Friday, May 15, 2009

It's hard to believe a year has passed....Remembering my wonderful Father-in-Law...Bless you Dad!

A year ago today my wonderful Father-in-Law passed away and it seems like it was just yesterday....It is so hard to imagine a whole year without him...we talked about all of our memories and I find that he always brings me a smile with things we used to share...he was one of the most amazing people I have ever known....
I created these special flowers we will place on your tombstone....

and this special heart too...it is from your proud Grandson Cole....
and now I would also like to share the Eulogy I read at your funeral a year ago....
"It was the Spring of 1997 when I first met my father-in-Law…My friend and I happen to pass by his home and he was working outside as he usually did. We pulled in the driveway and he walked over to us….probably thinking that we needed directions….I said….Hello….I’m Diana and I am dating your son Brad….we laughed and chatted for a while and I knew from that first meeting that I would see more and more of him.

I always wondered how my husband could be so “too good to be true” but he had the most amazing role model and you know what they say about the apple not falling too far from the tree….

Seeing them together and their special bond drew me more and more to their family. When we got married, Dad was the most supportive Father….and most people luck out in life with a wonderful father…but I gained a second one with Dad through marriage. He truly made me feel like his daughter and every time we saw each other we would share big hugs, laughs and make so many wonderful memories.

We live so close thanks to Dad who found the most perfect property for us to start our lives. It was nice to see Dad regularly and he always did funny things that still bring a smile to my face…..like when he delivered wood to our home driving his lawn mower across hwy 6…..

We have spent countless hours debating on what’s going to happen next on the Young and the Restless and we always scheduled our dinners together around our show. We both loved to garden and year after year Mom wanted me to teach Dad about removing the suckers off of tomatoe plants to make them grow better and year after year Dad would pluck the wrong parts….we would laugh and laugh….

I loved watching his relationship with my husband Brad, who thanks to Dad is the most amazing with our son Cole. Dad used to bug us all the time about having a baby and we are so blessed that our child spent time with his Grandfather. We will talk about Dad to him as he grows and talk about the big heart he had…..and the big shoes he will have to fill….

Dad dedicated his life to making a difference in this world. He was one of the busiest people I ever met. He worked full time hours volunteering for Senior Support and delivered meals on wheels whenever needed. He was an Angel….He would never ever say no to helping others and I am so proud to say that he is my Father-in-Law. He taught us the importance of family, love and faith and his positive attitude would rub off on each and everyone he came in contact with.

Seeing him in his last weeks was one of the hardest things, but I truly believe He is with us always now and I know he is at peace…..I feel his presence each and every day and I am so grateful for that. Only time can heal a broken heart and that is what I have without Dad.

He will always have a special place in my heart forever and I know that one day we will be together again……Bless you dear Father….you will be greatly missed…."


We Love you and will always remember our special times...
Hugs
Diana

12 comments:

marianne said...

What a beautiful tribute to your father in law Diana! I still remember last year when you lost him.......so sad!
What a beautiful speech you made for him!
Being the wonderful person that he was makes him sadly missed, but you were blessed to have known him and the wonderful memories will remain.

Hug >M<

Unknown said...

thank you Marianne!!! your kind words are always a comfort....

Beth - IndieNorth said...

Oh Diana, what a beautiful tribute! He sounds like such a wonderful man!

Teri said...

A beautiful and heartfelt tribute Diana. Just beautiful.

Hugs

Fannie said...

hi, diana. thanks for the tribute and the thoughts of loved ones who are no longer with us. i send you hugs. you are blessed to have him in your life.

i watch y&r too! another similarity. nice.

sending you aloha,
fannie

Unknown said...

Thank you Beth, Teri and Fannie....your kindness and friendship is a wonderful gift!

bless you all....

Hugs
Diana

Diane said...

That was a very beautiful tribute, Diana. My heart goes out to everyone in your family that must be missing him so much. Big hugs & kisses to you!
xoxo Diane

Unknown said...

Thank you Diane!! it is wonderful friends that can help brighten even our darkest days...thank you for your kindness...

Hugs
Diana

theothermousie said...

What a beautiful tribute to your dear father - in - law. You are truly blessed to have & to know each other. Thank you for sharing that with us xx

BJ Lantz said...

We never stop missing the missing, do we? I see him in your son's face.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much everyone!!! you have been such great friends....thanks for the kind words!!!

Hugs
Diana

mia said...

Hi Diana,
Beautiful tribute~You were lucky to have him in your life and I believe he was lucky having you in his life too! Keep all those memories close to your heart..

Hugs to you and your family, Merium

 
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