Tuesday, June 17, 2014

My dad


It was sudden, but peaceful.  He was 82.
I didn't know a lot of his early years, as life in the 30's and 40's in Prague and Germany was not something he wanted to talk about.  

 I learned he was a police officer before he came to Canada.
I learned he traveled by ship on the Neptunia to Canada to start a new life of adventures.

My dad was a very patient and kind man.  A hard worker and a love for the Canadian wilderness.  I remember him taking off on canoe trips and hikes in the middle of nowhere.  I remember camping in canvas tents with rivers of rain flowing through them in the middle of the night.  He taught me to whittle wood and make campfires.   I remember his love of animals and mother nature.  His absolute love of dogs....sometimes we wondered if the pets ruled the house.    Weekly trips to the library with stacks of books in his arms.   He seemed to be able to fix anything and everything.   His artwork, which he never showed off and kept it tucked away.    His love for his family, and his grandchildren.   A skeptic,  a man who questioned everything,  

My dad was a great father and a really great opa.   I am so glad I got to know him in his later years and had lengthy conversations with him - sometimes they drove me nuts, and sometimes they really enlightened me.  I would learn little snippets about him that made me appreciate him more.

Losing a father is never easy.  I take some comfort knowing that it was quick and painless.  That there was no long term suffering or loss of mind. He was still able to drive.  He was planning his next cruise.  He was aging, but he was still able.  


















Losing a father is never easy.  I take a little comfort thinking and believing that he is with my mom now.  I miss him.




16 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry for your loss! Sincerest sympathies! Your heart is heavy but it is good to have these memories that will help you deal with the loss. I lost my dad years before he died; dementia was a slow death. Take comfort in the fact that your dad didn't suffer. My prayers are for you!

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  2. Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss, Andrea. Hold on to your memories - they will bring you comfort.

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  3. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like he was a wonderful man who was modest and kind. Your description of your dad reminded me of mine who I lost 5 years ago. Sending you warm thoughts and hugs!

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  4. My sincerest condolences, Andrea. Losing your parents is so very heart wrenching. I, too, take comfort in having got to really know my parents in their later years. I was able to buy a home with an in-law suite and they lived with me for the last years of their lives. It was a blessing in my life. Hard at times, but so so worth it.
    Take comfort in your memories,

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  5. My children miss their Opa and so do I. This week many bloggers have lost their father.
    My parents are long gone but I talk to them every day.

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  6. So sorry to hear of your loss. It is never easy. It sounds like you have many fond memories to hold, and you will always be grateful that you had such a wonderful father.

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  7. Oh, I'm so sorry :( . May he rest in peace.

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  8. 'Gecondoleerd' as we say in Dutch, I'm so sorry for your loss. Be glad and proud he was your father.

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  9. My condolences, Andrea.

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  10. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.

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  11. Sorry for your loss. It sounds that he achieved so many interesting adventures in his life. When did he move to Canada? Before you were born?

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  12. You say it all so well, Andrea. See you soon - take care ((((( <3))))))) Bev

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  13. xoxo Andrea. You are in our thoughts. Love you!

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  14. Beautiful memories of your father... I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  15. Lovely post about memories of your father. I hope that those memories provide some comfort to you and yours.

    Charmaine

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  16. Sympathy to you and your family. Not easy to have both parents gone. Makes you realize how your children look up and respect you and your husband now, as the head of the family. God watch over and be with you on your continued journey.

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