It’s been a month and a day since I’ve written on this blog.
One month ago today my father passed away. It seems both ages ago and as if it’s happening right now.
I am going to get back to work over here at The Family Kalamazoo, but I wanted you to know why I haven’t been writing any posts or reading your blogs.
My father has shown up several times on this blog, both as a subject and as one of my family detectives. You can imagine how much he will be missed.
He was buried at the Fort Custer National Cemetery after a ceremony with military honors. I wrote about his military experiences here:
Dad Writes about His Wartime Experiences
Korean War: Why Did It Take Dad So Long to Get to Korea?
Next Sunday will be Father’s Day here in the United States. It’s hard to believe he won’t be here for that day. I wrote blog posts for Dad for the past two Father’s Days here:
Happy Father’s Day to An American Veteran
The last post featured some of Dad’s yard art. For his funeral, we covered a large poster board with photos of some of the items he made through woodworking and metal scrap art.
Dad was always doing something, always involved, and always present in every moment.
The Family Kalamazoo 
So sorry for your loss. I remember reading about his creations and thinking what a talented and creative man he must have been. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Thank you so much, Ruth. Your kind thoughts and prayers are much appreciated!
Remembered and dearly loved. My condolences.
Thank you so very much, Janet.
So hard to believe a month and a day gone by. Treasure the good memories.
Thanks, WJ. I definitely do treasure them.
Thank you for these links, Luanne. I will enjoy getting to know your Father when I read them later today. Bless you with continued love from your Dad, forever in your heart.
Sammy, thank you so much! Enjoy the posts. I’m glad I wrote them because I don’t feel up to writing about dad yet, as you can imagine.
All great pieces, Luanne. Your Dad sounds like he led a full life. Trust that time will come when writing more about him brings joy and comfort rather than sorrow. 💖
Thanks, Sammy, he really did.
Luanne, I stopped long enough to check mail and so glad I did. This post is beautiful and heartfelt. Made me cry. My dad has been gone for 60 years and I still feel him. Painful, yet comforting. I hope your memories remain as bright and alive as they are right now. XOXO
Jeane, thank you so much. I am sure that 60 years or one months makes little difference in how much our fathers are missed! If anything, I am lucky to have memories of my father through so much of my life. xoxoxo
Oh, I am so sorry for your loss Luanne. My thoughts are with you.
Jose, thank you so much. Your thoughts are so appreciated. It’s been a difficult year.
I understand how you feel about your father´s passing. My father died just this April 1st and it´s never easy to move on, but eventually you will realize that he is a winner for finally going to heaven and see a better world.
I’m so sorry about your father. Well put, though. I hope your father didn’t suffer. Mine had a difficult winter with health problems, but he never suffered too much from pain.
Thank you so much for stopping by.
My father died because of Diabetes. He was just 59 years old, but at least we knew he is ready for that time, before is death. I had the chance to say how much I love him..
Way too young, but it sounds like you were all prepared. Still, such a tragedy. It’s a blessing you have your faith.
Yup we were.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I recall you writing that he was not doing well. I hope you find comfort in all your wonderful memories and in knowing that you have preserved those memories and his family by your writing and your research.
Amy, thank you. Yes, my father had a very difficult winter with first one major health issue and then another. He was a fighter, but finally he realized when he had a choice to be miserable in dying or to accept it with grace. He chose the latter.
So hard for you all, I am sure. I hope he went peacefully.
I’m so sorry for you loss Luanne. I can only reiterate Amy’s words and send you my sincere condolences.
Thanks so much, Su. It means a lot to me to read this!
You are welcome Luanne. I hope the good days outnumber the bad and you are able to take the time and space to grieve and remember. 🙂
My sympathy in your sadness. Making the transition from letting go to remembering, which is such a rewarding part of saying goodbye, takes a while, so give yourselves time. Our family are meeting on Wednesday for what would have been my father’s 100th birthday.
Hilary, so well put. Thank you so much much. What a lovely idea your family has–a blessing to you all!
I am so sorry for your loss.
Luanne, you are on my mind and in my heart. Come back whenever you’re ready–we’ll be here. In the meantime, please take extra good care of yourself, on father’s day especially.
Thank you so much, Pancho!
I wish I had magic words to give comfort, but no one does. Over time some of the hurt will be replaced by warm memories that at times will seem to hug you. I know as I lost my Father when I was 15 years old. I am much older now. I have the comfort of those warm memories but as always enough of a sting to bring on a tear. I am very sorry for your loss and wish you nothing but warm memories of your Dad.
Oh, I’m so sorry. 15 is so so very young. I am so lucky to have had my father all these years and for him to see my children grow up. Thank you for your kindness.
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing, Luanne. I know it’s a very difficult time having been there myself. I remember your post of his yard crafts. Some very fun and amazing things! Blessings and comfort to you and yours.
Linda, thank you so much. He really did enjoy making fun things. He was always making something for somebody else!
I am so sorry for your loss. It seems he was a wonderful and creative man. I will be thinking of you both this weekend.
He was an original!! Thank you so much. I tried to stay away from reading people’s blogs during the Father’s Day weekend. I thought it would be too much for me.
My sincerest condolences to you at this very difficult time. Sounds like you had a wonderful relationship with your dad—you will be able to ride a wave of great memories for the rest of your life which is a real blessing.
Thank you so much. What a sweet message here. I really treasure it.
Just thinking of you today and hoping your heart is not heavy. Your heart may be light and filled with happy, wondrous memories of a special relationship with your Dad. Our fathers were so creative and talented in unique ways. I am particularly amaze at your Dad’s military service honors. My Dad did not seven in the traditional way, but his work with NASA makes me proud.
Sending you sympathy and big hugs on 2015’s Father’s Day, to my dear friend Luanne! ♡
Just read your comments and was amused that life in the 50’s friend said this comment with “creative and talented” before I did. So to be “original,” I will add your Father’s love of art and use of color brightened many lives, Luanne 🙂 xoxo
Ah, thank you so much, Robin. Your words mean so much to me. You are a wonderful friend.
Hi Luanne. Just wondering how your mother’s Cousin Pat’s surgery went. I hope she is healing and “on the mend.” It sounded serious and a few days (or more) have passed. xo
Thank you SO much for asking! She isn’t having it until July. I think she’s waiting for the doctor she wants.
Well, I will keep her on my list, Luanne (needs healing and prayer). 🙂
There was such a cute photo of the two of them with what may be considered ‘droopy’ socks and Mary Jane’s shoes. 🙂
I know!
I can’t really find the right words to express my feelings about the lost of your Dad.
Thank you so much for your caring words, Pierre. They mean a lot to me.
Luanne, I know the loss of a father. I still miss mine, and he’s been gone since 1973. Know that my heart goes out to you and your family. It is obvious from the image above your dad was talented and creative man. Hugs to you.
Thank you so much, Sherrey. Your kind words mean a lot to me.
A lovely montage and beautiful tribute to your father. Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
Thank you so much! I enjoyed your blog!