Grief, it is a funny old thing. My Dad has been dead 13 years today. Although really he died on October 17th, today was just the day that we made the decision to switch off his ventilator. I am not one to normally dwell on dates. I think of my Dad a lot and not just on dates that are significant.
But today was Mini’s school play and as I sat watching him, I longed with all my heart to be able to introduce my children to their GrandDad. My Dad’s death was sudden, very unexpected and a terrible accident that was unavoidable.
My Dad is the man that had the biggest influence on my life, taught me about integrity and respect. He was the one that told me I was marrying a “good man” when MadDad asked him about us getting wed. He also taught me how to have fun and was the life and soul of any party. In fact him and mum could light up any dance floor and often did. He was the man that taught me that family was everything.
He never had the chance to meet my children, one of whom is named after him, but I know he would have doted on them. He would have been delighted to see my brother grow in to the man he is today, most of which is down to him and raise a glass with his wonderful daughter in law. Although I know he would have marvelled that his tea total (at the time) son would end up running a social club.
So tonight over dinner I am going to (yet again) regain my sons with tails of their GrandPa and then I am going to light a candle in his memory.
We are his legacy, we are his echo.
Lovely post Jen! Really nice to see pictures of you and your parents. Look like very good people to me
Kate on Thin Ice » They were the best Kate. He was a great man, very inspirational and the people queued outside the church as it was standing room only.
I will be thinking of you on this date now Jen. How lovely to have had a wonderful father and have good memories to recall, I’m just sorry he was taken away too soon xxxx
Capture by Lucy » Thank you Lucy. Normally it isnt too bad. I guess Mini’s play just set me off thinking. He was a great man and far too young to die
He sounds like a wonderful man and he obviously had a wonderful influence on you and your family. You can bring him alive for the boys by talking about him and showing them how he would have hoped them to grow up. Juliex
Julie » Oh Julie, thank you. I do try and we talk about Grandpa Bob all the time
Beautiful post. Fab photo’s, what a dashing Dad! Sending Hugs your way. I often think about the things my mum is missing out on, it makes me so sad xxx
Mama Syder » Oh do not get me started on my Mum! I always thought my Dad looked like Elvis!
Lovely post & photos!! Thinking of you x
Lovely post and I love your last sentence, perfect. I too find it sad thinking my two never met my Mum or my husbands parents they all would have been great Grandparents just like your Dad. But he is part of you and you are making sure that your two know him as much as they can.
Quite sure he would be looking down on you and seeing what a great job you do xxx
Such a sweet and lovely post. We are sending well wishes your way!
xo
http://www.PlumPrettySugar.blogspot.com
xxxx Always good to tell the kids about such a wonderful person.
What a lovely post Jen. I think one of the saddest things of all is not being able to introduce your kids to those important people who have passed away.
Beautiful, poignant post Jen x
Jen, this is such a lovely, moving post. You have some great memories that nobody will take away from you. You know I lost my dad only a few weeks ago, but it feels like years alrwady. I feel you pain as I wish my dad would be able to see my two daughters growing up. At least Isabelle had the chance to spend a few years with him. Life is so hard sometimes. I am thinking of you. Love xxx