Tuesday, June 17, 2014

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It’s with a heavy, heavy heart that I let you all know that my father, Douglas passed away Friday afternoon. It felt sudden, although not at all unexpected. Sadly his health was in decline for many years. It's impossible to sum up my Dad and all he accomplished into just a few paragraphs. He was so many things to so many people, friend, teacher, coach, and mentor. To my family and myself, he was a strong and warm father and grandfather, who raised eight proud and loving children. He was a great man, who will be forever missed.

My loving dad, Big Doug, breathed his last breath yesterday afternoon. I have no words at the same time as having too much to say on how loved he was and how much he will be missed. Even in this heavy sadness there's comfort found in the amazing love we s 

The hour before he passed I sat at our dinner table alone, quiet & drawing. Something I have not done in so long I can't even remember. In that silence I thought of my Dad and how intensely he loved his hobbies. The commitment and devotion he gave to each. Surely something I felt he had passed onto me and to my brothers & sisters. What an amazing gift. 

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As I sketched freely I thought of my own hobbies. How this craft of sewing & quilting has taken over my being, when before it I had only wanted to be an illustrator or painter. When I looked down in this moment that I had finally taken to draw something, to my drawing of a sewing machine, I laughed to myself and then I felt a new confidence in this path I'm on. Shortly after this the phone rang and my sister was telling me he was gone.

This loss is devastating. I know what grief feels like, I lost my amazing Aunt Linda to cancer a few years ago and one of my dearest friends Leslie and my greatest role model my Grandma Gloria, before that. This time, however, my grief feels so much different. There are no words to share this pain and sadness. Because he was so sick I pray that eventually I will feel a comfort in how quickly he passed, without pain, and at home as he wanted. For now the heartbreak feels too heavy. Instead the comfort comes from my incredible family & friends, and together we make this bearable. 

We have received so much kindness & love already, and I know after sharing here today so many of you will continue to lift my family and I up with your gracious and gentle words. 

I send my love & blessings to each of you,

Maureen  

You're welcome to read his obituary here.

178 comments:

  1. oh Maureen.. I am so sorry to hear this news, ..My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult loss.

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  2. Sinto muito pelo seu pai.
    Que o nosso deus possa lhe dar forças nesse momento e confortar seu coração.

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  3. I am sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family lost of love and strenght in these hard times.

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  4. Bless your heart and your families too. I have lost both of my parents and it is so hard. I know you will cherish his memory. Thank you for sharing your story.

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  5. My heart goes out to you Maureen. I lost both of my parents when I was in my 20's so I understand the grief and the feeling of loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  6. So sorry for your loss...Kathy U

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  7. So sorry to hear this Maureen.

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  8. God bless you and your family, Maureen. Sending hugs across the miles.

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  9. I'm so sorry for the loss of your father in this life. So many of us will be holding you and your family in our prayers. The death of a parent creates a different kind of grief and we each go through it in our own way. Know that you are not alone and we do care. Laurie

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  10. May you fill his love flowing through you as you continue on this journey.... with each creative endeavor you undertake he will be there... He will live on through you... we will all be blessed .. May you and your family feel his comforting presence through the many cherished memories... Blessings to you all at this time <3

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  11. My condolences to you and your family. Your dad sounds like he was a great family man, and what great memories to carry you through each day. <3 Debbie

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  12. Thank you for sharing your love with us. Prayers with you and your family as you lay your father to rest. Take time to share your memories of honor.

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  13. I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

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  14. Oh Maureen, I'm so sorry.... My prayers will be with you and your family!

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  15. What a beautiful tribute you just made to your father. My sympathy goes to you and your family at this sorrowful time.

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  16. I'm so very sorry for your loss, Maureen. My thoughts are with you and your family x x x

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  17. Our dads are superheroes, each of them. Who can admit our protector can suffer or die ? At least he didn't suffer and now he will stay forever in your heart. God bless you and your family.

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  18. Our dads are superheroes, each of them. Who can admit our protector can suffer or die ? At least he didn't suffer and now he will stay forever in your heart. God bless you and your family.

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  19. Losing my dad is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. It forever changes you. Grieving takes it's own time. Sending love and prayers and sweet memories to touch your broken heart.

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  20. I am so sorry for your loss Maureen.

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  21. So sorry for your lost...may he be in peace. Such beautiful memories that he left behind so he was a blessed man. Take care and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    -Q

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  22. Oh, Maureen, how I wish I could give you a hug right now. I'm praying for you, friend. Please write if you need anything at all.

