This is the last photo we will have of our Dad. This was around the 6th hole, and it was shortly after this shot that he left his Earthly home. My Nephew took this photo of his Grandpa, our Dad just before he hit the ball. When I asked my Nephew how the game was going, he replied, "Neither of us were doing too well," but they were having fun. Today was a busy day, and it was filled with a roller coaster of emotions, and it came in waves. Something would trigger a memory, a thought, a realization that it's not going to be the same, and then the emotions would kick in. We know it's all a part of the grieving, and the healing, but it is painful too. All the kids met together at the funeral home to make arrangements. Going through all the paperwork, making choices, all of which brought everything into a sense of reality. Up until then, it all felt unreal. It was good though, and we needed that, because we all had a part in the decisions that were made, and that is a good thing. Afterwards we all went out for lunch to continue our planning. We had a good talk, shared memories, shed a few tears, had some laughs, and then it was back to work to gather photos, and all the other necessities. Our family is pretty close, and though we have our differences, we have so many good memories. Being able to sit down together to talk about those good times, to tell stories, to laugh and cry together, is healing in itself. Dad's leaving left behind a hole, so now the important thing for us to do is to move our family closer, form a tighter circle to fill in that gap. We're already making plans to make this happen. I want to take this time to thank you all for your kind words and well wishes. Our hearts are heavy, and sad, but we are also at peace with how it all came to pass. Our Dad was a rock. He was a strong leader, and a man of his word, and expected the same out of everyone else. As a manager for many years, he was known by many as one who had no tolerance for slacking off on the job. Those who worked for him either loved him or hated him, there was no in between. To us, he is Dad, and there is no in between. We love him. Thank you again for your support.
This is beautiful and your nephew is pretty good with a camera! I am glad you and your siblings were able to get together and start healing. It's wonderful that you have such a strong family.
Rick, I have had you on my mind today. I lost my dad unexpectedly this past March. I know how hard it is. This is a wonderful picture and I know you will always treasure it. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
What a wonderful way to remember your father. I remember when my fiancé's mom passed away a few years back. It was also sudden and without warning. Nothing will ever be the same, but the memories, like this one, will last a lifetime.
What a special photo to have. How blessed you are to have a family that loves and comforts one another. Despite the sadness, the loss and the tears, I see in your words hope and love and a celebration of a life well lived. Blessings to you and your family especially over the next few difficult days.
I've been thinking of you and praying for you and your family quite often today. These are wonderful thoughts and I just love the picture. I hope when the Lord calls me home, I am like your father was, doing something I love, with people I love. Beautiful tribute.
Your day sounds just right, tears and laughter.... memories and pain.. sadness and rejoicing in your dad.
Your Nephew, was a lucky guy to have had these last moments with such a great guy. :) Take care Rick..
I have been thinking of you today. What a beautiful tribute! Hang in there! I know at times it is going to feel like you are on auto pilot...that is normal.Sending you prayers, thoughts and hugs!
How awesome that your nephew took this photo. Rick thank you for allowing us to share in your journey with your written words that express heartfelt and at times raw emotions. Lifting you and the family up in prayer.
how wonderful to have this picture of your dad.....so glad you and your siblings were able to make decisions together--so important. Praying for all of you....
So sorry about your loss Rick... But what a beautiful tribute. He was a lucky man to have such a close loving family. My thoughts go out to you and your family.
A very special photograph & shows how photography can bring special memories & images of lost loved ones always to mind. You have been a great support to your father.. I can tell by the way you speak of him & the times you have had together, remember those times & enjoy his memory. Will be thinking of you over the next few difficult days .
Although it may not seem very comforting now, it's truly a Godsend that he was able to do what he loved til the very end. I can't imagine a better way to go ... when the time comes. May you and your family have the strength to get through this time of sorrow.
How wonderful to have this final photo if your dad enjoying his life. Rick, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this. "Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted". And you will be!!!
What a wonderful photo to have. It's never easy to lose a parent weather it's suddenly or after a long illness. It's a great thing to have a loving family who can come together and support each other. I pray that God will be with you and your family in the days to come.
What a gift this photo is! It will remind you always that your Dad was doing something he loved when he crossed over. Your story is beautiful and I'm so glad your whole family is able to be together through this and all take part in the service for such a special man. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers this week.
A perfect picture! After losing my mother, the thing that I missed so very much was picking up the phone and talking with her. One of my best treasures is a message that she left for me telling me that she "loved me."
loved reading your words rick...and this photo is AMAZING. to be able to enjoy something like this when your older i think, is just wonderful. Thank goodness for cameras and being able to freeze such a special moment in time. I am glad to hear you have such a close family and all of you can rely on one aother in this time and be able to share laughter along with tears.
This made me a bit teary. I can relate as I lost my father 3 years ago. It is amazing to me that your nephew took this photo and you will always have this memory.
Power of a photo and words. Yesterday and today's photos are so powerful. What a great memory. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Rick.
How great to know that your father was enjoying life right up to the last moments. Good luck with the next few days, I know that there are so many emotions for you to deal with!.
What a great shot of your Dad Rick. How nice to have this action shot of him.
Thank you for sharing your day with us.
It is good to all get together & talk.
The next week will have trials for you, and I will be thinking of you as I have been since I heard your news.
Remember our prayers & thoughts are with you & your family.
what a gift -- what a wonderful picture to have just taken!! He will still be with you, it's just that physical earthly hole we have to deal with.....praying for all of you!
So sorry, Rick. My wife and I went out to my dad's yesterday. (My mom passed away 20+ years ago.) Clare cooked dinner and I set up a digital photo frame loaded with photos of the rest of the family from our recent NC vacation. We never know how many more visits or vacations we have... Peace be with you, my friend!
My condolences to your family for the loss of your Dad. He sounded like a great man to have in your life; and unfair that he's no longer around. You will all be in my thoughts over the next week - and beyond - as you work through the heartache of your grief.
Thinking of you...I say go DAD! What a great way to leave this earth..headed for heaven with a golf club and a wonderful family praying for him! Just perfect!
This is a wonderful last impression!!! Great for your dad to have lived life to the very end and great for you to have a picture of it!! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Your Nephew, was a lucky guy to have had these last moments with such a great guy. :) Take care Rick..
I'm sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing your day with us.
It is good to all get together & talk.
The next week will have trials for you, and I will be thinking of you as I have been since I heard your news.
Remember our prayers & thoughts are with you & your family.