Thank you my friends

[SalmonChantedEvening]

Hi DU :)

Thank you so much for all the kindness you have shown my family and I during a very tough time. I have shown the threads in GD and The Lounge to many family members and friends. You cannot begin to know the comfort it brought us, and the strength it has given. Wow was the most often used adjective. Names of friends I know well, new friends, new DUers, and two messages from people who got their pizza to go soon after.

The services were held today, and Dad rests only a few miles from here. There were hugs and tears, smiles and recollections, and laughter as we celebrated what Dad meant to each of us. Now, there is quiet. Tomorrow, the world begins again and life will go on. And Dad will be there, in the smallest of things, and the largest.

Just as he has always been.

Thank you again DU, from all of us.

:hi: :loveya:

[annabanana]

1. Love & hugs

to you & yours dear. When you've collected yourself, I know we'll be regaled with brilliant parodies again..

[babylonsister]

2. We love you, SCE; it couldn't be any other way.

I'm glad you and your family were comforted, and you can go visit Dad. He has to know he was loved; he raised you. :hug:

[malaise]

3. You're in my thoughts

:hug:

[Minimus]

4. You will be in my thoughts.

[Subdivisions]

5. My best to you all, SEC. Take care of each other. =) n/t

[panader0]

Bless you and yours......

[rzemanfl]

6. It saddens me to say that McCain has so corrupted the words

"my friends" that I had entirely the wrong idea about the subject of this post. My condolences to you, your family and to the English language.

[volstork]

7. Peace.

:hug:

[The Straight Story]

8. hugs back at ya

I went through a lot when mom died and DU was my place to get it out my system on many a dark night.

[crim son]

9. Just as he has always been.

Wonderfully put, SalmonChantedEvening. You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts. :hug: :loveya: :hug:

[arthritisR_US]

10. He must have been a very fine man to raise such a very fine son. Again,

let me reiterate, my best to you and your family and may you each have comfort in the days ahead. :grouphug:

[Mnemosyne]

11. May you find comfort in your grief in your good memories.

I am so very sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[sickinohio]

12. Hugs to you and your family.

My husband passed away 5/9/2008 not only did I lose my best friend and soul mate after 37 years together, my children lost a wonderful father, and my grandchildren lost a "Gampy" that will never be replaced. The memories and the love that we all shared with him, each of us in our own special way, will carry us through, just as your memories and love will carry you through. I can't say the usual "time makes it better" and all of that, because that is a hard thing to hear, and something that people say when they don't know what else to say, even though they really do mean well. You have memories, sometimes you will laugh, and sometimes you will cry (yes, even after 4 1/2 months, you will still cry), but it is the special memories that will get you through this most difficult time. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please take care.

:cry: :hug:

[roguevalley]

13. I lost my parents ten months apart. It is almost unbearable how lonely

it was but then they let me know they were here. Watch the phones and the electrical stuff. They mess with my computer, often glitching off the
internet when its late. (once a parent, always a parent)

Just know, with assurity, that your father is with you being your father. he is sitting with you watching tv and keeping you company through your day because love never ends, parents will always take care of their babies and life carries on with them too. Hugs, honey, to you and your family. We are so glad to help you. Know that.

RV

[bleever]

14. Peace be with you and yours.

:hug:

[Arugula Latte]

15. My dad died VERY suddenly five years ago.

It still seems a bit surreal.

It is a long process. Be good to yourself. :hi:

[KitchenWitch]

16. Love to you and your family

and wishes for safe passage for your dad.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

17. Be well.

Treasure the good memories, and know that he did well in teaching you all about what is good and just. :hug:

[redwitch]

18. What a lovely and moving post!

I lost my dad 10 years ago this November. I still talk to him sometimes. And sometimes I feel him close by. It is a comfort. :hug:

[hootinholler]

19. Yeah, well, ya still got one of the best screen names evah!

:hug: :loveya: :hug:

-Hoot

[ralps]

20. Awww Thanks for that post SalmonChantedEvening!! Hugs

:hi: :loveya: :hug: :pals: :woohoo: :hug:

[samuraiguppy]

21. so sorry for your loss..

[Stinky The Clown]

22. C'mere, man

:hug:

[dgibby]

23. somethng to comfort you (hopefully)

I believe that our spirits never die, that they live on in everyone we touch and everyone they touch, to infinity and beyond. So know that your loved ones are still with you spiritually and pass that spirit on to everyone you know. Peace.

[bdamomma]

24. hey SCE!!

my thoughts are with you and your family at this time, but remember we are here for you.:hug: :hug:

[lonestarnot]

25. And he will never really be gone until you are.

:loveya: :hi:

[Philosoraptor]

26. Some enchanted evening, you will meet some strangers, who love you

[Rhiannon12866]

27. I'm so glad that DU was a comfort to you, my friend.

At times like this, the support of friends means so much, I know. And, as you know, DUers are the most kind and compassionate people in the world, and will always be here when you need them. It's wonderful that your family was able to share in the DU love that you've received. Hope that it helps them too, knowing how much people care...:grouphug:

It does sound as if things went as well as possible, that your family came together, the one positive thing to accompany so profound a loss. And I know what you mean about the quiet. After being surrounded by more people than you can count, you're suddenly standing there, expected to return to "normal," whatever that was, and your mind is still on everything that's happened and facing an unbearable change in your life... Keeping busy and being with sympathetic people helps, but it takes time to adjust to life as it's going to be from now on. Just know that we're still here for you, my friend, whenever you need us.:hug:

I ran across this years ago in a book, and it resonated enough with me that I read it at my aunt/godmother's committal service. That seems to be my job in my family, speaking at funerals. *sigh* There have been too many, starting with my Dad. Based on your post, I thought it might resonate with you, as well. Know that I'm here and that I understand...:pals:

Rhiannon:hug:

Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
whatever we were to each other
that we still are
call me by my old familiar name
speak to me in the easy way
which you always used
put no difference in your tone
wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together
pray smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
without the trace of a shadow in it
Life means all that it ever meant
it is the same as it ever was
there is unbroken continuity
why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you
somewhere very near
just around the corner
All is well

Henry Scott Holland
(1847-1918) Canon of St Paul's Cathedral

[flstci]

28. I'm new here but I wish you and the family well. N/T

.

[WritersBlock]

29. As has been said much more eloquently upthread, love never dies.

May you and your family find peace. Your father surely knew he was leaving a fine legacy in you.