This past month has been a very tough month for me. July 11, 2011 started like any Monday normally might for me. But that morning brought along with it the worst news I had ever received in my life.
My Dad had passed away.
Matt showed up at my work to tell me to call Megan immediately and that something had happened to Dad while at scout camp. I called her and from the partial story that she had, found out that the other leader with Dad’s troop had found him unconscious.
I left work and went home to pack quickly because I knew I was going to California no matter what the outcome. I HAD to be with my family. I prayed that I would be able to see my Dad sitting up and complaining that he wanted to go home from the hospital.
Nothing could have prepared me for the two little words that would change my life forever. My sister, Megan, called me shortly after I got home. She simply said, “He’s gone.” I collapsed to the floor in uncontrollable sobs. Meg and I cried together for a few minutes before she continued making calls. I made a few calls as well.
I don’t know how Megan handled all the phone calls. First, to tell them that he was being rushed to the hospital. Then, to call back and let everyone know that he was gone. I could barely breathe, let alone speak.
I won’t go into a lot of detail about all the things that happened between getting the news and the funeral in this post. Suffice it to say that the next couple weeks were a big blur. Lots of tears, hugs, love, a few laughs, more tears, hugs, headaches, tears….. But I will try to focus on the MEMORIES. So many people had amazing and wonderful things to say about Dad. How could they not? He was an amazing person. No, he IS an amazing person.
I am so grateful for the knowledge I have that I will see him again. My Superman. My Daddy. He lives on. I just have to continue without him physically here at this time. Life will continue to throw the tough things that it always throws at us. But my perspective is totally changed. Nothing seems quite so bad when something of this magnitude happens.
I love my family and am so grateful for all of the support that they give to me. That is one thing I feel most blessed by in my life. We all get along with each other. We genuinely love and care about one another. My Mom and Dad have always been great examples to me of being loving individuals. I learned all of my good qualities from them and still strive to emulate others.
I miss you so much, Daddy. I love you and still need you. Please stay ever near and watch over the ones that you left behind. I know that you have work to do now, but remember us and how much we love you. I’m grateful that you will always be my Daddy. I thank Heavenly Father for eternal families. Now I just have to work hard so I can be in the same wonderful place alongside you when I leave this life.
Love,
6 comments:
What a beautiful picture, it speaks volumes about your love for your Dad. I am very sorry again for your loss.
I am so glad that i read this post at home, I have been reading mom's posts at work and ended up bawling. Tonight I did it in the privacy of my own home. I am sad that I missed the Daddy Daughter dance at your wedding but I am glad that I got to see the picture. I will be forever saddened for the fact that I will never get to dance with Dad at my wedding. I may be far away but I am always here for you! Love Meggie!!
Christie,
I am so glad I read this. You have such a wonderful family and I am so glad to know some of them. Your dad is amazing and after all you have told me and in reading this I know he is still there and blessing people everyday. Love you and I am still here for you.
Christie,
So glad you are writing down your feelings! It is so very important during this time. I'm so sorry you and your family are having to go through this. I know first hand how hard it is and how hard it will always be! I too am grateful for our knowledge of eternal families! Your Dad will always be there for you when you need him! If you ever want to talk about anything I am only a phone call away! Love you!
Christie,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Please know, for what it's worth, I know how it feels to loose someone who was not only a parent but a friend. I don't think people really understand how much courage and strength it takes to go through something like that. Please know what you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you will let me know if you need anything.
Oh, my darling daughter. I know how difficult this is, for all of my children. But aren't we blessed to know that this is a temporary parting? I think that I will continue to expect him to walk through the front door with stories of camp and his Scouts...except it will be when I walk through that door, from this mortal existence to that next life, that your Dad and I will be able to catch up on things. It seems like it will be an eternity until that time comes, but once I'm there, I'm sure that Dad will say "what are you doing here already?"
I love hearing your tender thoughts, especially about how all of you get along so well with each other. Take care, sweetie, and know that Dad is probably on the other side, keeping company with all those grandchildren that he will miss the opportunity to spend time with once they get here to earth. What a blessing to have the perspective of eternity! Love you!
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