My Absence

I feel the need to explain why I haven’t posted for several weeks. Last month my most excellent father died. Although there is a hole in my heart the size of the Sahara, I am extremely grateful that he got to die on his terms — in his own home, without pain, and surrounded by his family.

In the last days I took a couple of photos that speak volumes to me. In the first, he’s dozing in his favorite chair listening to classical music with his faithful cat Lily in his lap. Of course he’s wearing the sweater I knitted for him back in 1980! The second photo shows his attachment to Lily, the world’s most loyal cat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have inherited Lily and we’re getting accustomed to one another. She brings me lots of comfort. Be sure to hug someone you love today.

29 thoughts on “My Absence”

  1. I am so, so sorry for your loss, Ann. May you and Lily have wonderful memories of your dad for years to come.

  2. It is such a blessing that your Dad was able to stay in his home until the end. I hope that will bring you comfort and peace in the coming years. So many elders do not have that choice. My condolences to you and your family. (hugs)

  3. My condolences about your father. May his memory a blessing, and may Lily continue to be a comfort. She and your Dad both look like lovely people.

  4. I’m sorry for your loss, Ann. I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort.

  5. Ann,

    So sorry to hear about your loss but very glad you had the time to spend with him and that you and Lily will comfort each other. I went through this last year with my father and having his beloved dog able to visit with him in hospice was wonderful. Sorry I will be missing your classes at Halcyon this time around but will catch you next time you make it to Maine!

  6. So sorry for your loss Ann. Thank you for taking such good care of Lily. Too many times they are left behind grieving for the ones they love. May you find comfort in each other.

  7. I am so sorry for your loss, I lost my Mam at Christmas & she too chose her time to go before the nasty came. I hope you enjoy a long relationship with Lily

  8. I am so sorry for your loss Ann. May both the wonderful memories of your Dad and sweet Lily bring you comfort during this difficult time.

  9. I’m so sorry, Ann. What beautiful photos of your dad and Lily. Comfort and hugs from your knitting friends.

  10. I’m so sorry, Ann. We lost my dad very suddenly (head trauma) a few years ago, and although we’ve gotten used to the new normal, so to speak, not a day goes by when I don’t have something I wish I could tell him about his grandkids or my job (he was a doctor like me) or whatever the heck is going on in the world. I’m glad for you and him that your father was able to be without pain and at home.

  11. He looks and sounds like a wonderful dad. Life cannot ever be the same without him, but do try to treasure all the memories you have. And the kitty!

  12. Sally Summerfield

    I don’t k ow you except from your writings but I offer my condolences. You captured perfect photos of the specialness of his last days. Peace & comfort, Sally

  13. It’s a gift to be able to die in familiar surroundings enveloped in the love provided there; albeit graced by family and pets. Thanks to Hospice coming to the home these days we have more choices than when it was time to let my parents go.
    May you find comfort in your beautiful memories, your dad’s precious cat and your knitting and all the connections you’ve made there. Roxanne

  14. My sincerest condolences on the loss of your father, and your mother so recently too. I hope having Lily to love and care for will bring you comfort.

  15. So sorry to hear about your father. You have my sympathy and will be in my thoughts.

    But, what a lovely thing you did by taking Lily! She will be forever grateful to have you, as animals mourn their companions, too. Hopefully, she will brighten your life as you did hers.

  16. Sorry to hear you lost your father. Glad he could go on his terms. Give Lily a hug for me. I adopted my aunt’s cat last year in a similar situation.

  17. So sorry for your loss. I lost my father in 1973 and still miss him every day. The father/daughter bond is very special.

  18. So sorry for your loss. I lost my father in 1973 and still miss him every day. The father/daughter bond is very special.

  19. I am sorry for your loss. I am glad you had the opportunity to spend time with your father.

  20. My condolences. I agree eith comments shared here. It seems like you have many wonderful memories of your dad.

    Bless you

    Ejr01

    Liz

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