and our Priest. She was originally going to come tomorrow, but when we got there after church today I said to Mum I think we'd better ring her.

Chris, I am so sorry for your loss here on earth. But, oh, the joy you have looking forward to seeing both your beloved earthly father and your Heavenly Father some day! God bless you and your family.

I just read this, Chris, and I am sorry to hear of your loss. I was with my Dad too, when he passed. I felt a certain privilege to be there. Please don't forget to get the rest you need and be very patient with yourself as a lot is ahead of you. Take good care and bless you! Hugs, Laura

O Chris I saw this only after I wrote the other letter. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He is without suffering now. Will keep you and the rest of your family in my prayers.
Love,
Annatjie

Dear Chris. I am so sorry that you lost your dad. My condolences to you and your family. It is so hard to loose someone you love. Hugs to you Angie

My heart aches for your loss.
I still miss my mother(she passed this Feb.) but I know she is in a better place.
Hugs,and prayers for you and yours, Nadyne

Your beliefs are so inspiring...my condolences to you and your family....my prayers for you and your family.

My condolences to you and your family. It is very hard to loose a dad. I lost many years ago. Blessings and hugs to you. Peace
Cindy B.

1 comment

by pennifold 29 Sep 2010

Thanks so much Cindy for taking the time to comment. Love and blessings Chris

Chris,
I am so sorry to hear about your father's death. I'm sure that he is with our Lord now and telling him how proud he is of his wonderful daughter, Chris.
Love and prayers,
Barb

1 comment

by pennifold 28 Sep 2010

Dear Barb,

Thanks so much for writing. I know he is with our Lord. I've been at peace ever since he died and Mum is doing really well too.

I collected his ashes yesterday and gave them to Mum last night. We were both very impressed with the beautiful container the ashes are in.

Love and blessings Chris

Chris I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your mum and family God grant you all rest and peace. Love ya Ronny

1 comment

by pennifold 28 Sep 2010

Hi ya darling,

So glad to see you on here a bit more! Thanks for your prayers - they are all working!

As I just told Barb we have his ashes now and Mum will organise what she wants to do with them.

Love and blessings Chris

P.S. I hope you are doing o.k. too! Prayers going your way.

I am deeply sorry for your loss, and joyous about Heavens gain.
I can tell from your post that you KNOW someday you will be with your dad again, and this brings me great joy.
So many fear death, I do not.
I am glad you are at peace, knowing your dad is at peace.
Our humasn nature is to grieve and "wish" it would be different.
Our spiritual nature guides us and embraces us.

1 comment

by pennifold 16 Sep 2010

Thanks so much for commenting. You are spot on with what you say.

I too do not fear death - as I've said before it's just a breath away.

God will bring us through all our trials.

Love and blessings Chris

Dear Chris,
My deepest condolences on your father's passing. I know from experience that no matter how old, mature or independent we are, it's very painful to lose a parent.
May your father's soul rest in heaven and me G-d give you the strength to get over the loss.

Hugs and blessings,
Starlet

1 comment

by pennifold 14 Sep 2010

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I know he will be at rest as he was just so peaceful at the end.

Love and blessings Chris

Eu queria ter as palavras para fazer você se sentir melhor, mas isso virá com o tempo. Que Deus o conforto e te dê a paz que precisa . Eu sinto por você. <br /> meu sentimento Chris.

Deepest Sympathy, thinking of you sally

Dear Chris, Only just saw this. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Hugs Yvonne

1 images:[1]

Chris,
Sorry to hear about your Dad.
What a blessing and a privaledge to be there when he needed you the most. I am sure that you will find comfort in this in the coming days.
Will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
LOL
Fiona

With Deepest Sympathy For you and your Family!
From Bev

Just read this posting today. I'm so sorry for your loss. Will keep you in my prayers.

Dear Chris,
I am just now seeing this and my heart goes out to you and your family. May God grant you strength to get through this sad time and make your heart rejoice with the sure hope of everlasting life. Please give your Mum a hug for me. I send one to you too. Love, Marjorie

Chris, my prayers are with you and your family this week especially, may you be strengthened in Gods everlasting love.

Chris, you have my prayers and I share your broken heart.

Chris, sorry to hear about the loss of your loved DAD, I hope you and your family will have a beautiful service at the church and I hope you will be able to read you memories, I know how difficult that is.

