Not that bad.

03-15-2013--tree

Many of you know that my Father passed away, a little over a day ago.

This afternoon, someone asked me how old he was.  I said “He was 90.”

They responded… “Ninety?  That shouldn’t be so bad.  I mean, at that age, what do you expect?”

Well, at age 90, I then expect 91. And so on.   Because I loved my Dad, a lot.  I know we can’t live in our human bodies forever.

But no matter how many years you have with someone you love, you still experience an incredible emptiness when the leave.
The empty pit.  An ache.  A terrible void.  An abyss.

… …. … ..Just ask my Mom.

“Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” – C.S. Lewis

14 thoughts on “Not that bad.

  1. So very sorry for you loss Polly! Words are not sufficient at a time like this so I won’t try. Just know that we love you and are praying for comfort for you and your family during this time.

  2. Polly.. I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I know your heart is hurting. my dad is still here.. so if you ever need a “dad fix”.. stop by and see Bud in Dayton. our dads are our rocks. prayers for you and your family. I truly understand what youre saying about peoples lack of understanding. for example when I had my 2 miscarriages.. before my daughter was born, I got the ” well at least you weren’t that far along.. you can always try again.” like I had bakd a pie that didn’t turn out right. so NOT the same. hugs my friend.

  3. I’m sorry Polly. I know the pain is almost unbearable and you will wake up in the morning and think it was a bad dream. Then reality hits again.
    Some of us (people) are insensitive to that kind of loss. I agree with you regarding the Hallmark job. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Kiss your Mom for me and give her a hug for me, since she doesn’t know me, it’s better that you do it.

  4. I’m so sorry about your loss Polly. I’m lucky enough to still have both of my parents with me. However, when I think about not having them, I can’t stand the thoughts of how painful it will be.
    We are fortunate to have parents that are so wonderful and loving that losing them will leave a void in our life. Anyone that is not understanding of your emptiness, must not have been fortunate enough to have experienced parental love. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Your Dad will always be with you in spirit, in heart and in memory.

  5. Love has no age limit! Sorry but that person is ridiculous to say that to you. I think you will be great at your new buisness adventure. I may need to hire you 🙂

  6. Polly, my dad was only 73 when he died. He had Alzheimer’s for 13-1/2 years, and truly, when he died, I didn’t shed a tear. i was so glad he was released from his earthly body and awakened in his right mind in heaven after all those years. So I thought, when my mom died at almost 88, after also struggling with Alzheimer’s for about 2 years, that I would feel the same. I could not have been more mistaken. I cried and cried and cried–for almost 8 months. Even though I knew, she too, was released from her earthly body and once again, in her right mind in heaven, I just couldn’t believe she was gone! That was almost 3 years ago, and as I am writing this, I am tearing up. I truly understand how you feel, and it’s just exactly how you describe it… An ache. A terrible void. An abyss. I’m sorry for you loss, and I pray that God will be very near and dear to both you and your mother, and that you are surrounded by caring people to help lighten your load a bit.

  7. Thanks for all your loving support. I know that death is a hard thing for everyone to talk about, and sometimes we just don’t have the words to express our thoughts. I also know that particular person meant no harm, only comfort. It was just heavy on my mind, and my heart, last night. Thanks you all. And love to you all. Polly

  8. You were most fortunate to have had your Dad with you for so many years. I lost a parent while in high school, and we all know (if they know me), it was some 60 years ago. But your words were well taken and strummed a little chord in my heart when I read them. I appreciate your feelings and know that you will use this new experience to share with others in like situations.

  9. Polly, I lost my dad in 1969; he was only 45 years old. To this day I miss him and so very thankful that we have the ability to keep wonderful memories tucked away in our hearts. I am blessed to still have a fantastic mom and try to make every moment count. We are thinking of you and your family.

  10. We were in the emergency room with mom again…. The ovarian cancer is winning . dad showed me your dads obituary. I am so sorry for your loss. The drs told us the day after Christmas she had two weeks . We went to the cemetary and the funeral home and got everything ready, it was horrible. i brought her home from the hospital to die at home. They were wrong again she’s still here. we have been making a point to tell her everyday we love her and helping my dad. it’s fitting that his mass is at mercy . My dad says he sees your parents at St. Paul’s. he knows your dad makes sure he gets your mom in and waits after mass to help her in the car. My mom is to sick to go to mass, but my dad brings communion home to her. It’s amazing to have parents that have been together and still really love each other, I am really grateful for that. we have been giving mom jobs to do in heaven and questions to ask ! I am sure your dad has a lot to do up there too! I am glad he will be there for my mom. Again I am so sorry your dad was a wonderful man

  11. Polly, I lost my dad in ’92 and I still miss him!. I wish so often he were here to talk to about my kids or politics or any of the million things I loved hearing his opinion on. We always miss the loves we lose! I believe we will see them again and that they are with us while we are still here on earth, even if we aren’t feeling their presence on a given day. Take care.

  12. Babs, thanks so much. It is great to hear from you, despite the circumstance.

    I hope you have been well.
    My best to you
    Polly

  13. Hi Polly…I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. You are correct, at age 90 you expect 91. And no, it’s not easy to lose someone you love, not even if they are 109 years old. I didn’t understand what it meant to lose a parent until I lost one of mine. After two years I miss him still, even though I know he is whole again now that he is in heaven. I’m thinking your dad is up there, telling everyone about his fantastic daughter and the rest of his wonderful family. Deepest sympathy. Praying for you and your family…

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