Mark, sorry for your loss.
My Father died in 2007 at the age of 81.
My wife's Grandfather went like that; he was found dead of a heart attack out in his huge vegetable garden, he was 90. If you have to go that's the way to do it.
The loss of your parents is one of the toughest events in your life. Both of mine are awaiting me in a better place (if I make it to the same destination!!).
The transition in you life is really hard. Things will never be the same again.
But there is one change that you MUST handel well. When I was small, the family was overseen by my Grandfather to a large degree. He was the "Papa". I grew up and he passed away. I got married and had kids and suddenly my father was the "Papa". After Dad passed away it dawned on me that NOW I was the "Papa". It's a heavy job that must be tended to. Now it is your duty as the "Papa" to create memories for the young ones.
I still miss my Dad terribly, and the pain from the loss of my mother will never go away either, but I remember then with fondness and just hope that I am doing close to as good job as they did in building memories in others. Hopefully they will be good memories.
That's your job now. Create wonderful memories and keep those of your Dad alive.
My condolences in losing your Dad. Mine left us in 1998 and I still have so many questions for him wanting to know his perspective. My Mom left us just earlier this year.
I haven't been on here much due to my own personal stuff going on so I did not see this until now. 😐
I am SO SORRY for your loss!! Your dad raised a fine son. *Hugs* :love:
My condolences
I am sorry for your loss. Your post and pictures are a great tribute to your Dad. You obviously had a great relationship with your dad. From your posts, it is clear you have a great relationship with your kids as well.
I realized my both my Dad and StepDad (Dad) are not getting any younger this year. One is dealing with a huge amount of stress from running his own business for over 20 years by himself, and works 16 hours a day at least. He is wound up tight, and can snap at the slightest thing. I am scared he is gonna go from a stressed induced heart attack. My StepDad (DAD) has had three surgeries in the last 18 months, and may not be able to go back to work because of the loss of strength on his arms. All due from arthritis. It is tough to realize your heroes are not superhuman.
It made me reevaluate my priorities, and realize I needed to spend more time with all of my family. I look at you pictures, and realize I have to spend more time with my family. One of my good friends, and former employee was duck hunting with his Dad earlier this year, and he died in the duck blind with him from what I understand. They were close.
My condolences, however belated.
I envy him, the same way my FIL went, right in the middle of getting stuff done. I hope to be so lucky.