Dear Chris, My deepest sympathies to you and your family.Hugs Lynn

So very sorry to read that your Dad has passed away Chris. My sympathies to you and your family..you are all in my thoughts and prayers..hugs Glenda x0x0x

ttt

3 comments

by pennifold 07 Sep 2010

Thanks Shirlene - we are getting there. We've had all the arrangements done with the funeral director.

Today Mum, Julie and I went through the church service with Wendy (our priest) and it's going to be lovely.

Wendy asked if Mum would like to do the Eulogy and she said no and then Julie said no - so I am going to do it.

I've written out my memories and stories and hope I will be able to get through it.

Love and blessings Chris

by shirlener88 07 Sep 2010

Chris, I know you can do it - if you have trouble - just take a breath - think of your Dad and the Lord listening to you and go on - you are telling the best about him and you would want him & God to hear you plainly. I will be praying for you.

by shirlener88 09 Sep 2010

How did it go - dear one?

Dear Chris, I just want to extend my sympathies to you and your family. I know this is a difficult time for you all. I am thinking of you and praying for you all. May God be with you and your family. Hugs, Mary

1 comment

by pennifold 07 Sep 2010

Thanks Mary - I need them and so does our family - we are all a bit shell shocked. Love and blessings Chris

Blessings to you and your family.

1 comment

by pennifold 07 Sep 2010

Thank so much Carolyn for taking the time to reply. Love and blessings Chris

I'm very sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have a wonderful family that will miss him very much.

1 comment

by pennifold 06 Sep 2010

Yes, we are very blessed in that we are all here for Mum. Dad loved the grandchildren Ben, Dana and Amy (his favourite!) but having the great grandchildren bought a new lease of life to him.

It was wonderful to watch him over the past 4 years with all of them.

Oh! what a wonderful thing our memories are!

Love and blessings Chris

How fortunate was your father, having a daughter like you! He is now so happy in Heaven...We have that wonderful hope to know that will be together again in company of Jesus...***

1 comment

by pennifold 06 Sep 2010

That is so true Maria - I whispered in his ear that I would see him in heaven and I know he'll be there waiting for me.

Love and blessings Chris

I am so very sorry becuse I know there is a huge hole in your heart and in you life now. But I am so glad that you got to be with him in the hours before he died. Those hours are treasures now.

1 comment

by pennifold 06 Sep 2010

Thank you Karen - yes you are right we all feel empty, but I have wonderful memories of him forever until the day I die.

Love and blessings Chris

My Dear Chris, I'm truly speechless, (for once LOL). I'm glad you had the opportunity to be with your dad in the end. Our only hope is in the LORD. He is our best friend and is there for you and your family during this difficult time. It's wonderful to know that no matter what life brings to us or what we face that Christ is forever there with us. Cherish all your memories, plus the wonderful memory that He went to be with his Father on Father's Day. That in itself is a grand celebration! Love and Prayers. Terre

1 images:[1]

1 comment

by pennifold 06 Sep 2010

Terre, I feel the same as you - I am so happy he went on Father's Day to be with His Father in heaven.

We are celebrating his life on Thursday and the children all want to be part of that. I can't wait, I know it will be a teary day, but our tears will dry up and our sorrow will fade away. Memories last forever and I won't forget him as long as I'm alive, for he is a part of me and lives in me.

Love and blessings Chris

Chris, I think we all have shared a few tears here for you and your family. It indeed was an honor for you to be with your dad as he passed from this world to a better place. I did not have the opportunity to be with either of my parents even though I tried very hard with my mother. But, I was told that sometimes it is their wish to just slip away. You have such a suportive family, and they are there with you.

1 comment

by pennifold 06 Sep 2010

Oh! Beth, you are so right. It's been a day of mourning, but we will be dancing with delight soon for I know he is in no more distress. He is not frustrated anymore because he couldn't speak and he is finally at peace.

Love and blessings Chris

You have such a lovely family. I know your dad is watching you all from above.

