Monday, September 28, 2009

Saying goodbye



The funeral was beautiful and having the support and love from all my Family and many friends, helped us through the day.

When we arrived for the Funeral Service, sitting on the grass were two white doves.
The symbol of love, peace, and purity immediately helped to make me feel calm and composed.



The heavens opened up when we were standing at the graveside.
It felt so good with the raindrops falling down and hid the tears that welled up in my eyes.
With the rain falling, reminded me of how life giving and cleansing it is.

Driving back home there was an amazing rainbow across the sky.
One of the beauties of Nature that I love to see.

So as much as it was a very sad day, was a lovely one because we could remember the precious memories we have of my dear Father.

Thank you again, for the kind words of comfort, you left for me.
You will never know how much it means to have such wonderful support from you all.
I truly appreciate all who read my blog and I am looking forward to coming to visit your blogs and I love to see what you have to share. Thank you my wonderful friends, you all are the best.

Hugs
Carolyn xo
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54 comments:

  1. Marsha @ Tattered ChickSeptember 28, 2009 at 10:55 AM

    Dearest Carolyn,

    I am hugging you as I type this.

    Much love,
    Marsha

    ReplyDelete
  2. Draffin BearsSeptember 28, 2009 at 11:01 AM

    Thank you so much Marsha, I appreciate your friendship so much.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  3. Draffin BearsSeptember 28, 2009 at 11:04 AM

    Marsha, I just saw the tiara on your Avatar photo, very pretty and regal!

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  4. RosemarySeptember 28, 2009 at 11:35 AM

    Love to you Carolyn!
    Hugs!!
    Rosemary

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownSeptember 28, 2009 at 11:40 AM

    Dearest, dearest...

    Your wonderful dad is forever with you...

    Look in the air...hear the sound...filling your heart and all, all hi smells!!!

    ...his memory is in your soul ... forever!!!

    KISSES a lot!!! Your friend...NI from Italy

    ReplyDelete
  6. CaroleSeptember 28, 2009 at 11:49 AM

    Carolyn,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I know you knew it was coming but that doesn't always make it any easier. Though we are all so far from you I hope you know how much we care and wish we could be there in person to give you a shoulder to cry on. I hope this little bit of cyber comfort helps in the days ahead.
    Hugs and peace!
    Carole

    ReplyDelete
  7. BellaRosaSeptember 28, 2009 at 11:51 AM

    Carolyn, I am so happy that this is such a lovely memory for you to look back on. That is a wonderful picture of your Dad. The picture of your mom and dad together is just gorgeous...I wish we had more like that of my mom and dad together, but one was always busy while pictures we being taken :) Take care sweetie and I have been thinking of you all this time, hoping that you and your loved ones are all rallying around each other for love and strength. Take care, Rose

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  8. Draffin BearsSeptember 28, 2009 at 12:16 PM

    Thank you Rosemary, I appreciate your friendship.

    Dearest Ni,

    So lovely to have friends all around the world and I am so lucky having a friend from Italy. Thank you for always been so kind and sweet.

    Dear Carole,

    The kindness from my friends has brought so much comfort to me at this time. Thank you so much.

    Dear Rose,

    The photo was taken in January at their first, Grandchild's , wedding, so that was such a special time for us all.
    Many thanks for your kind thoughts and comfort that you have given me, means such a lot, to have a friend like you.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Victorian ParlorSeptember 28, 2009 at 1:40 PM

    Carolyn,

    My heart is heavy over your loss.

    Blessings,

    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  10. LisaSeptember 28, 2009 at 2:13 PM

    I am glad it was nice and I hope you are having an easier time now.
    Hugs, Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  11. debra@dustjacketSeptember 28, 2009 at 2:15 PM

    Oh I cannot help but think of my own father when I looked at your darling father. I'm so sad for you and know that I'll have to cross that bridge one day too.

    Big hugs to you my friend,
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jessica RodarteSeptember 28, 2009 at 2:35 PM

    Many hugs to you, Carolyn.

    ReplyDelete
  13. MillieSeptember 28, 2009 at 3:05 PM

    You have been very much in my thoughts these past days dear Carolyn. How wonderful to see the rainbow on your way home. A true reminder of the joyous & happy life your Dad lived. These are the most difficult of days, so be kind & gentle with yourself.
    Millie ^_^

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  14. Draffin BearsSeptember 28, 2009 at 3:18 PM

    Thank you very much Kim.

    Many thanks Lisa, they say that with time that the pain will lessen.

    Hi DJ,

    I am thankful that I have had my Dad for so long, he lived a good long life but it does not make it any easier.

