Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Eight Years Ago...

My dad and Collin, August 2003

Eight years ago today, my dad passed away at the age of 66.  He was young and physically fit, so when the call came it was quite a shock. But...my dad always said when the good Lord decides it's time for me to go, I hope he takes me quick.  And quick he did take him.  To this day, I am so thankful he did not suffer and at the same time wish he had more time.

At times, eight years feels like one year and other times it feels like more than eight years, but what gives me comfort are the memories I still hold close to my heart.  As I was driving to work yesterday, I was thinking about some of my memories of my dad
  • When my dad held my hand, he would often hold it with two hands...cupping my single hand with his two hands.
  • Pictures of my dad with my boys as newborn babies. He would never look at the camera, but looked so lovingly at my boys.
  • My dad on his knees praying when my dear sister-in-law, Susie, passed away suddenly at the age of 23.
  • His laugh that could fill an entire room.
  • His love of my mum.  On their 25th wedding anniversary, they took a cruise...and each year after, he kept up the tradition.
  • His love for meeting people.  When we worked together and stepped out for lunch, we could never go very far before he ran into someone he knew.
  • The look he gave me when he walked me down the aisle to marry Pat.
  • Giving my boys airplane rides on the family room floor.
There are so many memories, some hard, but so many oh so good.  So I miss him, but carry him close in my heart each and every day.  Remember to cherish those you love each and every day.

And here's a sentiment that I thought was appropriate for today.  If you look closely at this card, you'll see I stitched around the sentiment to create a bit of a frame.


34 comments:

Michelle said...

A beautiful tribute to your Dad, Lynn! He sounds like he was someone very special.

Hannelie said...

Lynn, I am sad with you... you have such great memories of your dad... I was only 2 years old when my dad passed away, so I was too young for any memories, and sometimes I just wonder how it would have been if he lived longer. He was only 32 years old!
Hugs
x

sandie said...

Beautiful Lynn.
And I so remember his laugh-loud and from the belly and I also remember he always went for a run every morning and remember him doing it from Mum and Dad's x

Els said...

What a beautiful post, Lynn. Thinking of you today, my friend.

Jenny said...

Thank goodness for treasured memories, a lovely tribute Lynn, you were obviously very close to your Dad.
Such a pretty card too, love the stitched frame :0)
Jenny x

~amy~ said...

wonderful tribute to your Dad! Awesome card and the stitching is a fabulous touch.

Alicia Weiman said...

What a nice post! Your dad sounds like he was a wonderful man.

Kristie said...

Beautiful post Lynn and what great memories you have of your dad!
Beautiful card! That is one of my favorite verses. Hugs!!!

Sherry Eckblad said...

Thanks for the reminder Lynn. I love Your card it is absolutely beautiful.

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful post about your Dad. Love your card, too.

Barb said...

What a wonderful tribute for your dad, Lynn. Love the card - the stitching and masking look so beautiful!

Chrissy Larson said...

What sweet and wonderful memories. You had me sobbing. What a wonderful card and heartfelt post. Thanks for sharing, Lynn!

Loly Borda said...

Your card is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person. Your post touched my heart as I miss my dad too, he passed away in 1997, at 79, and still amazed me his legacy of love to every life he touched. What precious memories you have!
Hugs.

Sara Mac said...

Lynn, thanks for sharing a piece of your heart with us. I loved reading your memories of your dad. So sweet. Your card is beautiful and touching too.

Tracey McNeely said...

Just a beautiful post today Lynn, a wonderful tribute to your Dad. The warmth in your heart radiated through your post. I am so sorry for your loss and I understand the passing of time and how some days it feels like yesterday and other times forever.
~Hugs!

Maureen said...

aw, Lynn, what sweet memories your dad gave you :) I can understand why your boys are growing up to be such amazing young men. You and Pat both have such good foundations that you are passing to them. Life is brief but love is long. Sending you hugs on this bittersweet day :)

Marisa said...

fabulous colour combo and use of the images on this card. Love that verse too!

