My father passed away on August 21st after a rapidly spreading pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed and died six weeks later. I miss his chuckle and his pride of what my children and I are accomplishing in life. He was a mere 72 years old. I am thankful to have had him here in the past few years because alot of healing and loving took place within our relationship. I feel that my faith has helped me cope as well as the support of family and friends.

Teri,
I am so sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. Please know that we all feel for you as I know just posting this brought you pain. I hope that the sweet memories, along with your towering faith, will help you in finding peace with this loss.

your friend,

Teri, it's great to have you back. Sorry to hear about your dad. I can relate because my mom died a couple years ago and I miss her being in on the action with my kids too. She loved teenagers and realated so well with them. I wish they could hang out with her now. I believe she still knows everything they're up to, but I think it's sad that the only way they will get to know her better is through my stories about her. I just think they're missing out on a deeper level of friendship with her.

Teri, I must share that time does heal. I remember the first year was tough. Hitting all the holidays, birthdays, etc. for the first itme without her. But, life goes on and it does get easier. God comforts those who mourn!

Thank you jaw and dots for your kind words. I see that time heals as it is happening in small ways already.

I know my dad is in heaven because of his beliefs and I will be reunited with him one day.

Teri,
One thing I might add here...well, a bit of info you didn't ask for is that my Daddy has Lewy-Body Dementia. He resides in a VA home and I visit each night. He is, according to the docs, in the last stages. I wonder every day if it will be the last day I'm with him, so...by telling you this I just wanted you to know, I can definitely relate and your post pulled on my heartstrings.

Sending hugs,

Teri,
My condolences.

And Jawjaw, best wishes for you too in caring for your dad. I'm 3000 miles away from family so the crises don't hit the same way.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Teri. It is a blessing to know that you will be reunited one day.

Donna

Teri, I send you my sympathy and prayers because I also lost my father to a rapid cancer this year. I found strength in my faith but also was surprised at the way grief crept up on me at the oddest times...and I did a lot of my crying alone in the car when driving. (Fortunately no accidents!) So much so my children thought I really hadn't cried much...not true. I also found writing a great release and way of working through the complex emotions. One of the biggest blessings sent to me was that during the busiest worrying times when Dad was near the end I could get into bed at night and put my head on the pillow, pray, and be in a restful sleep in minutes - not my usual night owl sleep pattern!
It was one of those saving blessings sent from above.
Love

Julie, your post reminded me that I also like to grieve alone. I think my husband feels left out when I like to go to the cemetery by myself, but it just feels right. Losing Mom's and Dad's...a hard part of growing up!