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  23. It isn't easy I speak with my Dad everyday and he has been gone 10 years. God Bless you and your family.

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  24. I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I pray that you receive comfort and strength from the love of your family and friends and that your happy memories will soothe the pain during your time of grief.

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  25. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

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  26. Maureen - the consolation is you had a good father, I know this is why there is such a heartache from losing him -
    My father, John C. M 1919-2005 The best father is one who is 100% for his children. That was my father. The best father makes unknown sacrifices in order for his children to have good character when they are older. That was my father. The best father prays for his children, more than they ever know. That was my father. The best father knows you can do anything, better than you can ever imagine you could do, and will encourage you. That was my father. The best father sometimes lives long enough for his children to return a small token of gratitude, by becoming his caregivers. That was my father. I know you may think your father (or grandfather or father figure) was superb. I will let you think so - but I know better because mine was the BEST. John C. M 1919-2005

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  27. I am so sorry for your loss. I walk my dog to see my parents every day. They are in their 80's so I treasure every moment I have with them. I know they appreciate my presence too.

    You and your family are in my thoughts.

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  28. So sorry for your loss. May the beautiful memories of a loving father help to ease your pain.

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  29. Maureen, my condolences to you and your family. Your Dad will live on in the memories of his family. It sounds like he passed on many wonderful life skills to all of you.

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  30. So sorry to read your blog today. Your father sounds like a wonderful man, and major sport enthusiast. I'm sure you will have many happy memories of him to carry you through the hard times. Blessings to you, and your family.

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  31. Maureen - In reading your post I can feel what a loss your father's passing has brought you. I also can feel the love and admiration you have for him. I hope your fond memories and love will help you with this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Kay Lemieux

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  32. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May your wonderful memories of your dear father help ease your pain. Thinking of you!

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  33. I am sorry for you and your family's loss. Your father sounds like a wonderful man. Peace be with you.

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  34. I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs.

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  35. I'm so very sorry, sweet Maureen. What a wonderful dad you were so blessed to have. My love and prayers to you and your family. May the comfort from our Heavenly Father wrap you tightly, sweetly, in the absence of your earthly one. xo

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  36. I am so sorry for you. I personally know how hard it is for a daughter to lose the first man in her life - her daddy. Mine went to Heaven giving God the biggest bear hug ever and that was over 20 years ago and I still miss him.. Time will eventually take a lot of the pain away but we all know that a father and his daughter have a very special relationship - at least you and I did along with many others.

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  37. I am very sorry for your loss, Maureen. Xo

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  38. So sorry for you loss! You and your family are in my prayers!

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  39. I'm so sorry for your loss Maureen. Thinking of you and your family. Hugs.

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  40. I know exactly what you mean Maureen, my Dad was an artist and I'm grateful it was passed along to me....I too took great comfort that my Dad passed before he got really sick; I'm grateful he passed when he did. My Dad had multiple myeloma (blood cancer) and had been receiving chemo which was making him very ill and changing the Dad I knew. That gratitude I felt because he passed before he became really ill helped immensely. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time...God Bless you all xo Regina

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  41. So sorry to hear about your Dad Maureen. Gentle hugs and prayers from Texas.

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  42. Prayers for your family and you at this difficult time. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm happy to know that you have many good memories of your dad. Hugs and Blessings to you and yours!

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  43. So so Sorry to hear that. My condolences to you and your family. I too recently lost my father and know how hard it is. You too will slowly start find your new normal. Continue to take solace in the knowledge that he is now without pain. Thinking of you and your family.

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  44. What a lovely tribute. I didn't realize you were so close to my neck of the woods - I grew up just north of Coudersport in NY, and did a double take when I clicked through to read his obituary - thinking I had a bad link.

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  45. So sorry for your loss, I lost my Dad 2 years ago and he was my home and heart whenever I needed him since my Mom's passing in 86. We just lost my Husband's Mother on June 3. I know your heart is swollen with pain, but know God will heal the hole it leaves in your heart and fill it with love and memories as the days and months slowly pass by. You are in our hearts and prayers. Let us know if you need anything at all. We are here for you.

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  46. I am so very sorry for your loss. Isn't it funny how sometimes a peace and calm takes over right in the moment of someone passing? Your sketch is beautiful and amazing. I hope that you will finish it and share it with us (I bet there are lots of sewists and quilters who would love to have a print of that!).