1 comment

by pennifold 06 Sep 2010

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I am keeping them all covered by prayer. Love and blessings Chris

So sorry for your loss....I'm so glad you and your mum were able to be with your dad at the end and that his passing was peaceful.....I know your dad is in your future and I know you find peace in that....may God bring you and your family through your time of sorrow and may you all remember many joyful times with your Dad....blessings Janet

1 comment

by pennifold 06 Sep 2010

Thanks Janet - yes I'm glad too that we were there. I know that God will be at our sides during the next week. The funeral is set for 2.00pm Thursday. Everything is going to plan and I am sure God has his hand on it all.

Love and blessings Chris

Chris, I broke down and cried when I read your post. I wish I had the words to make you feel better but that will come in time and from your own heart. I know it is a sad time for all of you but remember to rejoice in the time you have had with him. I was only 25 when I lost my Dad and Brian was only 5. He worshipped his PaPa and Dad thought the sun rose and set in Brian. He only has a few vague memories of his PaPa. Dad was very sick for some time and I had to watch him go through the pain until they had him drugged so much that he did not know anything. Your Dad has gone to heaven now, and he is no longer in pain mentally or physically. The Lord blessed him by taking him home as quickly as he did. Your Mom will have some bad days because he had to leave her so soon but she has a wonderful family to be there for her. It sounds like You, Mom, and the family have all come together to support each other with love and understanding. He is no longer with you in body but in your heart. Your memories of him will be all the wonderful things that you remember and share during this time of grief. Your family sure makes a wonderful support system for all the family and friends. Do not mourn his passing but celebrate his life! Give your Mom a special hug from all of us here that have grown to know and love you and the family, even if we are long distant friends. I love the the messages that Shirlene sent to you. I do hope that they give you some comfort after the tears have stopped. Hang in there and I promise it will get better soon. Your Mom is the one I am so worried about right now. She had not even had time to get used to the fact that he had been put in assisted living/hospital. She now knows that the decision that she made for him was the only one that would have made any sense because he need SPECIAL medical attention that he could not have gotten at home. Chris, we love all of you and are praying that each and everyone of you will get some very needed peace very soon. My prayers go out to you and the family. Hugs, Linda

1 comment

by pennifold 06 Sep 2010

Thank you so much Linda for all your prayers and concern. It's a great community on here and I am so thankful to have found it. I really appreciate all you have said and I know that Mum will be o.k. She and I both knew that Dad was on limited time once he went into hospital, but you were right she thought he would make it to a Nursing Home. I knew he wouldn't make it, thankfully all the family are here for her. Dad's brother and sister in law are arriving from Adelaide on Wednesday, but they are going to hire a car from Sydney and drive up here the 2 hours or so. At least they will have a car to get around in.

Today my sister flew in from Tumby Bay (near Port Lincoln South Australia). She had been up since 4.00am and got to Newcastle at 3.00pm. We had a gentle tearful reunion - I think Thursday when the funeral will be held is going to be a tearful day. Even though I know he has gone to a better place we will still mourn his passing.

I am ready to celebrate his life, but it is still with a heavy heart. No one can replace your Dad.

Love and blessings Chris

God bless you Chris. I sat alone with my Dad 3 days with him knowing nothing untill he passed on. I was holding him in my arms when he took his last breath. You were privileged to have loved ones with you. My half sisters had put my Dad in a tiny little Nursing Home in S. Fla. far away from everyone since he knew no one they said he was already dead to them. No one visited but my Bro. & I. When I called & told them he was dying they told me to just have him sent to the funeral home after it was over. I might add my stepmother was still alive & well at the time but it was to far away for her to take herself down there but she agreed to what they did. Like you have told your children think of all the good times and memories & like me in the future when you can. Look through all your photos. They are a comfort to me because most of them was when I had taken him to his fmly reunions in North Carolina & that no one else ever went to. Your Dad is now with Jesus and oh how happy he must be. Just think of it, sitting at the feet of Jesus. No old age or infirmaties & you will see him again one day like he is now. I know how you will miss him but rejoice in knowing where he is & who he is with. I'm sure he had loved ones in heaven who were glad to see him. Blessing on you & yours & prayers for grace to cope with your loss./ hugs Lillian

1 comment

by pennifold 05 Sep 2010

That's exactly what I told him as he was dying - that his Mum, Dad and sister were waiting for him. And also Mum's mother and father. I am comforted knowing that he is being looked after by Jesus, I bet he's up there having a game of golf, or even better his beloved Cooper's Ale!

