Tuesday 21 December 2010

Just for my Dad


Not my normal sort of post and no card. Tomorrow is going to be a very difficult day for me as it's the anniversary of losing my dear Dad, the last year seem to have just disappeared and I still miss him just as much.


Dad farmed all his life and was an avid gardener. The picture above was taken about three years before he died when he was out shooting with his Labrador Emma..........I know many do not agree with shooting and hunting sports, but when you live by the land it's an integral part of everyday life. Dad always provided for us with fresh garden produce and game and when I was younger I was encourage to ride and hunted to the hounds with Dad often following on foot or on his bicycle.

As an only child it fell upon me to deal with things when Dad died and I chose to have him buried just yards from where the above picture was taken.......in one of only three consecrated woodland burial grounds in the UK, which just happens to be in the village Dad lived and where I was born and brought up........and on land Dad once farmed before he retired when it was handed back to the University.......much of the arable farmland in Cambridgeshire is University owned.


It just felt right and where I think Dad would have chosen had he been able to make the decision himself. Visiting him there is an uplifting experience and there are none of the sombre shadows I always associate with conventional graveyards. Graves are set within wooded glades, I chose Clover Glade for Dad and graves are marked simply with a flat oak engraved plaque and planting is restricted to specified wild flowers and trees.........there is a small Oak by his head and I planted Digitalis, Violets and Cowslips which all flowered in their first year and looked absolutely beautiful last Summer and I know Dad would have approved.......as a child he used to walk me across the fields to pick cowslips so they have a very special meaning.


Dad used to grow the most amazing vegetables and flowers and entered them into shows all round the County.........above are some of his prize winning Japanese onions, some could weight as much as four pounds each. I remember many occasions as a child proudly holding the cups and rosettes he had won.

So you can see that all things associated with the land and Nature were bred into me from an early age and have since emerged in my daily crafting activities. Thank you Dad for giving me something so special which is priceless.

45 comments:

Bobbi said...

I will keep you in my thoughts this holiday season. It has been three years since I lost my dad and I still miss him so much. My DD just said last week how she missed her pappap. They had such a great relationship. My DD got a makeup kit the last Christmas he was here and he actually let her put makeup on him for dress up. She had him wrapped around her little finger. I always picture that when I get sad because it makes me smile.

Diane said...

I lost my Dad just after Christmas nearly two years ago, and it still hurts like mad, especially this time of year.
My thoughts are with you
Hugs
Diane

Zoechaos said...

Thank goodness that there are people keeping country pursuits alive and meaningful they are the foundation of civilision your father must have been a very special man. Thank you for the lovely card that came today will be thinking positive thoughts for you enjoy those wonderful memories XOXO Zoe

Nannieflash said...

Hi Brenda, I will be thinking of you love, your dad died about 6 weeks after my mum did so I do know how you are feeling at the moment, my heart and love go out to you.
Your dads love of the onions sound just like the foresters around here we have festivals and shows for them, he would have loved that Im sure.
Love the foxgloves and cowslips they bloom like mad around here and they give you so much pleasure, just wish it was summer now instead of this dreaded snow. With love and hugs Shirleyxx

jennyplace2 said...

What a beautiful tribut to your Dad, he would be so proud of you, just remember he is looking down with a smile on his face, at peace. Both my parents are gone so I know how you feel, stay strong and know we will all be thinking of you.

KarenB said...

Thank you for sharing your memories of your beloved Dad. The flowers are just beautiful and what a wonderful way to remember him.

Lisa Jane said...

Thinking of you Brenda - your dad sounds to have been a wonderful man and i am sure will always be in your heart whatever time of year.
I am an only child too and dread when anything happens to my parents.
Your dad would definitely be proud of you Brenda - you are a lovely lady .. thank you for all your support this last year and your friendship and look forward to meeting you ,Chris and Lynn in April
If i don't get another chance - here's wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas
Take care
Lisa ;)

Debbie said...

Hi Brenda, Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you. Thank you for sharing such beautiful memories with us all.Take care.Debbie x

Hazeyj said...

