Rest In Peace Dad


Just a week ago my dear old dad, whom I've written about on many an occasion, took his last breath and departed from this world, as we know it. Even though Dad has not been critically unwell, it has been apparent for some time that his body was weakening and everyday tasks were becoming a burden for him. Since my Mam passed away six years ago he has been struggling with maintaining optimum health however his strength of spirit and will to live really kept him going. He was full of plans for the future and only the day before he passed away he was planning on buying more cattle for the land and his tunnels are packed with pots of herbs, to see me through the winter. 
Dad left his home on Saturday night with every intention of returning. This gives me great comfort as he had a great fear of being bed-bound for weeks or months and being fully aware that his death was neigh. His passing came as a great shock to myself and the family, but I am grateful, especially for Dad's sake, that he didn't suffer.

I'm devastated, heartbroken  and oh so lonely, not just for Dad but I also feel like once again I'm grieving for my mother. I know it will take me some time to come to terms with the fact that both of my parents have passed, however I'm ever so grateful that they were a part of my life and were always such a positive influence on me. For the past number of years Dad has been a wonderful part of mine and my children's lives. I'm going to miss him so much; our chats together, his humour and his love. I appreciate that Dad had a good life and left this world peacefully. May he rest in peace.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who sent us words of condolences, who spent time with us at Dad's wake and joined us for his funeral. I'm very grateful for your support.

What Makes A Dad
{Author unknown}

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it ... DAD.

19 Comments:

English Mum said...

So sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute xx

Imen said...

Oh Nessa, I knew this was unexpected. So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Cherish and rely on the good memories, they will get you through. He's up there watching down on you. Remember to look after yourself. Try to rest and eat well during this time. What a beautiful tribute. Sending love + hugs.
Imen xx

Kristin said...

What a moving tribute to your father. You can tell from the twinkle in his eyes in the photo that he must have been a lively character. I know what a big part of your life he was and that he will be sorely missed by you and the children. Thinking of you all. xxx

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Dear Nessa, I am so sorry for your loss. May the wonderful and loving memories of both your parents give you comfort in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your dear family.

Unknown said...

Oh Nessa, this brought tears to my eyes.... Your Dad must be looking down on you and be so proud of this tribute. My love and prayers are with you and yours xxxxxxx

Sue/the view from great island said...

It's through watery eyes that I'm writing this, Nessa. This is a lovely tribute... my own dad is in his eighties, and I lost my mom years ago, and so I know a little about what you are going through. My thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this sad news Nessa , such a lovely tribute. I enjoyed your mentions of him in your posts. Best wishes as you go through these few weeks. Take care Rosemarie

Carolanne said...

Nessa, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I loved hearing the stories you wrote about your dad and the kids. He had such a great impact on all of you. Take care of yourself and enjoy those beautiful memories you have. What a beautiful tribute xx

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Dear Nessa, I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad 25 years ago & mom 15 months ago. I understand your grief completely and I'm sorry you have to go through this. Their memories I'll live on in your heart & your children.

XO

Daily Spud said...

Oh Nessa, I know what a hard, but necessary, post this was for you to write. It's such an awful shock and the passing of someone so well loved inevitably leaves you all with a very big gap in your lives. Look after yourself, and it goes without saying that his memory and spirit will always be close xx

Kat said...

Nessa I am so sorry to hear about your loss. The day I met you at Bloom you talked about your Dad and your kids and he sounded like such a big important part of your life. I know he will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care of yourselves.

Life, Loves and...... said...

Losing a parent, as I leaned this year with my father in law, is so difficult and painful. The loss is so devastating and the grief takes your breath away, when the comfort a parent can only provide is no more physical but will only come in our prayers...
My thoughts are with you and your family at this very very sad and lonely time
J
x
http://lifelovesand.blogspot.ie/

Smbumblebee said...

So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your father. x

Marie said...

I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I lost my mother this time last year and I know how lonely a time it can be...especially at Christmas. Thinking of you x Marie

Nicola/Simply Homemade said...

Dearest Nessa,

I'm so very sorry to hear of you Dad's passing, I remember how fondly you have written about him on so many occasions, his memory will live on not only in your heart but also in those lovely words penned in his honour.
My thoughts are with you,
Love
Nicola x

Rosemary said...

I sent your poem to a cousin in Adelaide Australia who also lost her Dad last week. She read it at his funeral. YOur blog has brought inspiration to another daughter of a wonderful Dad.
Rosemary Essex

Nessa Robins said...

Thank you so very much for your beautiful and very thoughtful comments. It warms my heart to read them.
Rosemary - that is truly wonderful. I hadn't mentioned but we too read out that poem at Dad's funeral. I asked my eldest boy Jack to search for one appropriate and we all loved this one. Send my love to your cousin at this difficult time. Nessa x

Nollaig said...

Nessa, I have had a busy few weeks, but heard from my now husband about this beautiful tribute you wrote for your dad's passing. I am glad now to get to read it. Sending you my condolences on your and your family's loss. Losing a loving parent is a very difficult thing. I hope you all got through yor Christmas and found some joy in the festive period. Thinking of you and kindest wishes,

From Nollaig x.

Nessa Robins said...

Thank you so much, Nollaig.