    Thank you Lisa and hugs to you.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  15. Draffin BearsSeptember 28, 2009 at 3:26 PM

    Thanks Millie ~ for your love and support. This has helped a lot with coming to terms with the loss of my Dad.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  16. Happy To Be/ Gl♥riaSeptember 28, 2009 at 3:36 PM

    Oh Carolyn I'm so sorry for your lost my friend...Prayers are coming your way for you and your family...What a beautiful post you did girl...how special was the rainbow and the doves WOW!! Like God just knew....May you have a great week girl...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

    ReplyDelete
  17. JuneSeptember 28, 2009 at 3:48 PM

    Hello Carolyn,
    It sounds like the day was full of lovely signs that all is well with your dear father. The pictures of him are so sweet. I'm sending you a big hug tonight.
    June

    ReplyDelete
  18. Draffin BearsSeptember 28, 2009 at 3:50 PM

    Thank you very much Gloria.
    The day seemed to be surreal and amazing the strength and support that
    helped my family get through the day.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  19. Draffin BearsSeptember 28, 2009 at 3:55 PM

    Many thanks June, your hugs and support has been wonderful and I am so lucky to have you as a friend.
    I have to pinch myself for all the caring and lovely people I have met here, through my blog.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  20. NancySeptember 28, 2009 at 4:24 PM

    Hi Carolyn...

    What a lovely couple! Such sweet and gentle faces.
    I am so glad that you feel you can celebrate the happiness he brought to you...

    Much love,
    Hugs, Nancy

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  21. DoloresSeptember 28, 2009 at 4:39 PM

    God certainly does work in mysterious ways. Rain and then a rainbow. I do hope your mom is doing OK.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Draffin BearsSeptember 28, 2009 at 5:04 PM

    Thank you Nancy, they were such a sweet and gentle couple and it is neat to be able to celebrate the happy times we had as a Family.

    Many thanks Dolores.
    Mum is bearing up really well and I think that she is happy that he no longer has any suffering.
    She was very brave and strong at the funeral.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  23. C. JoyBell C.September 28, 2009 at 5:52 PM

    Thank you, always, for your comments on my writings, which are always appreciated. We have been devastated over here by the fury of typhoon Ondoy. Our flood gates on the cliff where we live were broken by the marikina river below, and we have to sit and wait now for a new typhoon set to hit in 2-3 days. All the people on the other side of the river, they are just all gone right now...its just too devastating...

    Smile, Carolyn...your daddy sent you a rainbow from heaven to paint the sky above you...so you'd smile... :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownSeptember 28, 2009 at 6:20 PM

    Carolyn,
    Big (((Hugs))) to you! I've heard it said once that "funerals are for the living". I believe someone told me this on the day of my Mother's funeral (years ago) when I mentioned how it was odd that it was such a nice day. A friend pointed out something similar that you had said about the comfort of family and friends...anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I am glad it was a nice experience.
    May you have God's comfort and blessings during this difficult time.
    That is neat about the doves on the lawn. I believe God sometimes 'sends' us little gifts like that to touch our hearts.

    ~TattingChic ♥

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  25. lapousmorSeptember 28, 2009 at 8:01 PM

    Dear Carolyn,
    I am sorry I am not good at finding the right words to comfort you.
    So I will just send you and your familly lots of hugs.
    You are all in my thoughts.

    Lots of love,
    Sophie.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Amanda (Small Acorns)September 28, 2009 at 8:11 PM

    I have been thinking of you Carolyn, and wondering how you're doing. Your Dad's funeral looks to have been very special. Amazing how those little 'signs' of nature appeared to help you. Take care!
    Amanda xx

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  27. Draffin BearsSeptember 28, 2009 at 9:17 PM

    Thank you for visiting Charity.
    Sorry to hear that you have been devastated by the fury of a typhoon.
    that is terrible and I hope that you stay safe and away from the danger.
    Take care and I will be hoping for safety for you.

    Many thanks for your kind words,
    TattingChic.
    There did seem to be signs and gifts to help us through the sad and difficult times.

    Dear Sophie,

    You thoughts and hugs are lovely, thank you very much.

    Hi Amanda,

    Thank you for your kindness and yes, the little signs of nature, were really special.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  28. TammySeptember 29, 2009 at 1:03 AM

    Oh Carolyn, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Losing a parent is so very hard I know. My heart goes out to you and your family. Hang onto the fond memories.

