I opened my email a few hours ago to see a note from my cousin in Oregon entitled Dad. I had a feeling what it was going to be about and I was correct, my father had passed away on February 16th, a little over a month past his 77th birthday. He was a sad man who lived alone and bothered with none of his four children and had never met his 5 grandchildren. I hadn’t seen him since about 1972-in divorce court. I had spoken to him a few times on the phone over the years, nothing memorable. Ann only found out as a friend of hers who read about his passing in the paper. Said he had a Catholic mass said for him. That was a surprise to us! So if he had just turned Catholic, maybe it helped him pass away in peace at the end. I called my mom and she did cry. She said it was so sad that his life turned out the way it did. He was her only spouse. I then called my two brothers and they were not too surprised. I have another brother who is acting just like our dad, so I will not be phoning him, I’ll let my younger brother take care of that.
I see him in Sean, but Sean can look like him, just don’t act like him.
Collages & Creative Goodness 
It’s a difficult, complicated situation, but I am very sorry for your loss. (((hugs)))
What a sad life, to have one’s children read about one’s death in the paper …. It’s so hard for me to believe that there really are people like that. I hope you’re correct about his change in religion perhaps bringing about a more peaceful end to his life. And I am very sorry for your loss – whether you were close or not, the loss of a parent is a radical change in your world. Take the time to explore your feelings and to grieve.
Sending you big hugs. I can’t seem to get an email through, but please know I’m thinking about you!
I am so terribly sorry Dianne, what a tragic, sad way to find out about your father’s passing. Although you might not of had a relationship with him, I know you must be hurting about it. So please know that I am thinking of you. Perhaps your father will find some peace in death, that he must never have found in life.
May he rest in peace and may you have peace of mind as well.
(Sean does look a bit like him doesn’t he?!)
Dearest Dianne, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s death…even though you hadn’t been in touch with him for years, he was still your father so there has to be some sadness there. It truly is a shame that he stayed away from his family…makes you wonder what would cause a man to do that. I enlarged the picture and oh yes, I can really see Sean in him. Know that I’m here for you if you need to talk. xoxo
Dianne,
I was so sad reading this post. My heart goes out to you for never having had him in your life and again for his passing. I know it must hurt you terribly.