General Chat

mo

can say I’ve known John all my life – this might have something to do with the fact he conceived me, was there at my birth and I called him dad. That also means that families being the way they are many of you probably knew him better than I. If I sometimes sound that I am talking to him instead of you, it’s because I am - as there was never enough time or opportunities to tell him all I felt and still feel. I would like to thank him for being there when he was most needed and for not being too disappointed (or at least not showing it) when my achievements didn’t match up to his dreams for me. Dad taught me many things that have made me the person I am. He taught me to look, see and listen before making decisions. His teaching gave me the strength to stand alone, but, I knew he was always still there in the background waiting to catch me if necessary. He taught me that if I knew a thing to be the truth to be stubborn in defence of it (and boy did that cause some fights!). By example he showed me about patience - which is one of his very few lessons which didn’t catch on with either of us, caring, courage, loyalty and respect. But above all else dad taught me about unconditional love. They say dads and toddlers understand each other. My dad was special as he understood us once we had all grown up as well. He opened up doors for all of us but never tried to push us and instead he would take us by the hand and lead us gently through if that was what we required. Mostly though he would just wait and encourage us to do it for ourselves even if it was not the door of his choice. Occasionally after ignoring all of his experience and advice, our doors proved to be brick walls but he was still there to pick us up again and he probably did this more times after we had ‘grown up’ than when we were children (well, me at least). He was wise enough to know that a quiet hug healed most hurts, but, a quid or two never went amiss either. He could be embarrassing as a father – although this was mostly on purpose and for the hell of it, like when he clapped too loud during school plays and sang descant instead of baritone during Christmas carols. No doubt a few of you have similar tales to tell concerning this little quirk of his. Dad wasn’t perfect - he had his faults and made his mistakes just like the rest of us (no confessions just yet), but he understood his and when he mellowed in later life it made him more tolerant of faults and mistakes in others. Dad has been our certainty and rock in life which has made all the uncertain times bearable. He has been a father to four of us treating his step-daughters no different to his natural daughters and a grandfather to three. He has been a devoted husband to Thelma even though he grumbled about what she spent. But, most of all, to everyone gather here today whether relative or not he has been the greatest friend a person could wish for. I miss you Dad

He sounds a great Dad Uzzi! No wonder you miss him. All best Alf.

Alfie I do ..... trust me Uzzi

Jac What a wonderful man your dad must have been, you were all truly lucky to have him as he was to have you. Take care my friend luv Jax xxxx

Thanx Jax an Claire Yes he was wonderful but all our people gone are ... Its what I wrote for Dad and I thank everybody for allowing me to print it it means as much now as it did then Uzzi Bye Dad

Hi Uzzi Having just read your Dads euology I am left feeling proud for you. Your Dad has taught you one of the most special things a person can do, to Love, something that shows very much in your writings here. Your Dad certainly helped teach you how to be the person you are today and I see a lovely caring person before me at this time One your Dad is very proud of also. Your Dad taught you to walk with pride and hold your head up. I believe in life after death and I dont think your dad will be very far away from you both in thought and memories. Stay Strong, Thinking of you. Colin

Thank you Colin I do believe in the after life ,..but Dad.....didn't but it helps Uzzi

Beautifully Worded Jac. My dad died when i was 14 and i wish i'd have had the strength and knowlege at that time to write something like this. We all miss our loved ones everyday...but the memories remain always. Nick.x

What a tribute, that was lovely and I am sure your dad was grinning like a Cheshire Cat as he would have heard it read. He is not gone when part of him lives on in you. Liz

Liz ..thankyou Nick ...you make me realise how lucky I was to have had my Dad for so long........So many memories to treasure. For that I will count my blessings today instead of being sad Thank you Uzzi