Monday, January 27, 2014

In Memory of My Dad


I have been out of the loop for so long that I wonder if anyone remembers me? If you will recall, my Dad moved into our home in Arizona the beginning of October. We were blessed to have him here for three months. He had his problems with oxygen and breathing, moving about, and so forth. He always maintained his positive attitude and his sense of humor. He passed away very quickly on January 3. He kept us laughing til the end. That morning he said to me, "Do you think it is worth it to get another haircut?" I looked into his sparkling clear blue eyes and we both laughed. Who knew that he would be gone that evening? 


Because of my faith I know that when my father reached the final rung in his ladder of life, he kicked off that weary old body and stepped into eternity to join our mother Louise, and other loved ones.This is what takes the sting out of death. While we mourn his loss, we find joy in our faith in eternal life and eternal families. I feel like Dad is kicking up his heels to be rid of his failing body. It's funny, but no matter how old he was, I always saw youth in his eyes. That spark of who he really is was always shining through. We all loved him for that and for the love he gave us as family and as individuals. He made it his business to stay close to his friends and to each family member, including his great-great-grandsons who were here recently.

This photo is from Dad's 90th birthday last February, 2013. That's me on top, Granddaughter Becky, my daughter Polly, and Micah and Grey, Dad's great-great-grandsons. Five generations! Becky wrote a lovely post about Dad that expresses who he was and how much he loved us.

Dad's full name was Wallace James Winspear, Jim to his friends. He was born in Buffalo, New York in February 1923. He left behind five children, 23 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. 

We are so blessed to have had him in our lives and for the love and example he has given us. We cherish our memories and hope we can reflect his attributes in our lives. 

Until we meet again dear Dad!


 "Maybe I should talk about my future, but I don't know what will happen there. 
Actually, that is pretty exciting -trying to figure out what will happen in the future. What is it like? What do we do? How will we eat, love, move, breathe?  On one hand I can't wait to get there. On the other, I don't want to leave the ones I love here. So, I guess it's all the hands of our Heavenly Father and he's done a pretty good job of me so far. My life has had a lot of really good stuff happen so we'll see what the future brings. 
As for you, you have your whole life still stretched out in front of you and that sounds pretty exciting to me too."
Excerpt from a letter from Grampa Jim to Becky


23 comments:

Janet said...

I know you will miss him!! What a beautiful post - such a tribute! What marvelous hope for the future - you will see him again :0)

Janet O. said...

Very tender post, Marcie. It is a blessing to have that eternal perspective, isn't it?
Wishing you blessings of peace and comfort!

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss but so happy you will see him again someday. This beautiful post brought tears to my eyes, thinking of my own dad who is fighting cancer. Thank you for writing this.

Yvonne said...

OH Marcie...so sorry to hear about your Dad. I understand the bittersweetness of your loss. What a wonderful tribute....I know how special he was to you and your family. Our faith certainly makes all the difference in dealing with the loss of our loved ones. Take care dear lady!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post now tears in my eyes. He sounds like the most loving daddy.

Kelli said...

What a lovely tribute to your Dad! My condolences on your loss.

JoAnne said...

Marcie, what a beautiful tribute! I'm sorry for your loss, but it sounds like Heaven has a great new soul. The pictures are so very precious--the love in your family is very apparent.

Melanie said...

Blessings to you... Was it Mark Twain that said," You never regret the things you do--- it's the things you don't that bother you..." Aren't you glad you had that time with him.... Celebrate his life rather than his passing....

Nettie said...

Peace be with your wonderful Father and your family. I know he would be proud of you!
Regards,
Nettie (one of your many faithful blog readers)
from Spanish Fork, UT

Gloria said...

I'm sorry for your loss....it is the physical parting that is so difficult for us. He is home now! May all your good memories bring you comfort.

Gloria
gyates625@bellsouth.net

Sharon said...

What a wonderful post and tribute to your father. Wishing you peace and comfort.

Me and My Stitches said...

Oh Marcie - glad to see you are posting again - and I just love this post about your dad. It's easy to see the sparkle in his eye and in his spirit!

barb said...

hi marcie, i am so sorry for for your loss. you wrote a beautiful tribute to your dad. my dad's name was also Wallace. i lost my dad fourteen years ago. my 36 year old daughter, an only child moved in to take care of me because i have serious health issues. tragically, just four days after she moved in she died in my arms from a blood clot. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. barbara babscorbitt@gmail.com

Darlene said...

Marcie, I'm terribly sorry for your loss. I know how you felt about your Dad - just keep all the memories in your heart.

((Hugs))

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

What a sweet tribute to your Dad. You definitely inherited his positive attitude. Just loved the haircut comment. I'll know you'll miss him, but he is definitely free from his earthly body.
Prayers to you from Texas

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

What a loving and tender tribue to a very special man, you were so blessed to have him as your earthly father. Sending you love and sincere sympathy during these difficult days; thank you for sharing your special memories, Marcie. Hugs~

Lori said...

Ah, I know my time is coming soon to lose my dad as well. That is nice you could be with him and help him out the last few months.

Karen said...

I am sorry to learn that your father passed away. I remember reading his blog a couple times. His posts were so humorous.

Libby said...

What a beautiful tribute to your beloved dad. May all the wonderful memories bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart *s*

Rose Marie said...

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad sounded like he was spunky right to the end. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Sue said...

Marcie, sorry for your loss. I hope you hang on to all those wonderful memories of your dad.
Take care of your self .

Heirlooms by Ashton House said...

Hi Marcie,
I want to send you a big hug and my heartfelt sympathies upon the passing of your dear dad. What a gem he was. I love his sense of humor. That's always a good quality to have through life's ups and downs. His comment about the haircut put a smile on my face. Sending lots of love your way, K—

Jeanne said...

Marcie, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Shame on me for missing this post. He had a long life and I'm sure he will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Sending hugs.