It's hard to believe, but this week will mark a year since my sweet Dad went to be with the Lord.
I marked it in weeks, then months and now a whole year.
Last month would have been his 93rd birthday and photos popped up in my memories.
This was March of 2023, we were out with the family celebrating Dad's birthday. He had a great time and ate steak and lobster.
Dad and I on April 1, 2023. We had gone out to finish his taxes and stopped to get his favorite malt. He was getting much weaker and we were seeing the decline, but never thought that 3 days later he would be gone.
He was the best dad, and a blessing to many. I miss him, but I know he's in perfect health, with his Lord.
We had to clean out the house and sort through pictures. Here's one of Dad and Mom that we found that would have been taken in the early 70's when we still lived on the farm. This rooster used to follow Dad and ride on his shoulder. No, we didn't usually let the farm animals in the house - but Dad did love to tease Mom and that's probably why he came into the back entry with this rooster. I can almost hear her -"Elmer - get that rooster back outside!" And he would laugh!
This is the house my parents built in 1974 and Dad lived in until he passed away. We got it emptied, cleaned and sold, a bittersweet moment.There have been many changes over the last year, most served to remind me of how much I have to be thankful for in having the parents God blessed me with!
Elmer DeWeerd
March 11, 1931 - April 4, 2023
That's a real rooster! Your Dad sounds so loving and like so much fun. It never gets easier, we just learn to deal with it better. This is a great tribute to him!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all you look like your dad especially around the eyes. Your dad sounds like a good guy - and funny too to bring the rooster into the house to tease your mom. Fun photo memory. My dad passed at the young age of 74 in 2007 and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him. I miss him so much. Beautiful tribute. Thanks for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteThese are fine words in memory of your Dad!
ReplyDeleteYour parents lived in a very beautiful house, and sleep their eternal sleep in a beautiful cemetery.
Great photos to remember about your Dad!
I remembered your post about spending the last days with him. It is so good that you look after your loved ones well. A memory to treasure for a life time.
ReplyDeleteAlready one year. You make me think of my mother already 10 months she is gone. It’s a nice tribute to your father and the cemetery picture with the sunset is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAwww...what a sweet tribute.
ReplyDeleteI miss my folks everyday.
hugs
Donna
These are the hard anniversaries so very sorry
ReplyDeletecathy
UGH I cannot BELIEVE it has already been a year since your dad went to heaven! The years just melt away like butter in the sun. Soon we will see him again, and all of our loved ones who trusted Christ and passed on to live with Him in glory. That picture with the rooster, hahaha I never realized how much you look exactly like your lovely mother! And I said it before but I'll say it again -- I wish I could have bought that house they built in 1974! That is my kind of place. I hope the new owners are happy there. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHugs, Mari, it's too sad. What a blessing to have had such good parents, it's so hard to lose them though.
ReplyDeleteHugs
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Father God blessed you with. Our world would be so much better if there were many more fathers like yours. I want you to know that I remember what you posted about your dad never missing a Sunday of church, and whenever I feel tired and want to "skip" a week, I remember that and think that I want my kids to some day remember that I was in church every Sunday because taking time for God is so important. Your dad is a good example to me, even now, and I never even met him! God bless you at this tender time for your family.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe it's been a year. I always enjoyed your posts about your dad and Anne. I know you miss him dearly.
ReplyDeleteA sweet remembrance. I, too, was blessed with a wonderful dad who's been with the Lord since 1981. Someday . . . we'll be with them. Blessings on your week.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely memories and photos you have shared of your dear Dad today, Mari. I want you to know that I'm thinking of you on this first anniversary. It is so hard to lose the ones who were such an important part of our lives.
ReplyDeleteThe snapshot of the rooster on your dad's shoulder is so special!! May the Lord's comfort continue to bless you as you look on these memories.
ReplyDeleteHard to believe that it's been year already.
ReplyDeleteNice memories.
I can't believe my dad died back in 1999.
It sounds like he was a wonderful person and a great parent to you. That is such a blessing that so many don't receive. None of us can live forever, but it is hard to let loved ones go.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun picture and story about your parents!!! I can see the resemblance of you sisters to your mother.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to have that photo of your folks with the chicken on Dad's shoulder!! What a great memory. The time does go quickly, Mari. It makes me dizzy sometimes just thinking about it. I lost my dad 35 years ago and I can still hear his voice in my heart. That's what love is all about, I think. xo
ReplyDeleteWe had a busy day yesterday (Tuesday) and I'm just getting around to catching up on blog reading from yesterday. This one brought tears to my eyes. Your dad was such a blessing to those of us who follow you here on the blog. The physical difference between the photos from March 2023 and April 2023 definitely showed his decline. Thank you for sharing the pictures with us, my friend. I enjoyed seeing a picture of your mom...you definitely favor her in your appearance. And how fun that he would tease her with bringing the rooster indoors. Sounds like something my father-in-law would have done to my mother-in-law. I'm so thankful that your dad is whole now. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a loving tribute to your sweet Dad! Yes, no doubt he is sharing funny stories with your Mom in heaven. ;) Love the rooster pic btw! Even though we know they are in a place more wonderful than we can imagine...it doesn't mean we miss them any less.
ReplyDeleteBiggest hugs xoxo
What a great picture of your parents...and with a rooster! SO funny. Sounds like you had a lot of fun with them. Thinking of you this week, anniversaries are always hard. Sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures pf your mom and dad. Too funny about the rooster. Your dad might not be here any longer, but you will always have his memories. I lost my dad 30 years ago now, and it still is hard at times.Janice
ReplyDeleteA very nice tribute.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan