My dad
Saturday October 12th 2019, 9:06 pm
Filed under: Family
One of the amaryllis bulbs he sent me for Christmas last year.
Dad last November.
Not sure when this one was.
Dad in April this year.

My sister posted a picture on Facebook last night of Dad after having visited the folks and I instantly felt the time was short.

But he’d hung on for so long and surprised us all, I reminded myself, not wanting to hear it.

I woke up in the morning with a conversation with Richard about booking a flight without delay to go see him again.

And then the phone rang.

My sweet father–nobody could laugh like my dad, nobody loved a pun or any kind of fine wordsmithing like my dad, nobody cheered on their kids like my dad–had quietly slipped away from those scarred, broken lungs some time in the night. At home.

I’m so happy for him that he doesn’t have to fight for every breath anymore.

But. But. But… I never was going to be ready.

The funny part is that my little sister married off one of her sons last weekend and had told Dad that sorry, he was not allowed to die till that was over, she just could not handle one more thing right now and too many people’s travel plans were too set in stone for that.

He’s the kind that would enjoy a good guffaw over that and then say with a twinkle in his eye, Yes, dear. And then crack up again.

And now they’re all freed up.

And so is he.

Love you forever, Daddy.


25 Comments so far
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My condolences Allison.

Comment by wildknits 10.12.19 @ 9:18 pm

Alison, I am thinking of you and sending you a hug through the web. May his memory be a blessing.

Comment by Joanne 10.12.19 @ 9:28 pm

I am sad to hear your news. ((())). My dad died twenty years ago and mum ten years and my sister and i still miss them and speak often of them.

Comment by Jan 10.12.19 @ 10:15 pm

I love the last picture … there’s mischief in that face. Guess that’s where you learned it! (-: (Someone once said I had my mother’s laugh.)

Hugs and condolences to you and your family.

Comment by Anne 10.12.19 @ 10:17 pm

My condolences to you and your family.

Comment by Barbara 10.12.19 @ 11:17 pm

We are never ready for such a loss but I believe we all meet up again. Hang on to those memories for comfort and strength. Sending love and prayers for you and your family.

Comment by Jody Mason 10.13.19 @ 3:08 am

And he is wearing purple in the pictures. I’m so sorry Alison. It hurts to lose the ones you love, even when it’s an easing for them.

Comment by Afton 10.13.19 @ 3:51 am

Oh Allison, I’m so sorry. We are never ready, even with years to prepare. It is always too soon. We always miss our Daddy when he is gone. All love to you and your family.

Comment by Pegi F 10.13.19 @ 4:53 am

There really are no words…I’m so sorry.

Comment by Jayleen Hatmaker 10.13.19 @ 5:01 am

May his memory be a blessing!

Comment by Susan Gulack 10.13.19 @ 7:54 am

I’m so sorry about your Dad. One never is ready, no, but he’s breathing freely now.

Comment by ccr in MA 10.13.19 @ 8:34 am

I’m so very sorry for your enormous loss. My dad’s been gone for 24 years and I miss him every day.

Comment by ChrisB 10.13.19 @ 9:02 am

Wishing you happy memories of that laugh and those twinkling eyes help ease your sorrow.

Comment by DebbieR 10.13.19 @ 9:50 am

So sorry for your loss, but I can’t help thinking that he is “Free At Last”! No more struggles.
Blessings on you and your family.

Comment by DeAnn Jochen 10.13.19 @ 1:36 pm

I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs to you and your family.

Comment by Mary 10.13.19 @ 4:26 pm

I am grateful that I got to see you,on one of yur trips home to see your dad He is flying free now.

Comment by Sherry in Idaho 10.13.19 @ 5:21 pm

It’s such a shock when it finally comes. I’m sorry that you didnt get that one last visit in. Sending hugs!

Comment by Renee 10.13.19 @ 6:29 pm

May his memory remain a blessing to you and your family for decades to come

Comment by Holly 10.13.19 @ 6:49 pm

I’m sorry, Alison. You’re right, you’re never ready. I’m glad you have such wonderful memories of him!

Comment by suburbancorrespondent 10.13.19 @ 7:52 pm

Alison, I’m so sorry! He sounds like a lovely, wonderful dad.

Comment by Amy 10.13.19 @ 10:55 pm

So sorry. You’re right: we’re never ready. How amazing that he hung on til after the wedding. Many blessings to you and your family.

Comment by Betty Catherine 10.14.19 @ 8:36 am

I am very sorry for your loss. I am not sure what else to say…

Sending you a long and soft hug and praying for you and your family.

Comment by Suzanne in Montreal 10.14.19 @ 9:28 am

I’m holding you all in my heart.

Comment by twinsetellen 10.15.19 @ 8:09 pm

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I am glad he went quietly at home. I am sure you have many many fond memories. Thank you for sharing the pictures! Take care.

Comment by Susan 10.15.19 @ 11:31 pm

Sincere condolences. Thanks for posting those photos!

Comment by Lisa RR 10.17.19 @ 6:03 pm



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