Brenda, although it will be hard for you, your beautiful words and your memories and the serene and beautiful place where your dad lies is a testament to him. He sounds like a man who lived for each day and was content and his legacy lives on in you. I hope that tomorrow brings joy as well as sadness. Warmest wishes, Hazel x

Helen said...

I will be thinking of you too - I lost my Dad 4 years ago on 3rd Jan so this time of year is hard, I know. I love that you were able to commemmorate your Dad in the way you did, it seems very fitting for a man of the soil!
Hope you manage to enjoy the season.
Hugs, Helen

jordiegirl said...

What a lovely post and tribute to your Dad. It's never easy losing your parents, I've lost both of mine and still miss them to this day, Mam died in 1989 and Dad in 1992.

I'm sure your Dad will be looking down on you this Christmas.

Craftnut said...

Lots of love to you brenda - hold onto the happy memories. Tracy x

Kari said...

Hi Brenda!
You hold on to the memories of your Dad in your heart...
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
Merry Christmas from me to you!
Hugs,Kari:)

Fliss said...

Thinking of you at a difficult time Brenda and all I can say is try to remember all the good things that you've mentioned here as they're happy times.

Have a lovely Christmas with your family.
xx

Jacee said...

A difficult time for you Brenda, just try to think of all the happy times that you had with your Dad, I lost my Dad 33 years ago and I still miss him so much. Thinking of you.
Hugs Jacee

JoZart Designs said...

Such a lovely tribute to your dear Dad. Beautiful memories never fade and thanks for sharing them. I lost my lovely Dad, too early, over 40 years ago and never cease to remember the good times and the special part he played in my life, it's still hard but it just gets easier.
Enjoy Christmas for him,
JoZarty x

Claire said...

Awww Brenda losing someone so special is so hard and it must be so raw again for you at this time of year. Thanks for sharing such beautiful memories, your Dad sounds like a very special man
love and hugs
Claire xx

Lynne K said...

A beautiful tribute, Brenda. I'll be thinking of you over Christmas. Take care, big hugs,
Lynne xx

cheryl said...

oh brenda,hun what an amazing tribute know your dad would be so proud of you hun and so happy at his resting place there should be many more like these,
I also just wanted to wish you a happy xmas and a happy and healthy new year too love hugs cheryl xxxxx

Sarah said...

Oh Brenda, I have tears in my eyes reading your words, so beautifully written with love. Thinking of you and your dear dad today xxx

Lisa said...

Hi Brenda, Thank you for sharing your precious memories of your dearly loved dad with us.

As you know I lost my dad just over 2 years ago and still miss him but when i'm feeling sad I try to remember all the special times.

Thinking of you and your family.

Hugs

Lisa xx

Crafting With Jack said...

It sounds a wonderful final resting place for your father, my sympathies are with you. I still miss my mother after 6 years.

Sally H said...

Thinking of you my friend. The place you chose sounds perfect, and the flowers look so lovely. Big hugs, Sally xxx

Kat said...

Hi Brenda, what a lovely tribute to your Dad. Sounds as if you had a lovely upbringing. I'll be thinking of you and know how you feel. My Dad died on 27th December 1986 on his and Mum's 46th wedding anniversary and she found the card he had already written. Like your Dad he was a fantastic Dad to me and my brothers and I still miss him. What a beautiful place you chose for his resting place and it must be lovely to visit him there. I'll be thinking of you on what will be a difficult day but you have lovely memories of him.

Sorry I've been a bad blogger but I had a few days of just trying to finish my cards in time to get them posted on Saturday. I didn't get my kids and grandkids' cards finished till Sunday so I had to post them yesterday. Pretty bad when Post Office staff have trouble getting their Christmas cards posted in time lol!

Managed to have a quick catch up on your blog. You have made some fabulous cards recently.

Hope you have a peaceful day tomorrow and a lovely visit to your Dad.

Take care,l

Hugs Kat xx

Lynda said...

What a beautiful post Brenda and a lovely tribute to your Dad. You have many happy memories to treasure.

Love Lynda xxx

scotspanda said...

I will be thinking of you tomorrow B, you're right this last year has just gone in a flash! Thursday is the 11th anniversary of my own dad's passing, how funny to be so close together :o)

lots of cuggles for tomorrow

Amanda xx

Esther said...

