I’m looking at that date. It’s been two years since my father passed away. Two years since he flew from here. I miss him terribly, and in the strangest unexpected ways. When someone that close to us dies we never really get over it do we? I loved my father dearly even when we didn’t see eye to eye on things. In so many ways we are our parents. We spend so much time differentiating ourselves from them as we grow up, only to find out that we are truly made out of them and everyone else that went into making them. It’s an amazing thing.
Hey Papa, you haven’t missed much. The world has been a pretty nasty place lately. You wouldn’t have liked much of it. In some ways you are lucky to have missed it. The world you knew was not a bed of roses, far from it, but these past two years have been trying times. You would have been very upset about humankind. But you are as free as a bird now, your spirit soars much higher than it could ever have here on earth. When I get scared, I remember the warmth of your hug, the twinkle in your eye, and your smiling face and that gets me through some of the hell on earth. How lucky we are to have known each other…Father and son. Thank you for everything you sacrificed and everything you didn’t.
And so the day begins…missing my Father.
He became my surrogate father when I starting visiting Toronto in 1999... and seemed always on his best behavior when I was around. What a nice picture... I so wish he was still with us.
Why couldn't he live on and Barry Manilow kick the bucket? Sheesh.
I miss him too. That is really a nice picture.
I don't think we ever get over the people we lose. I miss my father and my grandparents more now than ever.
And Stephen, leave Barry Manilow alone.
Just read your entry, Mark. My eyes are leaking. No better way to start out the day than with a surge of emotion.
I'm sorry for your loss. Your father was a really great man. He accomplished a lot in his life and suffered terribly at the end of it. I know he took great comfort in having you visit him as often as you did while he was ill.
How strange for Stephen to post a comment that would interrupt my sadness with a big guffaw that both delighted and embarrassed me. Does he have writers doing this stuff for him? Or is he secretly brainstorming snappy comments in that big plush office and/or new car of his?
Mark, I also miss your Dad. He was a great Friend. Now, I don't have anybody to tell me to slow down, and again I am thinking far too much. We will just have to get up every day and do the best we can possibly do That's, what I mostly remember about your Father.
Mark, my dear i hope at the end of this day you can smile about something. Perhaps it will be something wonderful reminding you about your father. Before you close your eyes tonight smile, all things have a reason and since this was meant to be rejoice in whatever blessing has come from this experience and if you have yet to realize the blessing disguised in your sorrows you will soon - you will at the perfect time. Rejoice in life, love and wonderful memories.
Stephen, I like Barry Manilow so leave him alone
"Oh, Mandy, i came and i gave without taking".....
Als ich gerade deine Zeilen las, mußte ich weinen und dann sah ich ihn vor mir, er lächelte mich an mit diesem unwiderstehlichen Lächeln und die Sonne ging auf. Wir werden dieses Lächeln nie mehr sehen, aber ist für immer in unseren Herzen. Willi, ich vermisse dich!
As I was just reading your words I had to cry and then I saw him in front of me; he smiled at me with this irresistable smile and then the sun rose.
We will never see this smile again but it is forever in our hearts. Willi, I miss you!
(Susi’s comment translated into English by Yvette)
After so many years of knowing and being associated with your father, it is hard not having him around. He was a real prince of a man and one could always count on him. How sad he left so early. Knowing he is now in a better place has to ease the void he left. I dearly miss him.