Lovely thoughts of your dad too. Miss my dad as well - it's been six years and the legacy he left still spurs me on to leave one as equally impacting. Big cyber ((hug)) to you!!

krcmasterpiece said...

What marvelous memories!
Brought tears to my eyes.

Have a blessed day!

Melissa said...

What wonderful memories, Lynn! Sending a virtual hug your way!
Your card is perfect for today and I'm loving that stitched frame!

Ardyth said...

Beautiful memories, Lynn and I hope they bring you comfort. And a message of deep peace and comfort - I really need to brush up on my Old Testament - I didn't know that one, but it's PERFECT! And, thanks for reminding me to appreciate the time I spend with with my dad - he turned 66 on Friday.

stamplover2011 said...

Beautiful card and wonderful post today for your Dad! He sounds like an amazing, wonderful, person.

Emily Leiphart said...

You put tears in my eyes, Lynn! What a beautiful tribute to your Dad. Your card is gorgeous and I love the stitched frame.

Unknown said...

Dear Lynn, losses like this never really leave us. Your dad sounds like a very special and amazing man. Thanks for sharing your heartfelt words with us. I am sure he is very proud of what a fabulous mom, wife, and artist you are! The stitching on this card just MAKES it! You have such a knack. I will say a prayer for you tonight. Big hugs!

Sylvia said...

A wonderful message, Lynn, it is always sad when we lose a loved one, but I am glad for you that he got to hold your son! My father is gone as well and missed out holding two of my grandchildren. I miss him all the time! Thanks for sharing your story.

Karen B. said...

An absolutely wonderful tribute to your father. I can almost "see" what he was like by your descriptions and he seemed like a wonderful man. Had to have been, to raise an amazing woman like you. Your card is perfect!

Ida said...

Lynn I just wanted to say that your tribute to your dad was so heartfelt. I know how hard it is and like you said sometimes it can see like it's been years and at other times like it was just yesterday that they were here and then gone. Having lost my own dad 15 years ago in January quite suddenly I know and understand some of what you feel. Your card is beautiful. May you have peace and comfort in your loving memories.

Jinny Newlin said...

Oh, Lynn, your post brought me to tears! I cannot even imagine. What a treasure you had/have in your dad! Hold on to those precious memories, and remind your family and those who knew your dad of them every day.

Your card is a fitting tribute, and I really love that stitched frame.

Chunyuan said...

a wonderful post to remember your dad. He was a great dad. I really like your memory of how he held your hand. I can relate because my dad passed away quite suddenly at 56 from cancer.
Awesome card. Love the stitches around the sentiment.

Min said...

Found your blog via pinterest - Awesome.
I wanted to leave you a comment - I lost my daddy 2 years ago this past January 7, he was only 65. Everyday I wish I had more time with him, so I'm glad I'm not alone. The BLESSING I always remind myself of is that God did give me time with an amazing daddy and for that I am thankful. Hugs to you!
Min

kingstonmama said...

Beautiful post, Lynn, and precious memories. Your card is lovely. Gorgeous sentiment and beautiful framing with those flowers and leaves. Ann

Virginia L. said...

What a touching and heartfelt post, Lynn! Thank you for sharing the special moments and memories of your Dad! I love your card with the stamping and stitched frame! I know your Dad is watching over you in heaven with great pride! HUGS!

Michele Gross said...

Such a loving tribute to your Dad. Time is funny, they say it heals all, but sometimes it just stands still. You have some really wonderful stand still moments to hold dear!

Marlena M. said...

Thank you for sharing your precious memories with us Lynn. What a blessing that the Lord gave you such a wonderful earthly father...so much easier to grasp a wonderful Heavenly father! Your card is beautiful and so are your words~

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

Sniff...sniff... fabulous cards, but moving words.