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  47. My deepest Sympathy to you and your Family. We always hope our parents will be around forever and we miss them so much we they are gone.

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  48. I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Hugs thru cyberspace.

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  49. Prayers for you and your family. I hope the memories you shared and forever treasure will bring your heart peace.

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  50. I truly hope that your memories will sustain you during this next year. Having lost both my parents when I was 30 with lots of little kids - didn't know how I would make it. But you do. Hopefully you and your siblings will rally around each other and your mother. Honor life and your father by celebrating all that is good - and peace will come. May the Lord bless you and yours - in abundance.

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  51. I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm glad you will be able to often fondly think of him as you do the hobbies you love too. *hug*

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  52. My deepest condolences on your loss.

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  53. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I lost my Daddy and it's a pain that is enormous. I pray your pain and sadness is made easier by the love and support of all those you love around you. You have honored him so sweetly with your words above.

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  54. Maureen, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. I am truly sorry for your loss. Your Dad sounded like an incredible man. You were blessed to have him in your life! Sending hugs!

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  55. Oh Maureen, my heart breaks for you and your family. Sending my prayers and love to you, sweet girl!

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  56. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

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  57. May GOD give you and your family the strength and grace to accept the loss and know that he is in a better place. So sorry

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  58. Beautiful post, Maureen. Most special. I have tears again. Love to you, Sondra

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  59. Prayers will be said for your Father and your Family -- so sorry for your loss . . . .

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  60. It sounds like your dad was a terrific person and wonderful father. I'm so sorry he's no longer with you but I hope the love and memories you have will help you as you go through this difficult time. I have been praying and will continue to pray for you and your family in the days and weeks ahead. God bless you Maureen.

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  61. So sorry for your loss Maureen. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things. I lost my dad 13 years ago and it was a devastating loss. I can tell you this it does get easier with time and one day you will find yourself thinking of him and smiling and laughing at the memories. Sending hugs your way to help you through this difficult time.

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  62. Oh and your drawing is absolutely beautiful you should finish it and hang it in a special place in memory of your father :)

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  63. Maureen, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. It's not been that long since I lost my dad and I can tell you that the tears still come so easily. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My your memories and the love you shared with your dad comfort you and bring you peace.

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  64. my thoughts are with you, sending love and peace.

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  65. I am so sorry for your loss. I know this kind of grief and there is nothing that can change the time and feelings that you will go through as your heart heals a bit. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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  66. Oh Maureen. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our parents gift us so many great things. I'm just so sorry.

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  67. Maureen, I am so sorry. You and your family are in my prayers.

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  68. I'm so sorry you lost your Dad. You and your family are in my prayers.

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  69. I am so sorry that you lost your father. I feel your pain. I will keep you in my prayers.

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  70. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. As we get older and our parents depart this life we become more aware of how quick the time we have with them passes. I recall the feeling of being orphaned when my mother passed several years ago. My father died when I was 11 so it was just my mother and I for so long and when she was gone I suddenly realized I'm an orphan now. But I was left with wonderful loving memories to carry be through the rest of my life and grandchildren to help me make new ones. I will keep you in my heart and prayers tonight and think of my own dear parents as I say a special one that you find comfort and help to heal your loss by the love that is shared from family and friends that care deeply for you. Hugs my friend. We don't know each other, other than to say I care and you are a friend.

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  71. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  72. I am so very sorry for your & your family's loss, Maureen! Sending hugs & prayers for you!!

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  73. So sorry for your loss, Maureen. My condolences to the whole Hensel family.

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  74. A Dad's love is special. Praying for strength and comfort for all of you. When you feel the tears coming, let them fall...it helps to let it out.

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  75. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.

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  76. I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad ;( I'm so sorry, and you and your family will be in my prayers :(
    =karrie

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  77. Maureen- my deepest sympathies to you and your family. My father has been gone over 10 years and I still miss his physical presence and sharing all the good times and new people that he has missed. But my memories are still so strong and bring many happy thoughts and smiles. He will always be close in your thoughts and in your loving heart

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  78. Sending you sincere condolences in the loss of your beloved father. May you and your loved ones find yourselves surrounded by the caring support of others at this time. It is always difficult to lose our loved ones- sending you a big cyber hug of comfort. Warmest regards, Anna McCurdy

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  79. He will live on forever in your heart, as my Mum does in mine.

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  80. I am so sorry for your loss, Maureen. I will definitely keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers..

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  81. I am so sorry, Maureen. Those of us who have lost their fathers know what a heavy heart you have now. May the great memories you have of him carry you through the hardest days.

