Sunday, June 5, 2016

MY FATHER



My father passed peacefully away last week.
He has long been a hero of the blog, a man who enjoyed life to the fullest extent of his ninety-five years.  His fondness for the Australian bush was legendary, and his gentle nature and commitment to his family and the wider community made him loved by all.


He spent his final days in his care facility looking out over this view of the Australian countryside, with the mountains he loved in the distance.


At peace in a country place, he lies beside my Mum, partners forever.
His funeral service was lovely, and his life beautifully celebrated.


It might be a little while before I catch up with all your blogs,
but I will return.

Take care

xxxxx

35 comments:

  1. What a lovely summing up of your father's very long life Patricia, he sounds to have been a very special husband, father and friend - blessing to you all.

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    1. Thank you Rosemary. It was lovely to hear so many people acknowledge and celebrate his very special and unique qualities.

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  2. Dear Patricia
    I'm so sorry - no matter their age, it is hard to think of our lives without our parents.
    He will have received a great welcome when he joined your mother in Heaven

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    1. Thank you Shane, to keep the sadness at bay a bit, I imagine my mother asking him what took him so long? Yes, it is hard at any time, and being 'old' myself, I have never known not having a parent.

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  3. Sorry Patricia I had trouble with the 'preview' in comments and it wouldn't allow me to finish.....
    Sending love and prayers to you and your family.
    May he rest in Peace and let perpetual light shine upon him, Amen.
    Shane

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    1. A very special prayer, thank you my friend. xxxx

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  4. Sending you condolences on the demise of your father.... 95 is a good age but saying goodbye to loved ones is so difficult. Hope that you will find comfort in your many happy memories of your Father.

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    1. Yes, thank you so much, I have enjoyed reading my father's biography again, and reliving some of those interesting times in my childhood.

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  5. I'm so sorry, Patricia. You and your family are in my thoughts.

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    1. Dear Jennifer, thank you so much. It has hit me rather hard, but we are taking a short break soon, to give me some 'rest and replenishment'.

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  6. O Paricia, so sad for you, he was 95 but I always read your posts about him with interest because my father was of the same age, he died at 96 and 6 days. It is so nice you have so many happy memories of him and as I see he spent his last days with wonderful views to the mountains. Blessings to you all.

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    1. Thank you Janneke. Your father also had a very long life, and how special that makes them both. I was very pleased he could remain in his own place, and did not need to be taken to a hospital. Far more peaceful where he was, and the second last day they found him sitting up looking out at the scenery. Bless him.

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  7. Such lovely thoughts of your dear Father, Patricia...
    I am very sorry for your loss...
    He must have been very proud of you...
    Condolences to you and your family...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Thank you Linda, much appreciated. I was certainly proud of him, so hope it was reciprocated. I fear I was a bit of a stubborn and opinionated child :)

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  8. Oh Patricia, I'm so sorry. I shall miss your father's place here too. He sounded a lovely, dear man, but I'm glad his last days were in such a beautiful place. My heart goes out to you all. Bless him and bless you xxx

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    1. Thank you dear Val. It still feels quite surreal and strange, and the Blog already misses him and his 'drives plus coffee'. On going back afterwards to sort his possessions, his fondness for outings was mentioned with love by all the caring staff.

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  9. So glad he had a quiet passing Patricia. Love and blessings to you.

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    1. It was the best possible passing you could want, at the end. Previous weeks were somewhat fraught, but now we can all feel at peace. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

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  10. A lovely tribute to your Dad Trish....so beautifully expressed. We are never ready to say goodbye....sending love and hugs, take care xxx

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    1. So true Michelle - despite the inevitability of it, I am still in shock. We are going to have a little getaway to refresh my spirits. Thank you for your kind wishes. xxx

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  11. I am so sorry to hear this very sad news Patricia. Sincere condolences to you and your family. Your writing here about your Dad is so very touching and thoughtful, he was greatly loved I can tell and obviously loved you a lot too. My thoughts and hugs are with you. Amy xx

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    1. Thank you Amy. I have been struggling to keep the blog going during the final stages; it is a strange rite of passage, losing a parent. It was so nice to hear from many people whose lives he touched, and tributes are coming from near and far. xx

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  12. Patricia, I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved Father. Yes, he was a favorite to read about on your blog. He lived a long life of 95, and you are blessed to have had him for so long. His resting place looks peaceful. Thinking of you tonight and sending comfort and love.

    ~Sheri

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    1. Dear Sheri, thank you so much. It was a long life, and I was his first child - we sort of grew along together for many years. It is strange now it is over, but he is at peace now, in a place he loved. x

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  13. Deepest sympathies dear sweet Trish. And prayers and all good thoughts sent to you and your family. He definitely sounds like he had life worthy of joyful celebration and was very loved.

    Blessings to you All. xoxo

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    1. Thank you dear Carrie, much appreciated. My Dad certainly was a person who lived life to the fullest, and he will be long remembered. xox

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  14. I'm so sorry for your loss. A big big hug.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Thank you Amalia, hugs are good and help the healing process :)

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  15. I'm sorry for your loss Patricia, I'm glad he had a lovely spot to end his days.

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    1. Thank you Summer; it brings me peace to know he is in a beautiful place.

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  16. Losing a parent at any age is hard. I always enjoyed your posts about your Father and know you will miss. Hope this transition is not too difficult for you.

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    1. Dad never knew he was the star of a blog - he would never have understood, but as he was a writer I am sure he would have been pleased.

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    1. Thank you, and welcome to my blog. Glad you enjoyed my post.

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