    Hugs & Blessings , Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  29. TrouvaisSeptember 29, 2009 at 3:32 AM

    Love the pictures...especially your parents together. Lifelong happiness in a single photo. Thanks for sharing with us. Hugs, Trish

    ReplyDelete
  30. A Fanciful LifeSeptember 29, 2009 at 4:14 AM

    Carolyn,

    That was a wonderful post about this sad day. What a lovely photo of your dad and mom. I find it so hopeful that on this day you saw the white doves and the rainbow in the sky. It makes me feel like your dad was letting you know he was there with you. I'm so sorry for your family - please accept my sympathies. Wishing you a good day and each one a little better.
    Warmly,
    Sharon :-)

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  31. SusanSeptember 29, 2009 at 5:55 AM

    thinking about you and your daddy right now... lots of love to you, dearest Carolyn!
    hugs

    ReplyDelete
  32. Merci-NotesSeptember 29, 2009 at 6:18 AM

    Oh Carolyn,
    I am thankful of such beautiful moments of grace you were shown on this day, the two doves and the beautiful rainbow, along with such wonderful memories.
    I so love the photo of your Mom and Dad.
    Hugs,
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  33. ~Lavender Dreamer~September 29, 2009 at 6:23 AM

    What a beautiful tribute to your precious Father. I can't get over the rainbow. What a beautiful sign for you to remember always! I lost my Dad 5 years ago and I still miss him.

    ReplyDelete
  34. rochambeauSeptember 29, 2009 at 6:38 AM

    Dear Carolyn,
    I'm so sorry to hear about your Papa!
    It is such a surreal experience to loose a parent. I will be thinking and praying for your family.
    With love,
    Constance

    ReplyDelete
  35. Draffin BearsSeptember 29, 2009 at 7:54 AM

    Hi Tammy,

    Many thanks for visiting and the fond memories we have, are special.
    Losing a parent is hard as they have always been there for us.

    Thank you very much Trish.
    I think that is what I will miss so much as they always did everything together and were so happy.

    Hi Sharon,

    I feel that my Dad was letting me know that he was near and the signs that were evident on the day, were lovely.

    Dear Susan,

    You are so kind.
    Thanks so much and having friends like you all here, has helped me hugely.

    Many thanks Mary, your kind words mean so much to me.

    Hi Diane,

    So sorry you lost your Dad 5 years ago and I know you must still miss him. Fathers play such a big part in all our lives.

    Dear Constance,

    It does seem a surreal experience as you always think that they are going to be there.
    Many thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownSeptember 29, 2009 at 8:32 AM

    Oh Carolyn, I hope you are finding some peace and healing...such a tough time in you life! I think it is so special to have that rainbow the day of the funeral - and the doves too! Those little things that bring you comfort as God let's you know that things will be alright, with some time and healing.

    Blessings,

    T

    ReplyDelete
  37. Southern BearsSeptember 29, 2009 at 9:01 AM

    Dear Carolyn

    My sincerest condolences to you and your family and family friends. Having lost both my parents some years ago, I know that this is not an easy time for you. Know that he will always be with you in spirit.

    Lots of love and hugs
    Pat xx

    ReplyDelete
  38. RostroseSeptember 29, 2009 at 9:09 AM

    I just read about your dad. I'm with you! My dad died two years ago. He war old (82), but his death came suddenly. It was hard to understand, and first time it was very sad. But my dad never was a sad man - he loved to laugh and I was sure he didn't want us to cry. So I started a creative work after his death. Perhaps you are interested in it? It helped me and my family to say good bye and to remember his life, his humour in a very positive way: I created a foto-book, using old pictures and dads "mountaineering-&-journey-diary". (You can see it on my blog: http://rostrose.blogspot.com/2009/09/das-buch-meines-vaters-teil-ii.html )
    To work on this book was some kind of celebrating his life. It helped, because I could smile again...
    Warm Autumn-Hugs from Austria,
    Traude

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  39. Martha's FavoritesSeptember 29, 2009 at 4:51 PM

    Hi: I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I pray for comfort to you and your family. Isn't wonderful that God gave you a rainbow? He put His promise in the rainbow. Blessings, Martha

    ReplyDelete
  40. TaraSeptember 29, 2009 at 6:11 PM

    I am, once again so sorry for your loss. I'm glad your Dad is free from the pain of cancer at last. I sure your Dad is still with you in spirit and smiling down, wondering about these crazy blogger ladies that have come to comfort a fellow blogette in her time of need. Bless you and take care.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Draffin BearsSeptember 30, 2009 at 8:02 AM

    Thank you so much for your kind words Tracey. It gives me comfort to know that I have such wonderful friends like you all.

    Dear Pat,

    Sorry that you lost both your Parents, and it is hard to say goodbye to them. Thanks for your kind words.

