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Sunday, October 03, 2010

marburger and more....

(Picture above was taken at Magnolia Pearl's Booth)
Marburger has come and gone.  It was an incredible experience. 
I loved every minute of it.
I saw old friends, and met new ones.
Thank you for coming to Marburger and hanging out with me.
I love you both!
But in the middle of it all, actually Wednesday evening, I received a call from my older sister, Debbie, that my dad, who has been in a nursing home for the last 5+ years, was probably not going to be with us very much longer.
We were with him until Thursday afternoon, and at approximately 4:30 p.m. he departed this life.
The last couple of days has been difficult, yet peaceful.
You see, my father has had Parkinson's Disease since his late thirties.
He was 77 years old.
Parkinson's is a disease that takes the life out of living.  It rules every minute of your every day, and destroys your very being.  
It is a hard road to walk.
Like his mother, my grandmother Rosa, and his father, Edmund Sr., my dad was strong, and he chose to never stopped going.
He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, 
and a great-grandfather.  
He was a cattleman.  
He worked in the cattle business all of his life.
He was a fisherman.  
He had a beautiful lake on his property, which he loved.
Yesterday was his wake.  He will be buried today.
Dad, we will miss you.
I love you....
Dad at age 20.
 Dad's 68th Birthday.
Front Row:  Me, Jewel (my stepmother), Dad, Amy (my half sister)
Back Row:  Debbie (my sister), Chuck (my half brother) and Carrie (my sister).
(Not shown is my brother Chris).

23 comments:

Alice said...

What a lovely family. I'm always inspired when I read about the strength some people have, especially when times are not so good.

I'm glad you were able to enjoy Marburger a little, and so glad you made it home to be with your dad. As you said, he is at peace now.

You and your family are in my prayers.

Deryn Mentock said...

Diane, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you'll miss him intensely, as it should be. You're in my prayers!

stregata said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds as if he left this shore peacefully. You are in my thoughts.

Fanciful Expressions said...

Diane I'm so sorry to hear the news about your dad. My prayers will be with you and your family for strength and peace.

Suz said...

Diane,
I am so sorry to hear about your father. My grandfather, a lovely man, had Parkinson's for many years and was one of the first to use L-Dopa.It is a sad, sad disease.

i would guess you have been mourning him for many years but there is something about the finality that is hard. May you find peace in knowing that he is our of that earthly body.

Fondly,
Suz

the gypsy chick said...

Diane, I just rediscovered you blog a few days ago, and am so glad that I did.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father, & my thoughts & prayer go out to you & your family.
~amy boland

VS said...

Oh Sweetie...
I am heartbroken for you & your family's loss. I adore the photo of your Daddy when he was 20, vibrant & young with nothing but life in front of him.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all today dear friend. I wish I was there & could give you a big hug!
I envision him finally at peace & in no pain, gently wrapped in the wings of angels.
Love you Diane & I'm always here for you in any way that I can help,
Susie

Andrea said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!

Daryl said...

I am so sorry for your loss ... Parkinson is a horrible disease I know this because a dear cousin lives with it ... sending you lots of love... keep all those memories going to comfort you ..

Karen said...

Hi Diane
I am sosorry to hear about your dad. It is difficult to loose a parent. Yet, in my own experience, they will always be with you in one form or another. Take care
Hugs
Karen from Canada

Jackie said...

Thinking of you Diane and your family during this time. I am so sorry for your loss. My mom has Parkinson's - for about the last 11 years. It's not an easy way to live. I'm glad you were able to be there with your dad. Sending prayers!

steufel said...

Oh, Diane. I#m so sorry for your loss. I've lost my father almost twelve years ago but I still miss him and I wish he would be around. But I also realized that the memories keep him alive - so thxs for sharing those photos and your memories with us.

Debby - Romancing the Bling said...

Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in m thoughts and prayers.

My best to you,

Debby

Charlene said...

Sweet Diane, I enjoyed our time together! It's always special when we share our hearts & souls.

AND I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF YOUR DAD! It is always so very hard to loose those we love. Parkinsons is a HARD disease. And now at least he will be free of that struggle. Carry him in your heart & know he will now be able to watch over you from a more peacful place. My arms are wrapping around you & giving you great big HUGS! Call me anytime if you want to talk. Hugs to "the banker" too. Thanks for showing us all the "non crowded" places to eat last week. We had so much fun with you guys. HUGS!
Charlene

she dreams big! said...

Diane, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. May your memories sustain you at this difficult time.
God's blessings on you and your family.

Gail said...

My deepest sympathies to you and your entire family.
Unfortunately, I know all too well how Parkinson's can affect a life....my Mom succumbed to it.
She's now in a better place, as is your sweet Dad.
Peace to you.

Stacie said...

Diane, wow...this was not what I was expecting when I saw your new post in my reader. My heart goes out to you and your family. As you know, my father is still recovering from a heart attack, and I am just now getting accustomed to living with a parent that has a "serious health issue". Life does go on, but man, it is hard to think about a world where our mommy's and daddy's are no longer a part of it. I am heartened to know you were able to be with him during his transition...and please know that I am sending my love your way.

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

So sorry for your loss. You'll be in my prayers!

Chris said...

Oh Diane! I wish I'd visited your blog before I blasted off that email this morning! How insensitive of me!!!! :-(
I'm sorry for your loss my friend. Parkinson's is a terrible condition. I will pray for you and your family~~~I love you.

Cindy said...

Dear Diane, I am so saddened to read here about the loss of your Dad. What a sad time for everyone. I know he will be greatly missed. I'm thinking of you, and sending a prayer your way - and a great big hug.

Diana said...

Oh my sweet friend...what sad news. My heart goes out to you and your family as you mourn the loss of your dad. Sending hugs and kisses your way.
Diana

Sandy Navarro said...

Diane, I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is never easy. Take comfort in knowing that he is at peace now and will forever be in your heart.

mairedodd said...

my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family... he got parkinson's so young... we had a family member who had the disease and you summed it up perfectly, it takes the life out of the living... so glad you connected with some friends... know we are thinking of you in your time of deep sorrow and loss...