts are with you xxx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words from a beautiful mind.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's so hard to focus on the good in life....but we have to. It's what keeps us going.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are very much in my thoughts Sue. Take care xx
It reminds us all to love the people God gave us, because he'll want them back one day - a beautiful post and all our love to you from Froogs and Dearly Beloved xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. It has reminded me that I too, was a very lucky girl to have a wonderful Dad. Peace and blessings to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteLovely post Sue. I too had the most wonderful Dad, who I lost 11 years ago last month.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your family.
Love and Hugs xxx
I'm so sure your Dad and the family are equally proud of you too!! You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteLots of love, safe trip. heather X
that is a wonderful post. Drive carefully tomorrow and give him an extra big hug.
ReplyDeleteGill
Such a beautiful post Sue. He sounds like a man it would be hard not to be proud of. Your blog makes it so clear to see how much your family means to you, it is such a lovely thing to read and see through your photos and your words x x x x
ReplyDeleteSue this is so wonderful. I have a friend in a similar situation as you. Her feelings are so different from her mothers - both suffering in different ways knowing that soon a beloved husband, father, grandfather will be gone.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous wedding photo. Celebrate his life x