Tuesday, December 24, 2013

A Sad Christmas...


It feels like the year without a Santa Claus. Our lives have changed and Christmas will never be the same because the man who I measure all men up to has passed away. My dear daddy.... as I sit here in the dark in my childhood home typing on dad's laptop I am flooded with thoughts and memories. I realize there aren't words to express how much I love and care for this man. I'm not sure how my family and I are going to limp our way through the holiday season. We knew this day would come, but it still came too soon. My dad had a way of beating odds, he was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer over 10 years ago. He probably was given a year or two... he broke many of Mayo's predictions with his strong will and love for his family. But the Sunday after Thanksgiving things went downhill, fast. After a week in the hospital we brought dad home with the help of hospice. Mom, my sisters and I helped care for my dad around the clock. He never complained, not once. We all secretly hoped that he would beat the odds again, but, he lost his battle and peacefully died on December 18th. We celebrated his life yesterday at my sister's country church. Dad would have liked that. He also would have been pleased with the military honors at his grave site. He would have smiled knowing that two of his good friends were in the honor guard. I will miss having morning coffee with him doing the crossword. Who will I call for gardening advice? Fishing at the cabin will not be the same... holidays... birthdays... we are all very sad.... let me leave you with a few of my memories of my daddy...

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...


37 comments:

  1. I wish you peace and healing as you celebrate this season without such a special person in your life. But what treasured memories and love he has left you. And what a wonderful gift you have been given to be able to help him on his final journey. Blessings.

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  2. Peace be with you, my dear. I pray for you in your loss. The "first Christmas" after a loss is always painful. Try to make some new traditions to fill the holes.
    You are in my prayers.

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  3. I'm so sorry. It is always so hard to say good-bye, but it is especially hard around the holidays. My prayers are with you and your family. I hope you find comfort in the wonderful memories.

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  4. I'm truly sorry for your loss and can relate. My 56 year old father passed away on Dec. 7th. I do not feel like celebrating either. =( Will be praying for you and yours.

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  5. I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs and prayers.

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  6. I`m soo sorry.Sending hugs and peace.Blessings

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  7. Wishing peace and comfort for you and your family this holiday.

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  8. Wishing peace and comfort for you and your family this holiday.

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  9. I am sorry for your loss. Beleive me when I say that i know what you are going through.This is a sad Christmas for me too. My husband of 46 years passed away on Dec 10. My heart is full of sorrow. Thank goodness for my children and my grand children because they are holding me together. I hope you can find comfort in your family. There are really no words that ease your pain. Hugs to you and prayers sent for you and your family. I weep as I write this because I truly can feel your pain

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  10. This is such a sweet post about your dad and it really shows your love for him. I'm sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you and your family.

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  11. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad - it's always hard to lose a parent, but this time of year makes it harder. My dad has been gone for 15 years this coming March - and I still miss him so much. Sending you and your familiy prayers for peace in your hearts and comfort from His hands this Christmas season.

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  12. My deepest sympathy for your loss.

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  13. My deepest sympathy for your loss.

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  14. Many Blessings for you and your family in your time of loss.

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  15. I am so sorry to hear about your dad and may this season bring you peace and wonderful memories of your dad.

    Debbie

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  16. Cindy, so sorry to hear of your loss. It's a difficult time to lose a parent at any time. Just remember that you were very lucky to have him during his time here on earth. Someday we will all be together in heaven, free of pain and sorry.

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  17. So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. It sounds as if you have many memories to help you through the rough spots.

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  18. So, so sorry. Prayers from Texas. It's always to soon to lose your Dad.

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  19. I am so sorry for your loss. I have experienced that same heartbreak. Holidays are so hard. Thinking of you and your family.

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  20. I am sincerally sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you and your family.

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  21. I will say a prayer of celebration of the life of your dad. So very sorry for your loss, but thankful you have such wonderful memories to draw on.

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  22. I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers will be with you..

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  23. I'm sorry for your loss. May God envelop you with His peace and joy, and may you continue to be reminded of many happy memories.

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  24. I'm sorry for your loss. May God envelop you with His peace and joy, and may you be comforted with many happy memories.

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  25. May you find comfort and peace from family and friends this holiday season, so sorry for your loss.

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  26. So sorry for your loss. It gets easier with each holiday that passes. It's wonderful that you have such happy memories to look back on. Many blessings for you and your family.

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  27. I am so sorry, Cindy.

    Warm hugs and love,
    -Soma

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  28. I am so sorry for you extreme loss. You are all in my prayers

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  29. Dear Cindy,
    I feel so sad with you and sending you all my good thoughts and prayers! Martina

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  30. I am saddened for you with the news of your dad's passing. In 2004, on Christmas morning my 96-year old daddy died. The only way I could overcome my grief was to focus on the thought that he simply went home for Christmas and how very happy his family in Heaven was to have him there. It sounds as if you will have many amazing memories to console you (at least a little) when the darkness closes in. Blessings and prayers from a Texas friend.

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  31. I'm so sorry for your lost. Blessings and prayers for you and your daddy.

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  32. So sorry for your loss. It is so hard to loose someone that has been so close to you in your life. Two years ago, the night before Thanksgiving I lost my son who was 35 at the time. That year I made over 40 quilts for charity and all the kids that I knew of all different sizes. My goal was 35 one for each year of his life. I was elated to reach that goal but kept going, more for myself I think. I know that every quilt went to each child with tears, and lots of love. Keep your all of your wonderful thoughts and memories close to your heart to ease your burden. On a much brighter thought I wanted to tell you how much I love your snowmen, and am so looking forward each month this year to your BOM, Thank you, and God Bless you and your family.

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  33. I am so sorry for your loss. Loved your post about your dad

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  34. I'm sorry about your dad, oddly enough my grandma passed away the same day, after fighting leukemia for a year and a half, and she started declining just after Thanksgiving as well. We had her celebration of life on Jan 3rd, and it was nice to be able to focus on all the happy times. I hope they meet in Heaven, my grandma was quite a kick in the pants, they'd probably get along!
    ~Brandy

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  35. I feel your pain...
    My mother passed away on Dec 5, 1991, of stomach cancer.
    It was my saddest Christmas...

    Truth to be told, we will always miss our folks: it doesn't matter how long time flies away.
    But it seems we also have another thing in common: the best memories.
    Memories helps us to survive, gives us the strength to go on.
    And I'm pretty sure he will like to know that you smile (instead of cry) when you remember him...

    Big hug from a new follower of your blog...

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  36. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you in this loss. I lost my Daddy Thanksgiving, but I believe those we love are with us in spirit all of the time.
    May your heart heal and your loved ones always remember the greatest of times.
    Warm Wishes
    Kathy K.

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