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In 1997 my Dad died suddenly whilst calling an ambulance for my Mum who had just had a seizure. My sister, who used to be a nurse, was there and tried for 20 minutes to revive him with my mother unconscious in the next room. It was an awful time but when the funeral was arranged we made sure that it was a celebration of his life. He was non-religious and we had a humanist service. We played Always Look On The Bright Side of Life and the theme tune from Match Of The Day (a football programme, his favourite). We laughed and we cried but we had a funeral that he would have thoroughly enjoyed.
My Dad's motto was - laugh at least once a day - a motto I have tried to carry with me in my life.
Be Obamaed at Obamicon.me
I don't believe in an after life or even that he is looking down on me now but if he and I are wrong then I know that my Dad will be grinning like a Cheshire Cat today, the day after the inauguration of Barack Obama.
My Dad taught me tolerance and thankfully didn't leave much unsaid. He believed in talking to the enemy not bombing them. Barack Obama made my day yesterday when he said 'we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist'. What I believe is that my Dad lives on through his family. His mannerisms, his beliefs and his laughter is in each and every one of us.
11 comments:
This is just a lovely post. I too, found myself thinking about my dad. Wishing he were well enough to really know what was happening--he would've been so proud. Everyone I know here in the states (not all are the most patriotic types) was weeping all day long, happy and exhilarated.
love your To Do List for President O.
A touching remembrance of your father Di...
This must be a Brit thing to play TV show theme music.
An artist friend told me they played the music from the Archer's show at a funeral for a friend of his.
The deceased hated that music so much, they all hoped he'd jump out of the coffin at the sound of it.
This time it didn't work...
Your Dad is smiling. We are all smiling. It's wonderful to have a young president and his family in our White House again.
xo Lidy
Di, what a touching post about your Dad. This is a celebration for the world, not just the US. If we can all live in peace and equality, what a world this would be!
Love the Obamicon print of you! I tried to get on their site all day yesterday and it was too busy!
Lynn
A very touching post. I get teary a lot lately, but because of all the good stuff ahead.
Thought provoking post- I immediately thought of my eldest sister (now passed away sadly) who held the same beliefs as your Dad and yourself.
Love your Dad's motto and it's one I try to follow (although sometimes life gets in the way)
Thanks for sharing your memories with us.
Beautiful post! How can he not look down or across at you with pride in his heart!
Hugs
U.
Oh what a wonderful post, Di! Thank you for this. xoxox
A beautiful tribute to your father!!!
Such a beautiful tribute, I can see you in him from your words...lovely and amen!
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