My Daddy passed away this past Saturday.
The week has been a blur,
feeling more like five weeks than five days.
You can read my letter to him over at Long Hollow, but I decided to post the handful of photos I took at the service here.
Daddy was in the Navy in WWII.
A Color Guard escorted his casket and presented my mom with an American Flag.
And then a lone trumpeter played "Day is Done".
Perfect.
Each of the pallbearers - my kids, niece, nephew, and cousins - wore red carnations, which they placed on top of the casket, one by one.
As each one stepped forward, in my mind I saw a younger version of them, playing with my Daddy, and it made me smile.
Back home, we made sure to give this skinny little squirrel some peanuts, because that's what Daddy would have done.
The next morning, my son stepped up to Daddy's place at the stove and fixed us a huge breakfast with bacon, eggs, and biscuits my sweet friend Rae left in a cooler on our doorstep.
Despite the huge cholesterol-laden breakfast, the kids and I stopped for dinner at Whataburger, because that was one of Daddy's favorite places.
Rest in peace, Daddy. You deserve it.
(But I am going to miss you.)
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
~ Thomas Campbell
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
~ Thomas Campbell
Oh Barbara, I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Your photo tribute to your Dad is beautiful. I'm sorry for the ache in your hearts. Big hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. You'll be so glad you have them, especially when the blur starts to clear.
ReplyDeleteHe will always be with you. You've only lost his physical presents.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for you because, just in reading this and seeing these photos, it brings back my own feelings from 10 years ago. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention how much they look alike!
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you and your family. Beautiful, heartfelt images here.
ReplyDeleteThe service was beautiful, and your photos will bring sweet memories of your dad. My heartfelt sympathies to you & your family, Barbara.
ReplyDeleteoh, barbara, i am so sorry. this was so touching... no one will fill his place, but you will always carry him in your heart.
ReplyDeleteBarbara... I am so very sorry for your loss. But my, what glory and dignity I see in your images. He must have been a very special gentleman. Passing you my condolences.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry Barbara -- I trust he is at peace now. xo
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I am so so sorry. Your tribute to your Dad is so beautiful and heartfelt. I will be praying for you and your family....
ReplyDeleteHugs....
oh barbara, i am so sorry. so, so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry for your loss. A deeply touching post that I know he's proud of. Praying your heart remembers him always with joy as you know he is now free from earthly struggles. God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeletemay he rest in peace ...this is a beautiful tribute and its such a mitzvah to do/go things/places our parents enjoyed .. a true celebration of how much they meant and what wonderful marks they left upon our own lives
ReplyDeleteI am so so sorry about your dad Barbara! I lost my dad almost 15 years ago. I still miss him. I love it that you did what your dad would have done (feed the squirrel, made breakfast, etc.), that's how we keep their memories alive! Sending you big hugs!
ReplyDeletexo Catherine
My condolences and a hug Barbara.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thoughts and photos, they truly touched my heart.
Your daddy sounds like he was such an awesome man and father. I'm so sorry for your great loss. What a wonderful tribute you have honored him with here through your heart and words.
ReplyDeleteLee Ann