Vermont, 2008
When my dad was seven his father (a pilot) was killed in an airplane crash. His mother contracted TB shortly after. He moved eighteen times before he graduated high school, living with different family members. Can you imagine? He had no role model. He had zero stability. Well. My dad took everything he missed as a child and brought it to the table as a father. He was home every single night. He was in every day of my childhood and when I moved out he waited for me on the weekends and when I moved too far away for weekends he travelled to see me. When I go home it's to the house that me and my brother and sister were raised in. And we have begged them to sell it. Seriously it's too much property, he was mowing 1/4 acre himself. Anyway. My point is that he was the best dad anyone could ask for without even considering the traumatic circumstances of his own childhood. He passed away suddenly a week ago. He is so so so missed.
Love,
Phoef (aka Kristen)
Dum,
ReplyDeleteYour Dad was truly great. Endlessly funny, smart, kind and quick to share a laugh with others. You must be so proud to be his daughter. I love your family so much and am so sorry for your loss. For everyone's loss. He made the world a better place.
Love ,
Katie
Very sorry to hear about yr. pop. Sounds like he was an extremely stand up guy that did not take for granted what he learned about his own experiences growing up.
ReplyDeleteBe thankful you have had the time with him that you did. With parents getting older & not in the best health, there has been plenty of time for me & my sis to reflect on getting to know our parents as people & not just as parents.
Los Tecolotes
Love you Dum. Call whenever, and we'll see you again next week.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Tiff
Kate, everything you said...
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can adopt Uncle Ray?
Love,
Tiff
So so so sorry. Love and prayers to you and your family. Sending a giant hug.
ReplyDeleteAndi
Oh, Kristen. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI've said it before, but I am truly saddened by this. Your father was a kind and generous and good guy, and I'll miss him. I know you don't want to hear any pithy advice, but the most boring cliche of all is true: time really does heal, no matter how slowly.
ReplyDeleteDavid Veloz
Thank you everyone for your sweet thoughts and prayers. He was a rascal and such a treat of a person on top of being the best dad ever. Hilarious and awesome.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Kristen
Kristen, I just saw this post this morning. I am so sorry to hear this news. You dad sounded like an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Kyle
ReplyDeleteKristen - While I didn't have the honor of meeting your dad, I had heard from Katie of his passing and of his greatness. After reading your post, I am doubly impressed by him as a man and a father, and doubly sad for you at your loss. Dads and daughters have a special bond - the only thing that can fill the void after their loss is the wonderful memories of your time together, and it sounds like you have those by the thousands! May those memories and the support of friends and family help you through.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Extremely well put, Kristen. You summed him up perfectly. He took everything he missed as a kid and brought it to the table in raising us.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Rick
Dear Kristen,
ReplyDeleteRick just told me about this blog. Thank you for sharing thoughts about your dad. Wells and I will miss him, too. I love that you called him a rascal. Did you know that he and Erin stole my great-grandmothers mailbox? Actually an incredible favor and kindness to my family. He and your mom will always have a place in my heart.
We send huge hugs to all of you and can't see you soon enough.
Love,
Yvonne & Wells