my dad

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My Dad passed away yesterday (July 31, 2011). He’d lived a good long life. He was 96 years old and we were so lucky that even in mid-July, at a family wedding, he was able to enjoy meeting his first great-grandson. I am beginning to understand that there is a lot of processing to do when a parent dies, even when that parent has lived so long and it was the right time.

This photo of him is dated April 27, 1916-

There aren’t too many family photos with him because he, of course, was usually behind the camera.

I have a lot of good memories and photos of him with the grandkids.

And here he is, just a few weeks ago. (July 16. 2011). I’m glad we were able to have a happy day so recently.

I suspect that posting will be spotty for a bit. I was down in Connecticut for several days already, back for a few and then away again later this week. I need to plan for Renegade in Chicago in September but it might not be my priority.

–update– here is his obit.

 

49 thoughts on “my dad”

  3. The processing will go on for a while, but the good times and memories will keep you warm through those times during your grief. Thinking of you. SB

  4. I am sorry to hear about your Dad. He sounds like a great man. The photos you have chosen are lovely.

  5. Very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. The death of a parent is very difficult even more so if they have lived a long life. My thoughts are with you.

  8. So sorry to hear of your loss, but wonderful to know that he was able to enjoy his life and family right to the end. Sounds like he was well loved.

  9. I’m so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. You are correct that it takes a long time to process a parent’s death, though each of us deals with it in our own way. If you have not experienced it before, it can be surprising to know that the grief averages five years. You were indeed blessed, too, to have him with you for so long. (He was two or three years younger than my mom, whom we lost in 1995.) I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

  11. there will be a lot of processing. i remember i went numb, became a “mechanical entity” for some time and had to wait for it to hit me. in a way “the processing” never really ends because we keep the ones we miss in our hearts.
    be brave
    respect

  13. Mimi,

    May you be comforted by strong and loving memories of the years you had with your Dad. Take good care of yourself…cry, nap, rage, laugh…take the time you need to get used to the world without your Dad.

    xo

  14. Mimi I am sorry about your father. You put it so well, talking about how you must process this transition. I am glad your father lived a long, happy life. Cherish those happy memories.

  15. So sorry to hear about this sad news.
    How fortunate to have had a loving Dad for all these years.
    Hoping your fond memories help you through this difficult
    time.

  16. Mimi,

    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos. Your dad seems like a wonderful person, and I hope those fond memories get you through the times you are missing him. My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with you and your family.
    Katarina

  21. I am sorry to hear about your father Mimi, thanks for sharing the photos. How great that you saw each other so recently for such a nice occassion. Be kind to yourself .

  22. You have all my sympathy, Mimi. My father passed away a couple of years ago (my mother ten years before that). However old we are (or they are, for that matter), we’re always too young to lose those we love.

    Such lovely pictures, Mimi. I love that the childhood shot of your father includes his doll. And is that a sailor suit? Priceless.

    Blessings & love. xxx

  23. So sorry for the loss of your Dad.
    My Dad died almost 3 years ago and I miss him so very much. He, too, had a very long life ~ 95 ~ but still, he was my hero and best friend and he’s thought of every day.

  24. Mimi, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. You are right to recognize that you will be processing this for a while. Take it easy.

  25. So sorry, Mimi. He gave the world a beautiful daughter who shares her life and artistry so honestly and selflessly. Take care of yourself. God bless.

  27. Mimi, I was so sorry to see this post and to hear the news about your dad. The pictures are wonderful and I’m sure the memories are too. my thoughts are with you and your family

  28. So sorry for your loss. The pictures are great and he sounds like an awesome man. Thank you for sharing. My thoughts are with you.

  33. Oh! My heart is full for you. What great pictures with the kids and grand-kids. What a full life!

    I cried for a full solid day, and sporadically thereafter, when my dad died years, and years ago. It is so hard to lose a dear one. It’s scary and overwhelming when we let ourselves succumb to grief, but a relief afterwords. But it does make for a very hard week in the midst of all the funeral preparations. Expectations on yourself not withstanding, and trying to be a pillar of strength and all that, give yourself permission to have a good cry.

    One generation passes the torch to the next and there is always tomorrow to pick it up.

  34. It’s never easy. Just remember all the wonderful times, quirky little sayings and all of those wonderful looks only parents can give.
    Thinking happy thouhgts for you.
    disel

  37. Sorry… prayers and thoughts of encouragement going towards you and your family.

  38. so sorry mimi… great pics…. process away (always fun times)— in his younger state, you resemble him! xx

  39. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. So glad that you have such wonderful memories of him. Praying for you and your family at this time of sadness.

  40. I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing, but so happy that you have such great memories.He will always be with you.

  41. I’m so sorry for your loss. It is definitely a process, not just an event. My dad died 12 years ago and I’m no longer a child, but I still tear up when I get off a plane in his town and discover he isn’t there to meet my flight. It’s okay, though–even these little remembrances keep you connected. Take care of yourself.

  42. sitting at the shop on this rainy sunday and thought i would catch up on my favorite blogs……i’m sorry for your loss – you are right, he certainly lived a good long time but that won’t help what you are feeling right now – thinking of you
    b

  43. Sorry to hear of your great loss, Mimi, and thank you for sharing such lovely photos. Take care to go slowly as long as you need to. Saying a prayer for you and your family as you go through this sad time.

  44. So sad to read about your dad. No matter how old, expected or unexpected, it hurts to loose you dad. Take care of yourself. Take time to process everthing that you are feeling.

  45. My heart goes out to you and your family, Mimi. Thank you for showing us just this sliver of your father. He seems like an amazing person.

  47. My heart goes out to you, Mimi. I’m glad your dad lived such a nice, long life, and that you have lots of good memories to comfort you at this sad time. Peace.

  48. what a wonderful post and tribute to your dad. i’m sorry for your loss – you are in my thoughts.

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