August 30, 2002 my dad passed away at age 55.
Just 8 days away from his birthday.
I talk about him a lot, because he made such a big impact on my life.
But I was only one of 4 girls…
and each and every one of was changed for the better because of him.
and each and every one of was changed for the better because of him.
So today my sister Heather, his firstborn daughter, wrote something in his memory to share here:
When I think of dad, two words come to mind.
Unconditional Love.
No, he wasnt the perfect dad or the perfect husband, but he was the perfect example of unconditional love.
He loved people, and he never met a stranger that didnt end up being his friend. In fact, the more problems they had, the more he loved and wanted to help them.
He also loved his treasures (never met a thrift store or garage sale he didn’t like) and was able to find the beauty in the things people no longer wanted.
{actually, he was that same way with people as well.}
{actually, he was that same way with people as well.}
He loved his simple life…
never drove a fancy car, never wore expensive clothes and never had a big house. He was simply happy with what he did have and never focused on what he didn’t.
never drove a fancy car, never wore expensive clothes and never had a big house. He was simply happy with what he did have and never focused on what he didn’t.
But mostly, he loved his 4 daughters…despite all the grey hairs we gave him over the years.
He was always happy and always had a smile on his face, no matter what life did or didnt hand him.
He left us way to soon as there are son in laws that he never got to meet and grandkids that he never got to hold.
We miss you dad, thank you for being who you were and for teaching us about unconditional love.
~~~~~~~
She said it perfectly.
He definitely had a way of making us know we were worthy.
Despite what we did or mistakes that we made…
He loved us still.
In fact, he was the perfect example that you didn’t need to be a perfect parent to BE a perfect parent.
He was my hero.
Not necessarily for the decisions he made,
but for the heart he had….
For the people he touched….
…for the way he always had hope and never gave up.
And also?
I even kind of admire him for his bravery on the dance floor.
{elaine from seinfeld anyone?}
{um, reminds me of someone else i know….}
Happy Birthday from all your girls.
We love and miss you, and hope we continue to make you proud each and every day that goes by.
xoxo
{his home, the beloved sailboat}
© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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What a beautiful post! What great memories you have of your father. Brought a tear to my eye.
What a beautiful tribute!
So sorry you lost your dad so early. My dad might be 81 but I’m still too young to lose a parent, ya know? You were too young to lose a parent. *hugs*
Thanks Melissa & K.
Trina, we are too young. I am sad that I am without a mom & dad….even though I’m an adult, I still need that parental support, love, and wisdom…
I’m just so thankful for a husband like Jimmy. He fills in all the gaps.
{and jesus too!}
It’s hard thinking about the grandkids they didn’t get to hold isn’t it? But these pictures and that tribute are lovely.
He was too young to be taken from you all. I hope time has helped the memories become a little sweeter.
A beautiful tribute from your sister and from you. My condolences about your Dad.
Happy SITS day.
LisaDay
That’s sweet!
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss… he sounds like he was a remarkable man. I’m sure he’s extremely proud of all his beautiful girls. XOXO