Hi Florrie,
What a lovely reply, thanks. Your love for your Dad shines through in your post to me and your words are very true. I believe my Dad will continue on through me and my sis and our children. My Dad was 75 years in August and was diagnosed a while back when he was 67, but it was the continual chest infections which he has always suffered from and could no longer fight which contributed towards his passing in September. I remember sitting and watching Mamma Mia with Dad last Christmas, he so loved that film and I think had great taste! He also watched the Wizard of Oz every single Christmas and that was a running joke in our family.
I remember when Dad passed lots of people came up to me and said how gentle and kind he was and he was a very well known man in our town, having lived here all his life and worked hard here. It still feels so raw to be honest and his last weeks were not good ones and I spent hours with him every day, because mum could not cope seeing him that way. I didn't want him to be on his own and it was the hardest thing I have ever done, watching someone you love disintegrate daily, especially Dad's last night, which wasn't easy at all and something I will never be able to forget, but it can't have been easy for him either, but we were there for him and comforting him. I couldn't let go of his hand for hours and it was a very emotional and traumatic time.
Your right, the best tribute we can give to our Dad's is for them to live on in some way in us, and, I think we are both very lucky to have had such wonderful Dad's. I know I will draw on happy memories when the rawness has passed and I know that I have many of those and I am sure you do too. I'm thankful for the Dad I had and for the memories that I am now left with and thanks to you for such a heartfelt and caring reply.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful, loving Christmas.
Snooky