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Friday 10 May 2013

Remembering A Much Loved Dad ....

Hi everyone.  Today I would like to remember my dear dad, who passed away on this day 34 years ago, when I was 32.  34 years! I just can't believe it.  I still think of him every day and miss him very much.  People certainly live on in our hearts, don't they?

I was so blessed in that I was brought up (as an only child) completely surrounded by love.  Mum and dad were 'older' parents, being in their mid thirties. (which although not old these days, was back then).   They had been married for sixteen years and, although desperately hoping for a child, they had really given up.  You can probably imagine, therefore, the joy they felt  when they heard that mum was pregnant!

He died very suddenly and I was in Germany at the time , as hubby was based over there with the Armed Forces.  We didn't have mobile phones in those days of course, so I used to walk to the nearest phone box three times a week to speak to mum and dad.  A man answered the phone, and I said "hallo dad", and this voice (who turned out to be my cousin)  said, "I'm sorry Diane, it's not your dad.  He passed away last night".  Emma was seven at the time, and Alison six months old.

When I walked back to our Army apartment, hubby was waiting there to tell me the news, as dad's sister had contacted the Army.  So it was all a bit of a shock, and I was walking around in a daze for quite a while.






God Bless You Dad, and Thank You For Everything.



12 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Dianne

Thanks for sharing your story with us.
God Bless

Shady Del Knight said...

Bless you, Thisisme. It must have been a tremendous shock to receive the news of your father's death in that manner. I know the pain of that moment lingers, but so do the fond memories of the great man who, along with your mum, gave the world the gift of you. As you reminded us, those we loved and lost live on in our hearts. Thank you for telling us about your wonderful dad. Love and hugs to you, dear friend.

Carol said...

Diane,

A lovely tribute post for your Dad.

hugs
carol x

Unknown said...

Dear Thisisme, I connected deeply to this beautifully moving post on your loving, kind and handsome Dad. The thought about them living in your heart is absolutely true. My father instilled in me a fighting spirit, a love for justice and a deep respect for the earth and the power of a garden to make life beautiful and delicious. I wanted to put a picture of my father up in my Mother's day post, because he was nurturing too. I think the world needs Dads like ours. Have a happy, sunny weekend my friend!

Shelly said...

I can tell what a dear he was just by your loving descriptions and the wonderful pictures of you and your parents. His was a life well lived, for certain.

What a horrible shock that must have been to get the news like that. I'm glad, though, that your family was with you.

From looking at the pictures of you when you were so young, it's easy to see the marked resemblance your daughters have to you~

Glenda said...

Thinking of you today my friend as you sent hugs my way yesterday. Isn't it odd that our dads' death anniversaries are just a day apart and they were both sudden deaths? I'm sure your fond memories overshadow the sad. Hugs!

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Diane,
My husband is out for band meeting tonight. Reading your post after finished writing my post, tears are streaming down... I still clearly remember the day my mother had a call of her father's sudden death when I was 10 years old; my aunt called my mother to the near-by very small general store's phone and owner came telling her to call back to the phone my aunt could answer (store to store). She was crying when she came home and it was the first time for me my mother cried.

Your parents look so sweet and I loved the second picture very much♡♡♡ You must have been a wonderful daughter to him.

Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan to my friend in England, xoxo Miyako*
 

 

Grammy Goodwill said...

This is such a heartfelt story of your love for your dad. It's sad that you lost him so early in your life and in such a sudden manner. But, I know that our memories keep them alive in our hearts.

BB said...

A very beautiful tribute to your lovely Dad. I just love the photos and when I saw the bottom one I was taken back at how much Daughter #2 looks just like you there! Dad's are special and I too miss mine! We were lucky to have had them my awesome friend.

Sally Wessely said...

This really was a wonderful tribute to you father and to your love and admiration for him. He looks like such a nice man. You were blessed to have him for your father. I'm sorry you had to hear the news the way you did. Hugs.

Unknown said...

They say fathers are extremely important in a young girl's life, helping her feel beautiful, talented and good. Your Dad did his job well, and we, your friends, get to reap the benefits. Blessings as you continue to miss him.

pembrokeshire lass said...

What a lovely man he sounds and what a lovely story. I miss my Dad too. He died 1990. I don't think you ever get over missing them! Hugs Joan