Dad battled so hard; he was so brave, but after Christmas began slipping down hill.
He lost his fight on the last day of February.
Dad rallied a little towards the end, which gave us all a chance to spend some time with him and say goodbye. Really special to have that. He knew we were there; he was calm and peaceful.
I felt I wanted to tell you, because it's such a major event in my life; because I couldn't keep something like this from my friends; because it wouldn't feel right to simply plough on with posts about making stuff from egg boxes without saying. That would be too weird.
But please don't feel you need to write back - I just want to be able to mention him from time to time, and for you to know why.
I read this at Dad's Funeral. I honestly can't remember reading it, but I'm so glad I did.
When I close my eyes, you’re holding my hand,
By the sea; smiling; sand between our toes,
I’m in your shadow looking up,
Safe, Secure, Loved.
When I close my eyes, you’re with my friends,
Laughing, joking, enjoying the attention,
Glass in your hand,
Funny, Wise, Generous,
You touched so many lives.
When I close my eyes you’re lost
and full of sadness,
swamped by waves of emotion
that ebb and flow forever.
When I close my eyes it’s your Wedding Day,
Happiness wraps round you,
Your soulmate by your side,
Love with no limits.
Adventures ahead you’d never have dreamt of,
A life full to the brim.
When I close my eyes you’re holding Sam,
a new shoot to the Tree,
Passionate and determined
like his Grandad.
You looked out for us all,
Guiding, advising,
Practical, sensible,
Unfailingly honest.
When I close my eyes you’re at peace,
Released from the pain.
You slipped away surrounded by love,
Nothing left unsaid.
Always in our hearts.