Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Finale

It has been a difficult few weeks.
My dear father passed away on December 11. 

He wanted so much to get back on his feet after he fractured his ankle last January, but one thing and another delayed his healing.

In November, he developed breathing issues and spent the month in two different hospitals.  Sadly, he was unable to recover.
Dad enjoyed reading my blog.  He'd often call me in response to a post and we'd have a laugh or talk more about it.  He loved seeing my quilts and other projects and was always complimentary. 

I tried to give him a quilt many times or offered to make one with his tastes in mind, but he always politely declined.  He was content with a simple bedspread on his bed.  When he dozed in his chair, he covered up with a bright green wool afghan my mother had knitted in the 1970s.  He was sentimental that way.  In fact, the only time he ever used one of my quilts was this past September when he asked to "borrow" one while his afghan was at the dry cleaners.  It makes me smile thinking about that.
There is so much more I could say about my dad, and perhaps I will another time.  He was a wonderful father and will be dearly missed.

17 comments:

quilterchick said...

I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories be plentiful and your sorrows be few. Your father sounds like he was blessed with being content. That is rare.

Chickens Consigliere said...

Hi Paulette, I’m so sorry. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man and a great father. Today is the seventh anniversary of my dad’s passing. He’s been on my mind all day. Now you and your dad will be, as well. Take care.

Lesley Gilbert said...

Your Dad looks like a happy chappie and what a great smile - I bet he could tell a good joke and make you laugh! Just remember all those times he made you smile - happy memories always :)

Quiltdivajulie said...

Sending lots of hugs - and please remember to be gentle with yourself as you grieve. We'll be here when you are ready to post again.

audrey said...

So sad for you, but how wonderful to have many good memories.:)

QuiltGranma said...

Sorry for your loss. It is difficult to lose a parent or others we love, but memories of happy times together will warm your heart for years to come. Many find solace in quiltmaking, I hope you will too.

Momma Llama said...

The passing of a parent or loved one will bring moments of sadness and joy , and these moments will help you with the loss. Reflecting on the life of your father, sharing stories or special times, will bring him back into your life over and over again. Your post rekindled the love and fun times that I had with both my parents who have passed. Thank you for that. Prayers of comfort and strength for you and your family. D. Weeks

Pokey said...

Oh, I am sorry, P! There is so much sorrow in the loss of anyone so dear, and timing is tough, too. As always, you have shared such sweet moments about your Dad that I hope that you can gain encouragement from these memories. I have missed being a regular follower of my online Quilt friends, but you are, as always, a bright spot for me. Sending love and prayers, pokey❤️❤️❤️

Kigwit said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I made my dad a quick Dr Who quilt shortly before he died and he was so pleased with it. I've got it now (my niece tried to get it LOL) and I think of him fondly when I use it.

Like you I was very close to my dad-coffee every Saturday for over twenty years. I still get pangs when I miss him but I am so glad he was my dad.

Marei said...

Great pictures of your Dad! I continue to be happy for you that you kids had him for so long; that you all loved him so much; that he was full of life and interested in so many things around him right up to his last days. You've got great memories to keep you company, Paulette.

Sandra Walker said...

So very sorry for your loss Paulette. Some similarities in the loss of your Dad as compared to my own in 08, and I still miss him. Pneumonia, and infection...one wonders in this day and age how/why these lead to so many deaths. Having suffered to traumatic personal losses of my own this year, one just Dec. 9, hope it helps, as it did me, knowing others care and hold you in their hearts. Time, and touching on sweet memories, that make us break down in the early days, but comfort us as time progresses. Love the quilt borrowing story.

Kaja said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope your happy memories help to sustain you through the grieving.

Sarah Craig said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, Paulette - you obviously had a very special relationship with him. Enjoy your memories - I think about my own dad every day even after more than 20 years, and love seeing little bits of him pop up in my grandchildren's mannerisms. You're in my prayers!

Vonlipi said...

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

my Dad passed away in January 2016. I think about him every day, I am in the good memories stage.

Hang in there ! Hugs, Valerie

Sue McQ said...

So sorry to hear about Dad. I miss mine, as well, even after 31 years. They are a blessing.

fernroycequilting said...

What a wonderful, heartfelt tribute to your dad.

Lara B. said...

Paulette, I'm so sorry that your Dad has gone on now. From stories you've shared in the past, I know what a wonderful man and father he was. It's awfully hard to lose someone so dear. May all your wonderful memories keep him close to your heart.