• Registered: Sat, 17 Apr 2010
  • Posts: 655

Topic: Dads Celebration of Life

It was Dads funeral today, though we like to call it the celebration of his life.  Even though I had wondered how we would get through the day, we did, and we did Dad proud.

The church was full, it was standing room only, and everyone commented on how it was the best service they had been to, it was full of touching moments, precious memories and laughter.  Dads old workplace even shut the factory for the day in his honour. 

Getting ready this morning I could smell Dads aftershave, and on the way to the service the sun came out from behind the clouds.  We like to think it was Dad smiling down on us. 

My son was at school during the funeral but tonight me, Mom, my husband and son went back to the crematorium and took a rose each out of the flowers to press and keep.  My son asked to be left alone for a while to speak to Grandad. 

My Mom has been wonderful and amazing through it all and when needed has found the strength.  I do worry she may come crashing down with a bang, but with mine and our family and friends support we will all be there to help her.

Love to all xxx

Devoted Daughter to the most wonderful Dad a girl could ask for.  Sadly lost his battle on 19.02.11, peacefully in the arms of Mom and I.  As requested by Dad "we will keep on smiling".
  • From: Revelstoke BC
  • Registered: Sat, 01 Jan 2011
  • Posts: 552

Re: Dads Celebration of Life

Andie, Sounds like you had a beautiful tribute to your wonderful Dad.  Your young son touched my heart. Children know more than we give them credit for. Sounds like you have a great family and good friends to help hold you all together. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you get through this difficult time. Your Dad is with you forever, he will never be far. Love Nancy

Loving my husband from afar.
  • Registered: Sun, 14 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 295

Re: Dads Celebration of Life

Andie - Sounds like a very appropriate send-off for a very loving Dad.  You are probably right about your Mom.  It may be days or weeks, but she will probably crash.  And you might too.  But you all take turns leaning on each other and keeping the beautiful memories alive.  Hugs - Nancy

Mother of John who lost his battle on Oct. 9, 2009 at age 30....
  • Pam
  • Champion
  • Offline
  • Registered: Fri, 11 Jun 2010
  • Posts: 292

Re: Dads Celebration of Life

Andie, so glad the sun was out and you felt your dad's presence.  What an honor for your dad's workplace to give him that send off.  I'm so happy the day went well.  Take care of each other in the days to come.  Love, Pam

  • Registered: Sun, 01 Aug 2010
  • Posts: 493

Re: Dads Celebration of Life

Dear Andie -

Memorial celebrations are wonderful expressions of our love for our families. I am so glad that your celebration was all you hoped for. I have such wonderful memories of my husbands' service on 2/12/11. Blessings to you and your family as you adjust to your dad's physical presence being absent, but his memories and he will stay alive in your heart.

Susan

  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,218

Re: Dads Celebration of Life

Dearest Andie, Your wonderful service reminds me of Teddy's. I too am so proud of your mother and you know, everyone handles things differently and crying does not mean crashing and perhaps the crashing will never occur. I do believe that your dad was all around all of you starting with the cologne. I must tell you something I did just recently. My Granddaughter called me from College and started crying and said, "I miss Papa so much". We talked for 1/2 hour and I was telling her old funny stories about him. The next weekend she came to visit and I took a couple of cotton balls, sprayed them with his cologne and put them in a baggie. Now when she feels lonely she can 'smell' the wonderful aroma of her Papa. She loved that. You have a wonderful family and I know you will all keep those memories afloat by telling stories over and over.
You have done absolutely great and I am pretty sure you wil continue to do so as that is how dad would want it.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • From: Cape Town, South Africa
  • Registered: Mon, 09 Mar 2009
  • Posts: 155

Re: Dads Celebration of Life

Dear Andie

I am so glad that everything went off well, I am thinking of you, mom, your husband and your son.

With love

Michelle

"My dad, Tony, passed away on 4 October 2010, after a 19 month battle with CC"   - I carry you in my heart, Dad, forever.
  • Registered: Tue, 23 Feb 2010
  • Posts: 238

Re: Dads Celebration of Life

Andie,

It all sounded such a fitting tribute to a great man.  You and your mum are doing so well.  I'm sure you will keep on reminding each other to 'keep smiling', leaning on each other when you need it.  I can't begin to imagine how hard it must be, but you're handling everything with grace and strength.

Love Kate

  • From: UK
  • Registered: Sat, 24 Apr 2010
  • Posts: 157

Re: Dads Celebration of Life

Dear Andie

It sounds like you had an beautiful celebration of a beautiful person's life.  To have so many people there from so many aspects of his life is real testament as to what sort of person he was and how many lives he touched.  I remember you posting last year wondering how you and your mum would find the strength, but you have and I can only hope that you all find strength in each other now that your dad is at peace. 

Sending you my heartfelt best wishes

Jemima