Boy, Oh Boy. That was a bit of a gap in posting, wasn’t it? I certainly didn’t mean to be gone for so long. Thank you so much for all the e-mails of concern and worry — you guys are all so sweet. Many of you suspected that something must be wrong here in Thimbleannaland, and sadly, you were right.
We’ve lost our BigDaddy.
Long time readers know how we all adore our BigDaddy and we’re heartbroken. (I’ve posted about him a lot before, but the best are here and here.) In the aftermath of his little fender bender, he came home from re-hab with a cold and it slowly morphed into pneumonia. He’s been so amazing at fighting off big health issues over the years, that it just seems impossible that a nasty little cold would ultimately claim him.
We managed to get all the grandkids home on very short notice and we were all with him, holding hands when the time came. He surely must’ve known how very much we all love him. After we left the hospital, we went to dinner together and shared some memories. It was so heartwarming to hear the stories, both sweet and funny, from the grandchildren. I think we all parted company that night, thinking that we must be the luckiest family ever to have had such a wonderful father and grandfather.
BigDaddy had a great life. He’s been such a rascal (doing things he shouldn’t) these last few years, that it often made me think that he must’ve been a handful for his mother. He’s the little guy on the right in the above picture — isn’t he cute? Can you see that mischievous twinkle in his eye? I think he carried that with him through his whole life. I think his favorite thing must have been to make people laugh — he had an amazing sense of humor. Oh how he made us laugh — always with a corny joke, funny story, or prank. (He thought the sign in the picture below was hysterical — did you know that they have disabled toilets at Stonehenge???)
BigDaddy taught us many things, but, I think the biggest was the value of kindness. He was kind to everyone and it showed — for as long as I can remember, people have always told me “Your Dad is such a great guy”. And he was single-minded in his devotion to MeMum. She’s been a bit of a rascal herself these last few years, but BigDaddy told us many times “I promised her Dad that I’d take care of her”. They set such a wonderful example for us kids — as impossible as it sounds, I don’t remember them ever arguing when I was growing up. They always had so much fun together and MeMum is lost without him. Here’s one of my favorite pictures of them, taken last spring on their 60th anniversary. This is sooooo them — always having fun together.
A day or two before BigDaddy died, the pulmonologist was showing TheManoftheHouse an x-ray and basically telling him there was no hope.
“And look how enlarged his heart is” the Dr. Said.
No Surprises There.
We always knew BigDaddy had a huge heart.
One that we will miss and love forever.
XOXO,
Anna
Oh, Anna, I am so very sorry for your loss. It doesn’t matter how old we are or how long a life they were blessed with, we are never, ever prepared to lose our parents. Especially the first one, I believe. I know that your Daddy has left behind a huge hole in all your hearts. You will be in my prayers.
Such a wonderful post Anna, I cried a bit for you all and wished I had known your Dad. But the picture of your parents…well that made me laugh, that look on your Mom’s face is wonderful. I hope she finds her memories are so full of joy she can go forward knowing how much BigDaddyloves her. Hugs to you and all yours Anna.
Big hugs, Anna. What lovely posts — I’ve been rereading those special ones. You’re lucky to have had such a wonderful dad, but this makes it so much worse to lose him. Much sympathy to you and all of yours. xx
Oh Anna! I was so happy to see a new post, and then so incredibly sad for you. Extending deepest sympathy for you in your loss. Hoping that comfort and peace may come to you and your family. Hugs to you.
Oh Anna, I’m so sorry to hear your sad news. He sounds like such a wonderful person. You are so very lucky to have had a great Dad. Treasure those memories, and find peace in them. Take care.
so sorry to hear this Anna it is always so hard and sad when we loose a parent – sometimes we expect it and are ready to let them go and other times we aren’t – you have a lot of precious memories and family love to help you through this – I can always tell you have a loving family
Oh Anna, I’m so so sorry for your loss. I was worried that something had happened as normally you are not gone for so long. What a wonderful man your dad was and I hope that all those special memories will help you heal and fill that big hole he left in all your lives. Thinking of you and sending a big hug! xx
How fortunate to have have that man in your life. So very sorry for your loss. May the lovely memories you hold dear help you through this difficult time.
Oh Anna, I am so sorry.
Oh Anna, I’m so sorry for your loss of BigDaddy. I can tell by your post that he was a very special guy.
Anna, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your BigDaddy! You’ve written such a wonderful blogpost to honour him. It must have been very comforting to have such an amazing man for a father. I love the photo of your parents together! Take care!
So sorry for your loss Anna, he sounds like a real delight of a man. Our prayers are with you and your family.
hugs to all of you….
Dear Anna,
My deepest sympathies. I had a great dad too (a lot of similar characteristics to your father) and because of this I know how you are feeling at this very moment. In this world there are just some people who can never be forgotten and I’m sure Big Daddy is one of them. I’ll bet our two dads will be great friends, somewhere, up there, in heaven.
:(
I am so sorry to read this. Great post about your dad. Please accept my deepest condolences.
So sorry to hear about BigDaddy, ( I knew something had to be wrong) but your post about him is so sweet! He sounded like a really fun guy. Hugs to your family.
Oh Anna….I am so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you all and particularly your mum…I am so glad you have the big and caring family to hold each other at this time…
I’m so sorry about your loss but so happy for you that you had such a wonderful Dad in your life. It sounds like you were as blessed to have him as he was to have you.
I’m so very sorry for this loss that has left such a void for your family. Sending my love.