We've been looking through the photos and Dana is going to do a power point display for the funeral. God bless.

Love and blessings Chris

My thoughts are with you and your family

1 comment

by pennifold 05 Sep 2010

Thanks Marthie - it's not going to be a good week. Love and blessings Chris

Chris, sorry for you lose. My prayers are going up for you and your family. In Christ, Judy *4U

1 comment

by pennifold 05 Sep 2010

Thank you so much Judy for taking the time to write.

Love and blessings Chris

Sorry for you loss of you dad I loss my Mum last year and I have the privileged to be with my Mum ,when she died is hard. I will pray for you and your family . MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY! Maria

1 comment

by pennifold 05 Sep 2010

Thank you so much Maria - it was a beautiful thing to be there wasn't it?

I appreciate the time you've taken to reply love and blessings Chris

My Dear Chris,
If I say that I know how meaningful it was to be with your father during his last time on earth, it is only because I was priviledged to be with mine, when he died. I will rejoice in the Lord, and know that He will keep your father company until you see him again. I will pray for you and your family, as I know that you will miss your father, greatly.
Love and hugs,
Jacqueline

1 images:[1]

1 comment

by pennifold 05 Sep 2010

I knew there was a special connection between us two. Thank you so much for those words of comfort.

I know I'll see him again. Love and blessings Chris

sorry for the loss of your dad.It's always hard to loose a dear person, especially a parent, we love. But he will always be in your heart.And from above he will always guide and watch over you. MY deepest sympathy for you and family.hope you will always remember the happy times you shared together. When the pain will get less, you can feel the love and the support and the lovely memories to your dad. lots of hugs for you.thinking of you, Gerry

1 images:[1]

1 comment

by pennifold 05 Sep 2010

Thanks so much Gerry for your comforting words. It isn't easy is it? I know he will always be in me as I am part of him.

I am just not looking forward to this week, lots of planning etc. to do, but with the grace of God I hope I will be ready.

Love and blessings Chris

Chirs, my dear - I am so very sorry for your loss. I am happy to hear that you were with your Dad. And as you have said - it was a serene and peaceful passing. I so wished I could be there to give you a hug and hold you - to ease some of the pain.

He is Gone by David Harkins

You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him or you can be full of the love that you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow because of yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or you can do what he would want, smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

And this is one saying that I have memorized:
Death leaves a heartache only God can heal

Love leaves a memory no one can steal

My dear, please trust in the Lord to guide you through this time - I see already that you have done so much work to organize things - I will be praying for you and your family and especailly your Mum.

1 images:[1]

4 comments

by pennifold 05 Sep 2010

Thanks so much Shirlene, I knew I could count on you to brighten my morning! The sun is shining, the birds are singing their chorus and it's going to be a beautiful day.

I'd love to borrow that poem and read it at Dad's eulogy. I've been writing it since Friday and every now and again another memory pops into my head.

He was a great man. I'm going to miss him terribly.

Love and blessings Chris

by shirlener88 05 Sep 2010

Oh coarse you can - I know you will do a wonderful job and you will be strong. Love dear one.

by kalinelson 05 Sep 2010

Shirlene this is a beautiful poem....I copied and pasted it to save....thanks so very much....Janet

by shirlener88 07 Sep 2010

Janet, I am so glad you did.

Chris, thinking of you and all your family

1 comment

by pennifold 05 Sep 2010

Thanks so much Caroline for the PM - I really appreciated it.

Love and blessings Chris

My sympathies to you and the family. You were so blessed to have wonderful parents and they were blessed to have you all. YOu took wonderful care of your dad too with such grace. I am glad you got to be with him until the end. I was with my husband when his dad went and it was a peaceful thing too. I know what you are going through and I pray for the family now because I know you dad is in the best place to be. When you lose someone you love all your memories become a treasure to you. Embrace that treasure and it will get you through this hard time. Peace be with you and your family Suzanne

1 comment

by pennifold 05 Sep 2010

Thank you dear Suzanne - yes I am banking on all those memories to get me through this week.

Love and blessings Chris

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. It is so hard loosing a parent. My thoughts are with you.

1 comment

by pennifold 05 Sep 2010

Thank you so much for commenting "Airyfairy" - yes, you are right it is very hard losing a parent.

I thank you also that you are thinking of me.

Love and blessings Chris