Hi:Tim Thank you for sharing your touching story. I'm sorry for you, as I remember the relative experience that many of us have had in the past. Time seems to heel all wounds and you have time to reflect on the good life that he was able to enjoy,surrounded by a loving family. I offer my condolesents. Lyle Kenworthy

Bonjour Tim,

Your father has passed on, but he is still with you.  In sharing your memories of him, you have shown how much he is still with you.

My lovely Daddy passed on in 2005.  I too thank God that I was able to see him a week before he passed on.  I live in France and he lived in England.  I went on the sad trip especially to say goodbye to him, with my youngest children (4 of 7, the girls, because Daddy hadn't seen them for a long time; he had seen the boys).

My last words to him were "I love you" and his last words to me were "I love you too"

I firmly believe this:

He is now one of my guardian angels or spiritual guides and I walk in his light.

I have a photo of him that comes up on my screensaver.  I often talk to him via that photo.  He is still with me and your father will stay with you and guide you.

I send you a big hug and ask the angels to do the same.

Best wishes,

Sarah

hi,

really sorry.

promise you my prayers and blessings,

odette

Hi Tim, You dont' know me, but your story shares memories. In July of 2005 I lost my grandfather, and on Christmas 2005 I lost my grandmother...they were both my mother's parents. By "just knowing" and through the grace of God, I was able to be by their sides when they died. My grandmother, especially, was a very hard loss on all of us; she was my confidant, and she was the glue that kept our family together through many hours of daily prayer. I am so grateful that I was by her side at 2:45am Christmas morning that year to be with her as she left this earth to be with the Lord. I am thankful for all the things I did have with my grandparents and all the experiences we shared, both good and bad, because that's how you grow to be who you are now. It was a blessing that they went to heaven when they did, because they were struggling and suffering, and my mom was exhausted from taking care of them and wanted to see them out of their misery. At midnight Christmas Eve, we had sung Christmas carols, my parents and my sisters and me, and told my grandmother that it was okay to go, that there was a party waitning for her in heaven, that she was to be at Jesus' birthday. It was so bittersweet. I can actually not think of any other way for my grandmother to go be with the Lord than how it did happen. Our Christmas that year actually was okay. It was a little sad, but not what you would expect. We celebrated her life and our memories with her...it was comforting, just knowing that she now was at peace, with no more human aches and pains she had every day. So Tim, I will pray that you too have this feeling of comfort for your father. It doesn't mean you don't cry anymore, because you do, but you know that he's where he belongs. Take care and may God Bless you, Marsha

It sounds like you came from good stock Tim, and a family that still holds onto the simple and basic values of life. I'm glad your dad got a chance to experience Christmas with so many family members, and your attitude is a good one to have in this situation. Celebrate life, and live it to the fullest until you see him again. All the best.