What a lovely post - despite it's sadness, your dad's burial place sounds perfect. Thinking of you tomorrow - wishing you strength and peace, Esther xx

chris said...

Aww Brenda, if your dad is looking down and reading this he will love what you have written and be so proud of all you do, and what a wonderful person you are. lods of extra Big hugs to you chris xx

Gez Butterworth said...

awe, Brenda it sounds as though you had a wonderful childhood & what happy memories. I don't think time means anything when you have lost someone you love dearly. I miss my mum everyday especially now.. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Please know you are in my prayers & thoughts.xx

Michelle said...

Hi Brenda

Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of you Dad.

I will be thinking of you this Christmas season.

Hugs

Michelle :-)

Tracy said...

It sounds like a beautiful place to be laid to rest Brenda, The flowers all sound so beautiful and must be much better to visit than a normal cemetry. You must have had a special bond with your dad and lots of wonderful memories i'm sure. I know he'll be proud of his wonderful daughter who is a special person. Thinking of you
Tracy x

Juls said...

Hi Brenda,

Such a beautiful post, and gorgeous tribute!! will be thinking about you tomorrow, and sending a hug!

Juls

Teresa said...

Brenda I will be thinking off you at this time I miss my dad too! yOU HAVE CHOSEN A VERY FITTING PLACEfor your Dad where you will always have fond memories of your Dad, If that was my Dad he would have been extremely proud of me putting him to rest where he loved and I am sure your dad is proud of you for what you have done for his final resting place it is lovely. My dad used to like going clay pigeon shooting not quite the same I know.
My family and I wish you and all your family a lovely christmas.
Teresa x

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about your dad, it sure is tough, but you have an amazing attitude!

Gorgeous photos, thank you for sharing!

Louise said...

Big Big Hug for you Brenda xxx

Kim x said...

Hi Brenda, I know exactly how you feel. This time of year is hard for me since I lost my son Adam on New Years Eve 2001 and then my Dad on 16th January, the day after Adam's funeral.
Even after all this time it still hurts but you hold on to all the good times.
I will be thinking of you.
With love and hugs
Kimx

Nicki said...

Hi Brenda, it's always tough at Christmas when you're thinking of loved ones you've lost. Try to focus on all those lovely memories like the ones relating to the great photos in your post. You did him proud with your choice of resting place for him, it sounds perfect.

Hugs, Nicki, x

Unknown said...

Hi Brenda, what a beautiful tribute to your dad. I lost mine too but about seven years ago exactly on his birthday, and he wasn't even unwell, so it was a real big shock for us too. Thinking of you. Hugs xxx

lisa said...

Thinking of you Brenda. What a lovely tribute to your Dad and what a beautiful place for him to rest.
I lost my Dad 5 years ago now and still miss him as much.
Here's to loved ones.
Love and Hugs Lisax

Beryl said...

Your dad's resting place sounds wonderful. You are so lucky to have had such an inspirational father and to be brought up in the environment he provided. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Hope you cope Ok.
Hugs
Beryl xx

pinky said...

Brenda I so enjoyed reading about your childhood and your sweet Dad. It certainly sounds like you had the most idyllic upbringing and your Dad is surely looking at you with sweet content that he did a wonderful job during his time with you. I will be thinking about you in my prayers tonight. Hugs
Pinky

Janice said...

What a lovely tribute to your Dad. You were obviously very close & miss him greatly. Nice that you can remember so many happy times though. Thinking of you, Jx

craftimamma said...

Sorry I've not been visiting Brenda. Just been a bit bogged down is all but wanted to visit to wish you a lovely Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

I'm glad I picked this post to visit because it was lovely to read and a beautiful tribute to your
Dad.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Alessandra said...

Wow! Very nice! Bye!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post Brenda, and although it's sad it's also uplifting too. Your father sounds like he was a wonderful man and you have many happy memories to comfort you. It's always hard to lose someone you love so close to the holidays, my own father passed on Boxing Day when I was just five, but he will remain in my heart for ever.

Hugs to you and your family, and I hope you are able to enjoy your Christmas.

Brenda