Saturday, September 26, 2009

.Thank You.

I don't know if anyone comes here anymore but as I lay in bed last night I was thinking of this blog and of all of you who visited, cared, prayed, gave us strength, shared your own tragedies and triumphs and left beautiful heartfelt comments. I miss you all and I wanted to say THANK YOU, for everything. You've no idea how much it's all meant to my family and I through this difficult time.

I will start the RCIA program Monday night, w/ my husband as my sponsor. My sister will be attending as well, w/ my mom as hers. The kids will be taking religion classes at the same time. They started last week. I find it ironic that my father found his faith, after he lost his father and the same thing is happening to me. I feel my father's presence when I'm at the Church. I feel close to him and connected. He would be so proud that we're doing this. I wish I could walk the walk w/ him but I KNOW he knows---I know this b/c before school the other morning, my son asked me if I had a picture of Noah's Ark and I went upstairs and got his Boy's Childhood Bible that my dad gave him on Easter last year---and as I opened it---there was this hand written note, to Carter, from my father, but I couldn't help but think, it was his message, that morning, to me, that he was so thrilled that "those babies were getting religion" (he always would say that to my mom "those babies need religion" but not to me---he didn't preach).




Then out of it, fell this picture---it's my dad holding Carter when he was just days old.





Of course I cried but what a treasure for me to find. I will cherish it always as I have nothing in my father's handwriting.

If you are reading this, it means you're still stopping by, still thinking of us and for that I thank you.

xxoo

16 comments:

  1. I think it is a treasure. I think it should be framed. Handwriting is something that is a part of us that we can leave behind. No one writes anything by hand anymore. Put the note in the frame, with the photos, behind it. You will know it is there and you can read it anytime. Lots of love and good memories to you.

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  2. What a great letter and picture. Thanks for sharing that. Hope you are all doing alright (as much as you can be) and best of luck to you in the class. I know your Dad is proud of you and that he would be delighted to see you taking this new journey. Give your Mom a hug from us (her Flickr friends).

    Take good care,
    Cheryl
    cher12861 on Flickr

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  3. Dearest Lisa, you are a wonderful, special gal. I have not met you or your family; however, your photos and journals regarding your life experiences demonstrate the special nature of your family. Just look at your father's strong and loving arms holding Carter. The "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" holds you in the same manner. Your father knows.

    May God Richly Bless You On Your Journey!

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  4. What a treasure, Lisa. I agree with what was said above - frame the pic and note for Carter. And your blog is still in my Blogger Dashboard, so I will see any updates here. Hugs!

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  5. Lisa, What a special treasure to find! I love the idea above, to frame it.
    I know your Dad is proud of you. I do believe that somehow, he does look down and keep an eye on you, and I know he is pleased! There is so much that we don't understand, we can't explain...... and we won't know until we get to Heaven, too.....
    {{{{{hugs}}}}}}} big hugs to you and your family!!
    ~Babs

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  6. Yes, still stopping by, just to read, reread, and remember. ((((hugs))))

    He is so proud of you and he is definitely watching over you.

    <3

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  7. I love the way you have found a way to feel close to your Dad as a family unit...a lasting legacy he would cherish. I'm glad you're keeping up the blog. = )

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  8. Still here, L. :-) What a wonderful treasure you found. Hugs.

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  9. Hi Lisa,
    I still check in almost daily to this blog....just in case there is more and to see photos. What an amazing gift to have a note handwritten from your dad. I think you are right...you were meant to find that note at the exact moment you did. Your dad is all around you, watching over you. You know he is so proud of you for taking the RCIA course and getting the kids into religion class.

    I know how hard everything has been on you lately...emotions all over the place. Keep shedding those tears and let time do its work. It will get better. I love you and I'm always here for you.

    Love, Jan

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  10. That is so beautiful. What an amazing man your father must have been! I know that one day you WILL walk with him again in heaven where you will never be separated again. We will all walk the streets of gold together. I think of my grandparents all the time and how I will get to see them again someday. It really made their passing easier for me to bear--that we were only saying goodbye for a little while.
    Tammy Milligan

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  11. Lisa,

    Your Dad was a very wise man...I remember it was my grandfather who was more spiritual than any other member of my family and that was his greatest gift to me. I cannot imagine how any person can make it through this crazed world and all the choices that are faced without the guidance of the scriptures and a close relationship with our heavenly Father and his Son. Children follow our example so it is wonderful that you are reaching out as well..that is your gift to them.

    Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for this blog, I know I have said it before but you truly were an angel in keeping your Dad "alive" especially for those of us who never met him or you even. What a journey you all were on, no one expected this ending, but your renewed faith will carry you through. The grief doesn't go away ever but it gets different, easier to manage. This first year will be the hardest. Everyone will tell you that. Hold each other close, let the tears flow, and know that your father would be deeply proud of all you did. xo

    Peace, and prayer, L.R.

    PS...I just love this posting. I will keep checking back to see if you decide to carry on. I am thinking that one day this will be a wonderful gift for your children..you can write special memories of their grandfather as they come up on your heart!

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  12. Oh what a wonderful treasure to find. I don't know what made me stop by today.
    Its my Dads Birthday next week, the first since we lost him in March, so you guys have been on my mind a little. Wondering how you are coping. I see Sherry's photo's on Flickr and i know she is still hurting so much. I laughed yesterday when i read about the tattoo. Good on her, not just any old tattoo though. Something that means so much, something special.
    I will stop by from time to time, just to check all is ok.
    Bless you all
    Chrissie

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  13. Yes, still thinking of you guys...Take care :)

    Diana (and Allison)

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  14. Lisa,
    Oh yes, still stopping by, still thinking of you all...this week was the 8th anniv. of my brother's passing ...another good man lost too soon just when life was turning a happy corner for him. I didn't even cry..the good memories now outweigh the sadness of the time of his death. I wish that for you and yours. It will come!
    Sending much love and hugs ...keep on the path of finding your spirituality...it will comfort you greatly.
    Peace and prayer, L.R. ♥

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  15. Lisa...I do still check this blog to see if anything was added. Just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and your family. I always say that about my dad...we have nothing with his voice on it. 11 years ago, poeple didn't have Iphones and cameras with video and it was rare that we ever hauled the video recorder out...now I wish we would have! :(
    I am glad you have lots of things to remember your dad by.

    Monica

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  16. Just thinking of you and your family. Tomorrow will be a year since you started the journey described in your post. Hope all is well and you are all doing o.k.

    Cheryl (Cher12861 from flickr)

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