If you follow his blog, it has been a while since he last posted. Dad had two more trips back to Duke this past spring, one in March and the last in May. His last scan at Duke had some progression, and yet still determined to fight, he opted to take the chemo, for more precious time. You see, his fourth grand baby was on the way, and I think he was waiting for her. Amylia Mary was brought into this world on 6/29 by one of the strongest and most amazing women I know, my sister Jenae. The one thing my Dad always told me is that you can never truly know the love a Daddy has for his little girl. He would say "To have a little girl is the best. It is like all the good and beauty of your loving wife distilled into one little package, without any faults." He was so proud to know that my brother, Chris, would know what that love felt like. And at last, our little football team has a girl!
And so, my Dad passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by his closest Friend, Craig, his loving, devoted wife, and all four of his kids (Chris, Jenae, Keegan and myself (Heather)). To know my Dad, you would know he loved a good laugh and lots of good music. I won't share many details of that afternoon, as it was happy and beautiful and special to those he wanted to share it with and we will keep those memories close in our hearts. For those of you who know him, he left this world wearing his Rogue Dead Guy T-shirt (Get it? "Dead man walking" he said with a chuckle...), Seahawks Champions Hat on, listening to Van Morrison. I am proud to say his last words to us were "I love you all. I love you." and with that he let go.
I want to say that my Dad's sole focus in life was on giving us (and many others) love and stability and that is what we had till the end with him and still have with each other.
Mom, you are stronger than you know. Breathe in, Breathe out and look for the hummingbird. He is with us and I love you.
Jenae, my cancer partner in crime, we did it! We took good care of him and the strength of love I have for you has no bounds and no words. I will forever be grateful for the love you show our family. Thank you, I love you.
Keegan, my Dad told me how thankful he was for your love and strength. He loved playing guitar with you, watching the Hawks win (and lose, but we won't go there), and cooking shrimp on the barbee on Sundays. My love for you is deep and endless.
Chris, we lost our best friend. This hurts, it's real but its real good too, he would want us to remember that. How lucky are we to have had this man raise us and see our babies come into this world? He may not be sitting in his chair but we are part of him and he will forever be part of us. I love you.
For Poppa's babies Brogan Lyden, Kesten Daye, Nolan James and Amylia Mary, your Poppa loved you! Oh how he loved you! He wrote this blog for you so that you would remember and know him. Remember and know to Be Kind, Be Open and Giving, Be Brave and Thoughtful! Work Hard! Smile, Laugh often and Love Deeply! Share a Good Meal. Listen to Good Music and Dance!
Let me please also say the outpouring of love from so many different people who knew my Dad is really just amazing. He loved big, wide and great, our Big Poppa. All those who have reached out and shared their good times are showing us just how big his love was. Thank you for that and all of your love and support!
So, now what? My Dad has donated his "Abby-Normal" brain (Young Frankenstein...Craig, get it?) to the tumor researchers at Duke, so we will send part of him back one more time, in great hopes that they may find a cure or it will help someone else along the way. And, well I think... we remember him the best way we can... with a great Irish Wake! We will have a Wake on 7/23 in Issaquah. Please send pictures and memories to "skipsmemorial98027@gmail.com".
My Dad would want us to laugh, love, hug each other and remember the good times with good music. Let's do that!
All my life's a circle, sunrise and sundown
The moon rolls through the nighttime, till the daybreak comes around
All my life's a circle but I can't tell you why
The season's spinnin' round again the years keep rollin' by
It seems like I've been here before, I can't remember when
But I got this funny feelin' that I'll be back once again
There's no straight lines make up my life and all my roads have bends
There's no clear-cut beginnings and so far no dead-ends
I found you a thousand times I guess you've done the same
But then we lose each other it's just like a children's game
But as I see you here again, a thought runs through my mind
Our love is like a circle, let's go 'round one more time
All my life's a circle, sunrise and sundown
The moon rolls through the nighttime, till the daybreak comes around
All my life's a circle but I can't tell you why
The season's spinnin' round again, the years keep rollin' by
Oh all my life's a circle, sunrise and sundown
The moon rolls throught the nighttime till the daybreak comes around
All my life's a circle but I can't tell you why
The season's spinnin' round again, the years keep rollin' by
- Harry Chapin