    Dear Traude,

    Many thanks for visiting and your very kind words.
    Sorry to hear that your Dad died suddenly ~ it must have been so hard for your family.
    I will go and check out your blog and book - thank you.
    For my Mothers last birthday we made a big book with photos and letters and poems from all the family and friends. It is so lovely and will give my Mother some beautiful things to look back on.

    Thank you dear Martha, you are so kind to visit and yes, the rainbow was a lovely sign.

    thank you Sares, my blogging friends have been such a comfort at this time.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  42. Sixpence and A Blue MoonSeptember 30, 2009 at 1:52 PM

    Bless your heart! I know what you are going through, it is hard! My dad passed away in 86, my mom last year. I don't think we will ever miss them less, but we do learn to live without their physical presence knowing their spirit will live on through us and our children and their children. I am sure your dad was a wonderful, loving man and father, it is easy to see, you being such a lovely, wonderful person.

    I am so sorry for what you are going through, but the sting becomes less venomous as time goes by.

    Sending you big, warm hugs!

    Thank you for the lovely comment you left on my blog, it was very comforting to read. I appreciate it so very much.

    xoxox

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  43. ReneeSeptember 30, 2009 at 2:56 PM

    Oh Carolyn I am so sorry to hear that your dear Dad has passed. But he has just passed from this earthly existence and I am sure that you will see him again in the day beyond days.

    Love Renee xoxo

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  44. Draffin BearsSeptember 30, 2009 at 3:14 PM

    Hi Sixpence,

    Sorry to hear about your Dad and Mum both passing.
    They say that with time that things get easier, and this is a comforting thought.
    It is hard and you just miss all the little things about them.
    My Dad just learned to use a computer about 5 years ago and just loved to email me and tell me all their news.
    I will miss this.

    Sending hugs and love
    Carolyn

    ps. I loved seeing your adorable puppies and Mother, how darling they all are.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Draffin BearsSeptember 30, 2009 at 3:24 PM

    Hi Renee,

    thanks for visiting and yes, we can find comfort in knowing this.
    My thoughts are with you, Jacquie and your family.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  46. UnknownSeptember 30, 2009 at 3:44 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss Carolyn....I feel so bad that I was so busy these last few days and have missed your posts....

    I hope you and your family know that you are in our thoughts and prayers....and may you all find strength together to get through this....

    Hugs
    Diana

    ReplyDelete
  47. Draffin BearsSeptember 30, 2009 at 5:29 PM

    Thank you very much Diana.
    Your thoughts and prayers are so lovely and I have found such comfort from my dear blog friends.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  48. Tracie~MyPetiteMaisonOctober 1, 2009 at 6:08 AM

    Dear Carolyn,
    I am so sorry to hear the news of your dear father's passing. I was touched by your telling of the white doves and the rainbow at and after the service. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know how hard this time is and hope you are able to celebrate the wonderful times you shared with one another.
    xo~Tracie

    ReplyDelete
  49. Bella SinclairOctober 1, 2009 at 10:19 AM

    Oh, Carolyn. It couldn't have been a more perfect celebration of your dear father, the doves, the raindrops, the glorious rainbow. Signs from heaven.

    Hugs to you, dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Draffin BearsOctober 1, 2009 at 11:03 AM

    Dear Tracie,

    Many thanks for your kind words.
    It is so lovely to be able to celebrate the happy memories we shared.
    Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

    Dear Bella,

    The day was surreal and the signs from heaven were perfect and I will always remember this special day.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  51. Celestina MarieOctober 1, 2009 at 11:36 AM

    Dear Carolyn,
    Heartfelt and warm hugs come your way dear friend. The day you describe is surely one to remember of a beautiful spirit in your dear Father. Bless the memories you have forever.

    Love to you, Celestina Marie

    ReplyDelete
  52. Draffin BearsOctober 1, 2009 at 12:30 PM

    Dear Celestina Marie,

    The day was beautiful and thank you for your hugs and kindness.
    It is wonderful to have a lovely friend like you. Many thanks.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  53. The French BearOctober 3, 2009 at 4:08 PM

    Carolyn, my sympathies to you and your family. I was away from my blog the last few days, so I am a little late in sending you my message.
    I am happy you have good memories and good friends to help ease the pain!
    Big hugs,
    Margaret B

    ReplyDelete
  54. Draffin BearsOctober 3, 2009 at 4:21 PM

    Many thanks for your very kind words, Margaret.
    Having friends like you, has helped me so much and the support has been wonderful.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for visiting Draffin Bears.
It always makes me happy to read your comments
and I look forward to visiting you.


Carolyn xx

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