A year ago today, I whispered goodbye to this man and promised him I'd help keep an eye on his beloved wife.

 

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It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by without him…until I stop and think of all that has happened in that time. So many changes.

Much happiness and laughter, but also much heartache, heartbreak, and many, many tears. 

So for today's Five Things on Friday, I'm sharing five things about Pop:

1. I can still hear his voice. I'm grateful for that.

2. When he picked me and Tom up from the airport years ago, he always had a couple of cold beers waiting in the car for us. Later, Pop and I both switched to wine about the same time, and he was quick to offer me a glass as soon as we arrived for a visit. Cheers, Pop.

3. His eyes twinkled more than anyone else's I've ever known. He was such a flirt!

4. Nothing got my husband moving on finishing projects around the house more than an impending visit from his dad. And if there was something he couldn't get to in time, Pop would take care of it.

5. He never let anything keep him from going to Mass each week. 

I love and miss you, Pop! I give thanks that you were in my life and honored to be among your daughters. 

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. 

~Clarence Budington Kelland

 

 

 

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16 responses to “It’s been a year. And what a year.”

  1. Pete Grassow Avatar

    Hey B: thanks for this. I said goodbye to my Dad today.

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  2. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm so sorry, Pete. You're in my prayers. I know this has been a tough week for you.
     

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  3. LaTonya Avatar

    Beautiful tribute.

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  4. beth Avatar

    what a great tribute on the anniversary of his first year as an angel….
    you are a blessing and there’s no doubt he truly knew that !!
    xo

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  5. Tabor Avatar
  6. Jennifer Richardson Avatar

    it’s a beautiful love you still carry in your heart
    for him
    …I love when people love
    specific like that:)
    thanks for sharing,
    Jennifer

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  7. lisleman Avatar

    I like the quote you left at the end. Very nice that you shared your fun memories of him with us. I like number 4. I don’t think my kids feel that when I visit but I don’t really know.

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  8. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    He must have been delightful to know–it comes through in the photograph.

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  9. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Oh, he was definitely a delight.

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  10. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I think that says more about my husband than his dad! lol
     

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  11. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    There are tons more specifics to love about him, of course. I need to write them all down before I forget.
     

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  12. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I think he considered me a blessing. I hope so! I for sure considered him one.
     

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  13. Hilary Avatar

    Beautiful tribute to a lovely man. Hugs to you, Barbara.

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  14. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks, Hilary. It's amazing how fast a year can pass…and the loss doesn't get easier.
     

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