My Dad, My Hero by RodS
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Today, 04-06-13, at 11:00 AM, my Dad passed peacefully into the next realm to join his brother who left three days ago.
It's been a tough and emotional week.
I have my memories of this wonderful man, and those can never be taken away.
He's the one that inspired me to pick up a camera for the first time - he loved photography. He loved gardening, and green, growing things. And most of all he loved people. I don't think the man could have made an enemy if he'd tried.
I remember how everyone loved him at his retirement community - the old rascal actually had the elderly ladies fighting amongst themselves over who got to sit with him at dinnertime! The staff at the nursing home loved him - he was always very much the gentleman with them, even when he wasn't feeling well; which was much of the time. He never complained, and rarely asked for help.
I believe he was ready for his final journey. He stopped eating a little over a week ago. He wouldn't speak, he would just gently push food away when it was offered.
The most fitting words I can write are the words he said when his own father passed on: "He lived like a man, he died like a man, and I'm proud of him."
Take your wings, Dad, and be free...
I have the next page in the T.N.A. saga almost ready to post - either tonight or Sunday. I will then be taking a short break from things as we make arrangements, and say our farewells for now to these two brothers who are now reunited.
Be well, my friends.. I'll be back soon.
Comments (44)
SidheRoseGraphics
Awwww, Rod....I'm so sorry you have this to absorb now, too. Yes, they are together now and that is good. Your Dad and your uncle both sound like they were wonderful men and I know they are both missed sorely. Bless you and yours hon. Sending you a big virtual hug.
Faemike55
I'm very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. It sounds like he lead a very full and happy life all the way to the end. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the strenght of peace and the love of your father keep you.
mrestey
OH! I am SOOOOOOOOOO SORRY Rod! I know from experience how hard this is for you right now. Please be assured of my heartfelt condolences. I am with you in spirit my friend. Beautiful tribute to your dad here.
Diemamker
I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. I can't even imagen the roller coaster ride this last week has been for you! I would like you to know the you an yours are in my prayers Take all the time you need and know that all of us here are here for you, and let us know if you need anything ... Super collage!
bazza
Oh I am so sorry to hear this news Rod, it has certainly been a hard few days for you and yours.. He sounds like he was a real gentleman and mans man.. As Mike says a beautiful tribute to your dad.. My thoughts and condolences go out to you, Jo and your family and may God's peace be with you all at this time..
magnus073
This is a wonderful dedication to your Dad, I am so sorry for the great losses your family has suffered recently Rod. I'll be sure to keep all of you in my prayers during this time
mgtcs
I'm very, very sorry for your loss Rod! Beautiful and very touching tribute my friend, you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts! Good bless you!
brewgirlca
I can imagine the emotional roller coaster of loosing your Uncle and your father within a few days of each other. It seems your father was an old soul, a person nearing the end of the rebirth cycle; one who may soon see the faces of the Goddess and join her in the eternal ether. Your dad was clearly a special man, a warrior when he had to be, but a gentle spirit dominated his existance. I can see how special he was for he obviously made those ladies feel young again just being around him. That is a sign of the special blessing that only an old soul will possess. For me I do not see death as an end but as the start of a new beginning. He and his brother will now be free to explore the world beyond as they are now touched by the devine. Blessed be.
boobunny
I am so glad you share some things about him. Love the part of the about the ladies fighting over who gets to sit with him. Great stories. And my heart goes out to you. Beautiful tribute image. Looks really great.
auntietk
I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Even knowing it was coming, it's still hard. Take good care, dear one ... you and Jo are special to me, and I'll be sending you lots of love. The images you put together show a caring, good man. A beautiful tribute ...
HopeFadesEternal
Terribly sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I know how it feels as the 9th of this month is the anniversary of my fathers passing. (My uncle had also unexpectedly passed shortly before him too.) The events of that day still are a vivid memory, though it's been years. I knew that when the day came, the world would never be the same, and it never has; but day by day it gets a little easier to live without someone who was so important to you. My prayers go out for you and your family during your time of loss. What a beautiful tribute!
pixeluna
What a beautiful tribute to your dad, the memories of his lifetime and the way you have described the moments before he said goodbye to this world. He will be remembered by his family, colleagues and friends and those whom he mentored. I just want to send my condolences to you and Jo, God bless you!
violet
Fabulous dedication.....your dad had a wonderful gentle smile .... wish you all the best in these difficult days...
cricke49
Rod i'm so sorry to hear this news, after we shared a day at the K.C. Photo Walk, i'm hoping you made it in time to see him before he passed, but probably not cause it was close to 11am when we parted company! my prayers are with you my friend, and these images are the greatest tribute you could give for him! take your time with the arrangements we will always be here!:(*5
eekdog
Rod my friend, this is so terrible to hear my friend, i have been saying prayers every night for you and your dear father, wish i could be there to give you a man hug my friend. excellent collage and dedi for a good looking man and your hero. i hope the healing goes smoothly for all who loved this man. i like is military shot best. superb on zoom, take care bro.. got cha in thoughts.
renecyberdoc
i knew his brother was waiting for him-they will make the journey together,and beeing fine men they will be rewarded. all the best my man.
Rainastorm
So sorry to hear the news Rod. Your in my thoughts. Hugs
UteBigSmile
I'm speachless, dont know what to write so I copied Rays comment: Awwww, Rod....I'm so sorry you have this to absorb now, too. Yes, they are together now and that is good. Your Dad and your uncle both sound like they were wonderful men and I know they are both missed sorely. Bless you and yours hon. Sending you a big virtual hug. "GREAT TRIBUTE FOR A WONDERFUL MAN"
misty7j3
A beautiful dedication to your Dad.....I'm so sorry for your losses my friend....I know how it feels to lose loved ones.....it's devastating and heartbreaking. One thing that helps to give me some peace of mind, is that I truly do believe that we will be re-united with our loved ones again someday. You are in my thoughts and prayers....take care and God bless....
vitachick
My prayers are with you.. You were so fortunate to have such a good Dad..One touching tribute to the man that gave so much.
fransjorgen
Dear Rod. This is for you and many other people a great loss. I wish you and family much strength to bear this. My prayers are for you and the family: Try to live these heavy days with to good memories . All the best Rod and take also good care of yourself. Thanks for the wonderful dedication. Frans
Cyve
I'm very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing... My prayers are with you.. .Fabulous dedication!!!
twingo
So sorry to hear this my friend, awful news and so soon after the passing of your uncle/his brother. I wish you and your loved ones lots of strength in this difficult times. Take care and try to remember the good times.
FaeMoon
My dear friend, I am very saddened by your losses this week. I know there are many mixed emotions during this time and sorrow and grief. I am praying that you feel some peace in the midst of this, in the knowledge that your father and uncle are together and have passed on to a great reward. I'm sending many hugs and good thoughts and prayers your way. Delaney
bmac62
Peace and comfort to you my friend and to Jo and the rest of your family. My dad came to mind as I read about yours. There's an old song that a good man is hard to find...sounds like we both had one for a dad:) Today we are in Provo...and when we hit the road again in about two hours we'll be heading for "Arches National Park"...think we'll find anything to photograph there?
drifterlee
I'm so sorry for your loss. Wonderful dedicatiion!
MagikUnicorn
Grand Collage my friend Peace be with you
rbowen
A very beautiful and emotional dedication to your father. I am sorry that he passed away. He will be with you, always.
mikeerson
losing a parent is the worst pain of all and it never goes away... and you just lost your Uncle - I know you think you are probably "fine" but you've got to understand, you are in shock over your uncle so the pain of losing your Dad probably won't hit you for a few months - maybe even a year. When My Mom Passed, my first Wife told me she wanted a divorce - I got the double whammy like you, It was a half year later when I noticed it starting to effect me.... Everyone handles the passing of another different. you may catch yourself getting mad and not even realize it. Sorry Rod that your time has come to deal with this, my prayers are with you - stay positive. You look like your Dad, his face is more oval and yours is more round, but you look a lot alike.
GrandmaT
Oh Rod, I am so sorry you have lost these two men in one week. I know everyone says "They are in a better place and no longer suffering ..." but that doesn't cover how the "left behind" feel. Having been in your shoes, I can only say take care of yourself as you try to comfort the rest of your family. Remember the practical things like eating, sleeping and breathing once in a while. Most of all, allow yourself the time to grieve. It hurts, but if you don't let it out, you never heal. My thoughts are with you.