Dad

How do you ever get over losing a parent or loved one?

I don't think you ever do. 

The quiet and the unexpected times are when it catches up with you. Right? I know without a doubt the tears will fall as I write this post. I also predict that this week when the children are back in school and Jason is back at work - then is when I think the grieving will happen. Not that I haven't grieved - I have. 

Yet, with everything that happened, time went by in a haze, as I walked in circles like a zombie, booked my flight and car for my trip back to Wales and I decorated for Christmas in one week! It normally takes me one whole week just to do the inside. Outside didn't happen this year. But that is okay. I needed to go home. Home to Wales. Home to say goodbye to my dad.

December 5th at 5.40am. 

My heart broke.

It broke once before on Jan 5th, 2010 when my mam passed, and it broke again on December 5th, 2022 again when my dad passed away.

I am thankful for one thing - technology. I was able to Skype with my sisters and Aunt Linda and be there in the room with them as my dad passed. The heartache and pain I know we all felt were tremendous. Something I will never forget or want to. The following week was each morning on Skype with all my sisters as we figured out everything. 

The week I was in Wales went by in a manic rush of doing and organizing. Judith and I were the ones driving around to the Solicitors, the county council, and my best friend Lisa, who owns her own flower shop to choose the flowers, the funeral home, shopping for items for my dad's wake. Even the night before the funeral, adapting two tablecloths into scarves to wear. LOL This is one heck of a story to tell. 

Judith and I went to see dad when he was brought to the funeral home. I needed to see my dad in person. To hold his hand and say goodbye. Judith came with me. We cried hard, giggled, and chatted with our dad. Even though he'd passed, he was there. 

I miss you, dad. I am missing you still.

I see you every day - you sit on the left of my writing desk - the picture at Dan-y-Ogaf caves - where mam told you to look frightened with the T-Rex behind you. Also, to my right, is the picture of us all at Carreg Cennen.  

The funeral.

How is it this is the only time you get to see extended family? It was lovely, even through a sad time to see everyone. The service was what all of us sisters planned. I will at some point post my dad's Eulogy.  My daughter Jodi, as well as Judith, and myself, read a poem, the one I read is below. 

Poem Jodi read - Come with me.

Poem Judith read - The Star

We sang Calon Lan, Ar Hyd yr Nos, and Abide with me.

I Miss you daddy xx

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The Men in my Life - Fathers Day 2014

Ugh, I am a day  late in posting about Fathers Day:(

But, at least I'm getting to it now :)

Yesterday was Fathers Day and for us it was simple, but rather sweet day.

I am unable to hop across the Atlantic ocean and go see my dad and wish him a Happy Fathers Day, but I can call him and wish a Happy Fathers Day instead, as well as send him a card. I miss having my dad close by and with his speech being unclear and slow (from his Brain Hemorrhage many years ago) Plus his hearing is fading, make for Chatting on the phone is very short and sweet.

This is my dad today.

This was my dad, before his brain Hemorrhage

We took a trip to Dan yr Ogaf Caves & Dinosaur Museum when I was 9.

My mam, told my dad to look scared for the photo! Lol, he obviously didn't listen.

I LOVE my DAD.

Now for the 'Other' man in my life, the man who is the father

 To our 2 darling little tinkers, Seren & Carys.

He is my very handsome and rather sexy

Jason.

Hey, good looking!

Like I mentioned our Fathers Day was a simple, yet sweet one.

Seren had bought Jason a Batman T-shirt and one for herself! I know Batman!!

But, Jason, had showed her the animation Batman show the other day and that's been all she's been talking about, but as she calls it, 'Heroes.'

Daddy also got some yummy Ghirardelli milk chocolate and Lindt intense orange chocolate, along with a google play gift card and cards. 

AND

A Tasty Chicken Dinner with homemade gravy and veggies, followed by

Homemade Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry cream cheese frosting for dessert.

Ohhhhh, so good!

Seren wears her Batman T-shirt! While admiring the sprinkles on the frosted cupcake.

Carys, on the other hand, insisted, I take off the frosting so she could eat JUST the cupcake!

So to all the Fathers, past, present & future out there,

I hope you had or spent a Happy Fathers Day with the ones you LOVE.

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