26 Comments
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Suzy Turner's avatar

Catherine, I can't even imagine how you feel. I'm so very sorry for your loss, but I'm glad that your dad's passing was a peaceful one. I don't know if you're a spiritual person, but I am a firm believer that he has returned 'home' and that you will see him again. Much love to you and your family xxx

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Michelle Springer's avatar

Oh Catherine... I know that I've said this before, but I am glad that your Dad's passing was peaceful. I remember the hospital vigil that my sister, her bestie, my brother in law and I had at my Mom's bedside- we played Hawaiian music to remind her of the place that she spent most of her life and told her that we'd be ok. I even remember her looking at me when I laughed- she may have not remembered a lot (she had dementia as well), but she remembered that she hated my laugh! ;) I'm still sending you all the hugs and thank you for writing about him. x

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Danish Pastry's avatar

So sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was a wonderful father.

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Lizzie Swift's avatar

I feel for your loss, Catherine, and the ongoing loss of dementia too. Sending love. Your dad was a wonderful man, I enjoyed reading about him x

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Catherine Summers's avatar

Thanks lovely Lizzie... it's been a long road but he's finally at peace, I'm so grateful that I had such a lovely dad x

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Jo's avatar

Even the expected and stress free death leaves a big hole. Im so glad you got to do all the things with your Dad and Mum to support them. Look forward to your book.

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Catherine Summers's avatar

Oh Jo you're right - there is a huge hole and it's hard with him not there. Thank you so much, and watch this space for the book x

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Michelle's avatar

Catherine, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is one of the most painful things we can experience. Your tribute to him was beautiful, and you can see how much love there is between you in those lovely photos.

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Catherine Summers's avatar

That's so kind of you, thanks Michelle xx

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Patrick Weseman's avatar

Sorry for your loss and sending prayers to your family. What an amazing man your father was. He raised a great daughter.

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Catherine Summers's avatar

Thank you Patrick, how kind of you to say x

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Sanja Van Huet's avatar

Love shines through this. Thank you for sharing with us.

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Catherine Summers's avatar

That’s so kind of you to say, thanks Sanja x

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Nicholas Denbow's avatar

Written beautifully: totally sympathise. Best wishes

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Nicholas Denbow's avatar

Written beautifully: totally sympathise. Best wishes

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Nicholas Denbow's avatar

Written beautifully: totally sympathise. Best wishes

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Catherine Summers's avatar

Thank you Nicholas so much 😊

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Amber Eve's avatar

Oh, Catherine, I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss - my heart just sank when I saw the title of your post. Your dad sounds absolutely wonderful, and it's been clear from your writing about him how close you were - sending you lots of love as you navigate this difficult time xxx

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Catherine Summers's avatar

Bless you, Amber, thank you… I’m so sorry I haven’t commented on your posts: I’m SO happy for you and your fabulous book news, massive congratulations! I’m getting used to a new routine now that we’re not running round after Dad anymore… it’ll take a while as life is quite different. I hope to get back to talking to you asap xx

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Amber Eve's avatar

Always here when you need a chat! xx

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Debbie Jarman's avatar

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad but I am relieved to hear he went peacefully and pain free. That is the best you can hope for when losing anyone, but obviously so hard and painful for those left behind - Thinking of you and your mum, and all your family.

Lots of love

Debbie xx

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Catherine Summers's avatar

Thanks Debbie, so much. It is a strange thing to say that I’m glad about how it happened, but I’m forever grateful for the circumstances. We can concentrate on looking after Mum now ❤️

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Lisa Lennkh's avatar

Catherine you are so lucky to have had such an amazing father. Your love and gratitude for him will never die. I truly believe that energy lives forever. Hugs and love to you and your family. You're an amazing human and daughter. Love you!

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Catherine Summers's avatar

Lisa thank you... as you know it gets very hard the last few months. I've been 'prepared' for him leaving us for so long but you just get left with sadness. A new state to get used to, but as you say he was amazing and I'm forever grateful to him. Much love to you too x

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Lisa Barrett's avatar

Hi Catherine. I just wrote a long comment and accidently deleted it - and now I'm to see my mum and dad. So I will quickly recap and say thank you for sharing this post so honestly and openly - your dad sounds so wonderful. I hope your mum is ok without him? This is what worries me most with mine - 86 and 84, as they've been the two of them for so many years. I'm glad your mum has family support. Also was saying, I'm the baby of the siblings (at 57!) and most of my parents appointments and care (when they need it) lands on me - but I don't mind. I'm happy they are with us. Just wanted to pop by and say sorry for your loss and send you big hugs. Love, Lisa xx

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Catherine Summers's avatar

Aww Lisa that's so kind of you, thank you! Your situation sounds so similar to mine. My mum is okay... I think it's harder now than it was the first few weeks as she's having to get used to life without him. The funeral arrangements and all the affairs that had to be put into order took up a lot of time, so now that stuff has eased off I think she's struggling a little bit. But we're keeping her busy with visits and trips out several times a week which is good. Hard to know how she'll cope going forward though, I just hope she stays positive.

Anyway thank you, I wish you all the best with your own parents xx

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