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  82. Hugs during this hardest of times.

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  83. i have had you and your family in my thoughts and heart since i heard your sad news. i don't know what it's like to lose a parent yet, but do know how awful loss can be. sending you much love, maureen.

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  84. I'm so sorry for your loss. You and yours will be in my prayers.

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  85. No matter how expected, the death of a loved one is always a shock. Be kind to yourself, Maureen, and treasure the wonderful memories.

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  86. {{Hugs}} Maureen. :( My dad has passed too and it is an empty spot in my life and heart. Prayers for you and your family. Your drawing is beautiful.

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  87. I am so sorry to hear the news. My heart felt condolences to you. When I lost my Aunt 4 years ago, it was really painful. Having supportive family and friends always helps. At times I that she was happy in heaven that here with all her suffering. My hear goes out to you and your family. That is a beautiful drawing, probably it means something or a signal from your Dad, for you to pick up your drawing again.
    My prayers are with you and your family.
    Hugs,
    Malini

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  88. I feel so deeply sorry for you and your family Maureen. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of reading your father's obituary - he sounds like an amazing man.
    So much of this post feels familiar to me, I threw myself right into my craft too while waiting for the inevitable news of my own Dad's passing. A strange mixture of shock, heartache, relief and numbness filled me when it happened. And 9 months later, I still can't get used to seeing his face on his obituary...feels wrong.

    I'll be thinking of you x

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  89. The word heartbreak sums it all up. I'm so sorry for your loss, but so glad to hear you had a wonderful dad.

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  90. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish there was a magic word or phrase to take the pain away, but unfortunately all there is is time. However much support you have grief is a very personal journey that at times is travelled alone. I know when my dad was/is sick there are times that I find my sewing is a helpful way to process my thoughts. Sometimes mindless sewing is a way to keep my fingers busy so I can think, other times a more intricate project gives my thoughts a break from the pain. You have a gift and a passion to use it, my wish for you is that it helps you on your journey and that you will find peace.

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  91. I'm so sorry for your loss. I find the greatest comfort in grief, though bittersweet, is remembering all the wonderful memories your loved one gave you. And from your words, your father will obviously live on in yourself and your brothers and sisters.

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  92. Maureen, I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a father, especially when that father is a wonderful dad and grandfather. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

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  93. I just read your dad's obituary. What a wonderful guy. I loved the last bit about the golf--my husband having been the club champion a few times as well. God rest your dad's soul and bless his family. Big hugs.

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  94. Aww Maureen, I'm so very sorry. My hugs and prayers are added to the many already here.

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  95. you and your family are in my prayers at such a sad time. so sorry for your loss.

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  96. There are no appropriate words to say..but you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  97. Sincere condolences to you and your family. You are right, there is no way to describe the profound loss of a parent. It changes you.

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  98. what a lovely tribute to your father. I know this pain you speak of and yes, there are no words to describe it. My sincere condolences.

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  99. Maureen you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers...warm hugs to you.

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  100. I'm so sorry to hear this. Peace & blessings to you and your family. {{{hugs}}}

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  101. I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad.

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  102. So sorry for your loss! Loosing a loved one hurts so bad, and to be honest, there is alway a tender spot in your heart as I am sure you well know. I hope you and your family feels some comfort with. The support of family and friends

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  103. So sorry for your loss, Maureen. My prayers are with you and your family. Hugs.

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  104. Sorry for your loss. Peace be with you and your family.

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  105. I'm so sorry Maureen. I lost my mom on June 6, after a long battle with cancer. She too passed peacefully at home, and I know she is better off. The grief is ever present though, and I will miss her and think of her daily as I know you will your Dad.

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  106. May the joy of your memories overcome the shadow of your grief. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

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  107. Maureen, I am so sorry for your loss! You and yours will be in my thoughts...

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  108. 'Gecondoleerd' as we say in Dutch, I'm so sorry for your loss, take all the time you need to grieve but also be glad and proud he was your father.

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  109. Oh Maureen, I am so sorry for your loss....I lost my father 7 years ago and I still miss him...Father's are such special people...my prayers are for you and your family...may you find peace...

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  110. My condolences, Maureen, to you and your loved ones. May God bless you and comfort you.

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  111. I am so sorry for your loss. Your photo of him shows the spirit he had within. May the next few days be filled with wonderful memories between the tears.

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  112. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope time will heal your sorrow.

