My dad

 

About two weeks ago my dad passed away. We were pretty well prepared for it because in a it's been a long time coming king of thing. The doctor also told us at the beginning of the year that he had 6 months to a year to live. When I heard this, I was like "you can't play God and you most certainly can't tell someone how much longer they have to live." I guess the doctors were right...

My dad was diagnosed with emphysema and sclerosis of the liver about 10 years ago - which never scared him to stop smoking or drinking. I think at times - especially in the last few years he smoked and drank more than ever before. Anyway - before I digress... let me get back to the point.

We saw my dad on the Monday evening and he looked pale but I thought he was ok... On Wednesday night an ambulance arrived - we met him and my mom at hospital and three hours later he was gone. I stood there and watched him take his final breath and in a surreal kind of way it felt like I was in an imaginary place watching something that wasn't my life... until the truth finally hit me on the Thursday evening.


My dad always said that when someone dies you should remember all the good times we had... which kind of makes me sad when I think of all the great things my dad did and the time we spend with him because it's still so soon since he passed away and went to Jesus. He also said to have a whiskey - which I did at his wake - gross!

He did all the daddy things you do with daughters... teach them to drive, how to put up shelf - which requires drilling holes, (I broke a few drill bits in the process). He taught me how to play golf and how to mow a lawn. I think my passion for gardening is a 50/50 mix from both my mom and dad. He also introduced me to bad food like KFC and to a lifetime favourite of fish and chips from Fish On The Rocks.

My dad believed in me and always encouraged me to be whatever I wanted or do whatever I wanted to do. He was also my partner in crime when I needed to convince my mom to let me stay out past curfew, shorten my skirt, get another dog or another pet in whatever form they came in from bird to rabbit. The only pet she was firm about not getting was another cat after Cinders died. We did try - but we couldn't saw her.

My dad was also kind, loving and cared just about everyone he met. He poured into their lives and was willing to give a helping hand all the time.

He was a friend to some, a husband to my mom, a helping hand to others but to my brother and me he was the best dad in the world!

xKx