My Tribute To My Dad

Tristan and Dad in AZ
Tristan and Dad in MA
It's hard to sum up my Dad in a few words in a few minutes. The best thing that I heard was from one of my Dad's best friends, Warren who said that "his family and friends were his religion." I can't think of anything better than that with my Dad. He went all out for all of us. He loved ALL of us. 

This is our first Father's Day without our Dad. We made it through the wake and the funeral (more on that to follow as it's one helluva story and he would have loved every minute of it) but we're taking baby steps to make it through the coming days. We're all a bit lost, confused and broken. We'll make it through but right now it hurts like hell.

At the wake, my sister and I got up and read a little tribute to my Dad that I wrote. 
My sister, Erin and my Dad in MA
Tristan and my Dad
Tristan and my Dad in MA
Tristan and my Dad in MA
He was a good man, a doting son, a caring brother, an uncle, a cousin, a nephew, a loving husband, an adoring Bapa. He was the best Daddy a girl could ever ask for. He was everyone’s best friend. He was all of these things and so much more.

He gave so much of himself. He was always there when you needed him. He was only one phone call away. He taught us to look strangers in the eye, smile, and say, “hi.” He’d walk into a room of complete strangers and walk out with new friends. I can’t ever remember a day out with him where we didn’t run into what he’d refer to as “a buddy of mine.” He loved everyone and everyone loved him.

I have a quote from Anne Lamott that i want to read:

“You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly – that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with a limp.”

We’re a room full of broken hearted people. My dad wouldn’t want to leave us like that. He’d want us to smile, laugh, raise a glass, and play tunes that make us think of him. He hasn’t left us. A man like that never could. So when you think of my Dad, don’t cry. Smile, laugh, and think of the legacy he left that lives inside each and everyone of us. We love you, Daddy.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Beautiful tribute Kelly, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You and yours are in my prayers
Beautiful, Kelly. On this Fathers Day, not only do I miss my Dad and my father-in-law, but I feel like I know a part of yours...and I feel your missing. I have told myself over the years: miss good, not bad. So I am trying to miss them good... Hugs to you. Your Dad truly made the world a better place.
Anonymous said…
Kelly, Beautifully said. Your dad was all of those things nd more. He has left a huge hole in our family. After someone leaves us, people say what a great guy, nice guy, friendly guy, it may be tru maybe not. With your dad the words you expressed are TRUE what a guy, I can't imagine anyone after meeting uncle Jack t could possibly not think the world of him. I love miss him very much.Bev
jane eileen said…
Not cry when reading something like that? Your words are like art; they paint a picture and feelings, and you know what happens! I hope that every time you hear music, see something, or get that feeling about your dad, you will know he is "there" in a special sort of way. I am still thinking about your family and sending love.
Sarah said…
That is a lovely tribute Kelly. x
trish quilty said…
Tears are dripping down my face as I read your wonderful tribute to your Dad. I loved that quote... how perfect it is.
Again Kelly I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful man and father.
Patq
What a wonderful tribute. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Anonymous said…
Kelly, the photos of your dad with Tristan are so moving and full of heart. So sorry your beloved son is having to bear the agony of losing his amazing grandfather.
I am saddened to learn you are going through this dark time. Despite your dad's untimely departure, he remains immortal as he will continue to live through the beloved daughters and grandsons he lovingly created. Your tribute is so moving and beautiful. Take care.
Julia
Sandy said…
He sounds like a wonderful Dad, friend and person. What a wonderful tribute. I'm sure he will never be forgotten. I thought of you all yesterday and I said a prayer for you. Thinking of you in the coming days.
Deb said…
Incredibly moving tribute to your Daddy. Both you and Anne Lamott summed it up perfectly. There are many of us similarly broken-hearted people who are learning to dance with a limp, too--dance on, Kelly!
Taylor schapiro said…
That was all so nicely said. I'm glad that despite the loss your fathers character and spirit shine on as you've taken in this loss. He will not be forgotten. Good people rarely are.xxoo
Seth said…
I am so sorry for your loss Kelly. The quote at the end of your post says it all. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Anonymous said…
Kelly, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I loved reading this post and the ones that followed. Thank you for sharing a small snippet into your dad's character. Made me smile.

Janice
lorraine said…
Hi Kelly, just got back from Africa and took a quick look at your blog. My heart aches for you - your words are so beautiful describing your dear father.
I especially loved the poem you posted. Sending you a big hug. xo Lorraine

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