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  113. i'm so so sorry to read this, Maureen! you are too young to lose a parent - sucks. completely sucks. take care and virtual (((HUGS))) to you.

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  114. Sending hugs and prayers to surround your family.

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  115. Maureen I am so sorry for your loss, what an impact a wonderful parent has on us. God bless you and your family, hugs- xo

    Tanya

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  116. Sometimes there are no words. Only love.

    Take good care of each other. xxx Beth

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  117. Deepest sympathy to you and your family.

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  118. Maureen, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear father. I know you all will deeply miss such a dear man. You're in my thoughts and prayers. I've been in your shoes and know the deep heart sorrow you feel right now. May you all comfort one another in the days to come.

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  119. My heart goes out to you Maureen. I lost my father in 1997 and it still feels like he should be here. It was a quick death and he went at home also which is how he would have wanted it. It takes a while but my mom and I can look back on the good times now and rest in the assurance that we will see him again some day. My prayers are with you and your family.

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  120. I am so sorry for you and your family. I know it will take a long time for the loss to feel less painful. Hang in there and take care of yourself.

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  121. I am so, so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family.

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  122. Sorry to hear about your dad :( I hope you can remember all the good times with him.

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  123. Trust there is a heaven .

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  124. I am so sorry. My father was amazing like that and his death was so painful. I promise it gets better, and in such wonderful ways! Hugs, Debbie

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  125. I'm so sorry. Prayers & hugs for all your family. Your drawing is LOVELY!

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  126. I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Please know that someday you will be with your father again.

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  127. I'm very sad for you Maureen. I know that loss all too well. I still miss my father every day.

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  128. Oh dear lady: I feel so bad for you and your family ..Prayers and blessing are upon you from our family to yours.
    I feel your grief; I have lost both parents, a wonderfully wonderful Grandmother and Grandmother in law. I so miss all of them every day, but cherish the memories of them being alive and youthful.


    My prayers are for you and your family at this time of your life.

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  129. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sad. Sending you a big cyber hug.

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  130. Praying for comfort for you and your family

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  131. With much compassion I express my condolences. Grace and peace Maureen to you and your family.

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  132. Darling Maureen, you are never grown up enough to lose your Dad. You will miss him every day. I'm so glad you had a loving relationship as you will have no regrets about wrongs that can never be righted. Remember all the good bits and the pain will gradually ease.

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  133. Oh this makes me so sad. I lost my dad to ALS back in 2007. So of course I knew his health was steadily declining too. And he passed away at home too, with my mother his constant companion/nurse. She would have it no other way. He is always in my heart, and sometimes I sense him being with me, answering some question I have or just making light of whatever situation I am in. I am sure you will have the same awareness of your dad being near you too. God Bless you and your family.

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  134. I am so sorry for your loss Maureen. Loosing a parent is so difficult and the grief is like no other. Time will heal the pain. Remembering all of the precious moments you spent with him & all of the good qualities that he passed down to you & your siblings is what made you the person you are today. Peace.

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  135. Oh I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounded like a kind and caring man. Remember he will always be with you and your family, loving you, guiding you in ways you may never know or understand. May the memories and love you shared with him carry you forward. May peace be with you and your family.

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  136. Maureen: My deepest condolences to you and your entire family for the loss of your father/grandfather/husband. I read his obituary and he seemed to be so full of life! What an inspiration he must have been to everyone he met. May all the lovely memories you have of your Dad help you at this sad time.

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  137. I am so sorry for loss. You only get one dad. But remember he will always be in your heart.

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  138. Prayers and aloha to your entire family. There is a very special bond between fathers and daughters; I lost my dad when he was only 68 nearly 50 years ago. I cannot express in words how much I miss him still, but I can say I know the grief you are going through. His aloha will be in your heart forever.

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  139. I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

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  140. Nothing I could say would take away the sadness and pain you are feeling right now, but I will hold you in my heart and pray for you and your family in the days ahead xox

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  141. My condolences to you and your family.

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  142. Oh I'm so sorry for your loss :( at times like these I really don't know if anything anyone can say will help but I just hope you guys can get through this...lots and lots of *HUGS

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  143. Very sorry to hear about your father. I don't know you, but love your blog and lost my father 2 years ago. Really I am writing because I wanted to say I did know your Aunt Linda, who was my biology teacher in Greenwich! I almost fell off my chair when I read that in the obituary. She was a great teacher! The world really is small! Your dad sounded like a great person, so all your wonderful memories will help you through this difficult time.

