My Dad would have been extremely proud if he could see the scene I am looking at in front of me today and very humble to have read the beautiful and moving messages that we have received as a family in the cards sent by you all.
I don’t think he fully realised what a very special, unique and loved man he really was.
My Dad suffered a terrible, devastating disease that nearly erased the things that made him the lovely man that he was, but not quite, he still had his sense of humour, he still managed to communicate with the people he loved and he still looked after Russell and me like the loving and supportive Dad he has always been since the day we were born, even giving me tips through text messages on ten pin bowling the Saturday before he died.
For those of you who have watched my Dad go through the last few months it was at times hard to remember the happy man he really was so I would like to share with you some things I will always remember.
My Dad had deep, blue sparkly eyes that twinkled when he smiled or laughed which was often. He had a kind smile that made everyone feel welcome and at ease. He had beautiful, soft hands that kept me from danger and soothed away troubles when I was upset and I wish he was here now.
My Dad taught me how to work hard and never give up, his attitude to business and dealing with people I have watched over the years and I am sure has prepared me for the job I have today and my brother’s clear ability to step into his working shoes.
He has taught me patience, calmness and tolerance. I have never really seen him lose his temper even when faced with the challenges his illness brought with it.
But the most important lesson my Dad has taught me is what my Dad was really all about. He liked to be around people he loved, watching TV on a Saturday night with my Mum, a take away and a bag of Maltesers for dessert! But the meaning of this runs much deeper. The truth is we had a perfect family life; he didn’t need any thing more than that.
Losing my Dad means the bottom of our world has fallen out, the world feels like it can never be happy again and all our dreams seem to have been crushed.
But Dad would not want us to feel like this for long, we must stick together as family and friends, we must remember him in every happy moment and in the many good times we will learn to have without him and we must make new dreams and keep Dad in our hearts to help us reach them.
From Ellie on 13/02/2008