So sorry to hear this. :/
Sad times Anna. I love the photo of your parents. Your mom and aunt Ann look so much alike! I hope your mom and you and your sister have some peace in the coming days. My condolences to your whole family, my dear friend.
Wonderful post Anna, but so sorry about your loss. It is so difficult when a parent dies and life will never be exactly the same. Hugs to you, MeMum, and the rest of your family.
Anna,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father loved you and you loved him, that was always obvious on your blog. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anna, I’m so sorry to hear about your family’s loss. He sounds like such a wonderful man. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
What precious memories! Thank you for sharing them with us all. And I LOVE that picture of your mom and dad. Being able to have fun together is surely one important thing to living a happy life! I believe in having fun!
so very sorry Anna xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sweetie…. I’m so sad for you big loss…just sending a big warm hug!! Love to you and your family!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Anna. My thoughts and prayers are with your mum and all your family.
Oh how sad for your family to lose such a great person in your lives. He sounds like he was a bit of a mischievious character but I think that just adds to all the wonderfulness. I do hope that your mum will be okay without him with her but I think having all you lovely people in her life will keep her going. Hugs to you all and I loved reading and seeing photos of your lovely dad xxx
What a lovely tribute to your darling daddy! And what a blessing to have so many great, fun memories. We have all enjoyed you sharing him and his adventures with us over the years. Hugs and comfort being sent to you. xoxo
Many blessings to you and your family, Anna. Through your blog, BigDaddy was a fabulous father to all of us. I will miss him, but know he lives on through you and your family. You are a chip off the old block, which is a testimony to the kind and marvelous man he was. Warm hugs to you, and especially to MeMum.
This is such a beautiful post about a very special man. You and you’re family are in my thoughts and i’m sending my love.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Anna. A big big hug, dear friend.
Amalia
xo
Oh Anna
I’m so sorry to hear this sad sad news. I’ve been thinking of you and wondering if all was okay. I’m sure you are all broken hearted.
Be kind to yourself and Godspeed for Him. He looks like a gentle loving man.
sending you a hug of comfort.
xoxox
I am so sorry for you. What a gap in yr life. I’m glad you and your family have beautiful memories of him.
I am so sorry to hear that , it is so sad to lose someone so loved, my prayers are with you and your family.
Alison
Oh Anna, I am so sad to hear that BigDaddy has departed this earth. Your loving tribute to him is heartwarming. What a blessed woman you were to have him for your own Daddy. I’ll say a prayer for all of you. God bless all those wonderful memories you have of him and may they flood your thoughts and heart. ~heart~love~
I am so sorry for your loss, Anna.
Having lost someone precious recently to its terrible……
Hugs and more hugs…..
Oh Anna, I am so sorry to hear the sad news! My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Sending lots of hugs….
i grieve with you, sweet Anna…
Dear Anna, I was so sad to read this. Silly I know, but he was always there on your blog so I felt I knew him. Sending my sincere condolences as I know what a hard time it is to lose someone much loved. Love and hugs xxx
Dear Anna,
I’m so sorry for your loss. :o( Beautiful pictures and memories; sounds like he has a well-deserved spot in your heart.
XO,
Karen
Oh so sorry Anna ! I was just thinking about you and wondering why I haven’t seen a blog post or Instagram pic, hoping that everything was ok. I’m sure you all are missing your daddy, but it looks like he had a wonderful, full lovely life. God bless him. He was certainly blessed with a loving family. Thank you for sharing your photos and your memories. Hugs:)
Anna: My dad passed away also…Feb. 21 (almost 84) he’s had many health issues, but had been strong since the first of the year…it surprised us, we didn’t get to hold his hand and say good bye. He too, was just a great man! we have a lot to live up to, don’t we.
Your silence had me worried and this is what i feared. I am so sorry for your loss. It’s amazing the impact our fathers have on us. Cherish all the good memories you have of Big Daddy, he always sounded like a character when you would speak of him.
Anna,
Words fail me at this time, love, loss, life and live.
We lost my Mom almost 15 years ago and there is never a day that passes that I don’t think of her and miss her.
Chin up is the best I can do and be proud of your father and family.
My sincere sympathy for the loss of your sweet father. Prayers for you and your family. May God wrap his loving arms around you and we thank you for sharing your pictures and sweet memories. I can tell that your father taught you well from his examples through everyday life.
Sending you my deepest sympathy on the loss of your lovely Big Daddy, Anna. What a great and loving family man, you will all miss him so much but I hope all the wonderful memories will comfort you as you go through this sad time.
Sending love x
Helen xox
Oh Anna, it’s taken me a while to have the courage to read this, and I sit in tears as I write to you. They were so alike our Dads and you know I feel your pain. What a gorgeous lad and wonderful man, and you have so many cherished memories – he will live on in your lives. With much love and huge hugs xx
Thimbleanna, I am so, so sorry for your great loss. I apologize for not reading about it sooner, and sending my sympathies. I started working full time and… well, other things popped onto my to-do list, taking place of blogging and reading blogs. You crossed my mind and when I came to check on you, I found this post. I know how very much your BigDaddy meant to your family, and I am so sad for you all. I send you love and hugs!!
Oh Anna! I have been out of the blog loop for so long. I’m so sorry to read of your family’s loss. Sending hugs to you, albeit a few months late. R.I.P BigDaddy. <3 <3 <3
I’m so sorry to read (many months late) about your father. What a wonderful smile he had. I’m glad you all could be there with him at the end, no doubt he felt the love.