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  144. elizacross2003@yahoo.comJune 19, 2014 at 1:30 AM

    My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your Father, I lost my 67 yr. old husband Dec 23 2012, so feel your loss, I feel blessed I was able to spend 41 years with him. and still think of him contently. Prayers and love to you <3

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  145. I am closing my eyes to hold you in a hug in my mind.

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  146. So sorry for your loss, it's a tough time and my thoughts are with you xx

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  147. I am so sorry for your loss. I will hold you and your family up in prayer for the strength to get through this hard time and that you will be showered with His grace, mercy and peace.

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  148. I'm sorry for your loss, for you & your family. I read your Dad's obituary & he sounds like a wonderful, kind & loving family man. I know from experience that losing your father is a huge & unique experience & I hope that your Dad help you through this difficult period. My thoughts & prayers are with you. X

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  149. praying for you and your family. so sorry for your loss, maureen. xo.

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  150. Maureen, so sorry to hear of the loss of you Dad. I'm thinking of you and your family.
    elsa

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  151. I am so sorry for your loss and sadness!

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  152. You are truly blessed to have such a wonderful father. I am sure he will always be with you. God bless you and your family at this time of deep sorrow.

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  153. So sorry for your loss, Maureen. You're in my thoughts.

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  154. I hope you continue to find comfort in the friends and family around you and the legacy that your father gave you. Sending you all my best wishes as you go through this time.

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  155. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I pray you feel his love surrounding you and lifting you.

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  156. so sorry for your loss, Maureen!

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  157. I am so sorr yfor your loss. I wish you and your family the very best! Greetings from Germany Barbara

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  158. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Take strength from the good memories and fun times you had with your dad.

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  159. Maureen, I just started following you about 2 weeks ago, so I really don't "know" you yet, but I can't let this post go without a comment. I'm SO sorry for your loss. Your father sounded like an exceptional man, and one who will be sorely missed. I'm praying that you'll know God's comfort and feel His strength, especially in the next few days and weeks....
    Jannette

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  160. Oh Maureen I am so very sorry. It is so hard to lose a parent. You think they will live forever! My heart goes out to you and your family. Much love xxx

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  161. I'm sorry for your loss, Maureen. Sending you lots of love from Ireland.

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  162. My deepest sympathy to you. I'm glad you are finding comfort in your memories and art. Take care.

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  163. I feel you pain and the loss of a good man. xox Soul search and let him lead you to continue his love

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  164. So sorry for your loss (((((Hugs)))))

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  165. I am reading these out of order because I am finally getting caught up on e-mails. I am just so sorry for your loss. I can feel the tangible pain in your post and it touches my own heart deeply. There aren't really words that sum up the strangeness and all consuming pain of losing someone that close to your heart and life. Even when you expect it, it seems like you aren't every really ready. Hold close those good memories and I am so very certain that your Dad is already, and still very much, with you. Love you to Maureen.

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  166. So sorry to read this post. My dad's health is also in decline and even though you think you're ready for it I'm sure it still is quite a shock when it happens. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this tough time.

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  167. I'm so sorry for your loss Maureen, you're in my thoughts.

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  168. Dear Maureen,
    I am so sorry about the loss of your father. I had a similar experience with my Mom. Her health was deteriorating due to COPD, but it was still a shock to my when she died. It is over 5 years later and I still miss so very much. Don't believe people when they say time will make it better, it doesn't. I think your just get used to the loss and the grief, but you never "get over it." I think there is something about losing a parent that is like no other loss. For me I felt like I lost my cheerleader and the ONE person who has loved me all my life in spite of my faults. I will pray for you, Maureen. One thing that helps is talking about your loved one, remembering stories, things they said and did. Blessings to you!

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    1. Maureen my thoughts are with you and your family. When there are no words to say there are our thoughts.

      I know we all grieve differently but the things that carried me through when my father passed was my knowledge that he was my biggest cheerleader, he was my first and most positive male role model and taught me to be an upstanding and kind hearted woman, he was with me through my adulthood, he took interest in what I did in life, he will always be a part of who I am.

      Our loved ones and friends who may no longer be with us physically are always with us in heart and thought and are the fabric of our lives.

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  169. Sentimos mucho tu perdida, Ahora sientes mucho dolor, pero el tiempo hara que sea más leve ese dolor y solo recuerdes los maravilloso momentos vividos con su padre maravilloso.
    Un beso muy fuerte para ti y toda tu familia.

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