::ginormous deep breath::
How do do a blog post about your dad dying and his funeral? I've been mulling over that one for weeks. Paralyzed by it actually. I finally decided that less is more when it comes to the world wide web. I'm sure you would all agree to that. And the final push was imagining my dad asking me if I had a new blog post up yet (he was a devoted fan you gize).
Cristen Rio Parks died on July 11th after a 4 year battle with ALS. He was surrounded by loved ones, myself included.
His funeral was amazing,......uplifting.....generally all around awesome. I want to thank everyone who came....those who loved my dad dearly (doyee) and those who only got to know him recently and fell in love right off the bat (fer super duh).
AV (my mom) had the grand kids put stickers on the casket at the viewing. Priceless.
How do do a blog post about your dad dying and his funeral? I've been mulling over that one for weeks. Paralyzed by it actually. I finally decided that less is more when it comes to the world wide web. I'm sure you would all agree to that. And the final push was imagining my dad asking me if I had a new blog post up yet (he was a devoted fan you gize).
Cristen Rio Parks died on July 11th after a 4 year battle with ALS. He was surrounded by loved ones, myself included.
His funeral was amazing,......uplifting.....generally all around awesome. I want to thank everyone who came....those who loved my dad dearly (doyee) and those who only got to know him recently and fell in love right off the bat (fer super duh).AV (my mom) had the grand kids put stickers on the casket at the viewing. Priceless.
I also want to thank all the people who supported me and my family. Texts, emails, cards, food, Kleenex, funeral prep, traveling, laughing, letters, hugs.....the list goes on and on.Funeral days aren' t the happiest days of your life. But as far as a day like that goes, I'd rank it a 10 out of 10. And like the text that this lady sent me that night describes:
"It was a perfect day."
Rise and Shout the Cougar is out.Rise and Shout.
18 comments:
I still feel so sad that your family had to lose him! I am glad that the funeral day went well though. Wish I had been there! Sending you a virtual hug.
Awww, Memzy, that was a perfect blog for him. I'm sad that I never got to meet him but I'm positive that he is awesome and that his homecoming was just as awesome as his farewell.
He would have loved this post.
I am glad your day was 10/10 and especially happy for Aunt Visor. I am thinking that when we get back she is going to want to cuddle with Megs for some extra comfort too so we will be there stat.
Love you memzer.
Dad would have LOVED this blog. It was perfect Em. Perfect. It's hard to rejoin the blogging world after such a profound experience but Dad will enjoy seeing your future blogs. Smiling, laughing in his own quiet way.
Cristin--what a beautiful thought "Farewell, homecoming".
Flem--bring Lil Meg--bring.
You and your mom (and the rest of your fam) have been in my thoughts so much. I was just thinking about one of the last times I saw your dad. I remember how he always made me feel so good about myself. He had a way of making whoever he was talking to feel like they were the only ones in the room. Such grace and tact. Nevermind incredibly handsome! I'll never forget how he was there for my brother (Shed) when he needed him most. You know what I'm talking about. I tear up just thinking about it. I love your parents for so many reasons. I love you too. I know I could be a better SIL and I'll work on that. :)
Thanks for sharing this and thank you for not giving up on the blogging thing. Your dad would be disappointed if you did!
You made it in under the 3-7 day limit! ::putting threatening emails and texts away for now::
Beautiful post of a beautiful day. It was an honor to be there with your family.
Perfectly written and recorded. Still sending lots of love your way,
I wish I could have met him too. I loved the kids putting stickers on the casket. Hope you and your family are doing well.
Perfect. You done rill good frousin. He'll heart it.
Thanks for sharing! So well put and I'll always be so grateful for him :)
You are like a new born deer learning to walk again. Hang in there on your wobbly legs. Take lots of deep breaths. Go dead inside when necessary. Put on your apron and bake another award winning cake. Hope all those pieces of wisdom help.
PS. I read those last lines with gusto, as instructed, but eyes still teared up. What is wrong with me??
Jenny is so wise. You have just about inspired me to dust off my blog too. My fingers are almost touching now. Before this they were a shoulder apart. I should have taken a picture.
Wish I could have been there for you!
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. The pictures are heartbreakingly beautiful, especially the one of your mom – I love the peace in her face. I hope the sad moments are frequently interrupted by that kind of peace.
And for what its worth, I happen to know for a fact that dads can follow blogs from heaven. No doubt he will be enjoying your posts as much as the rest of us.
years and years ago, my friends and I decided to go to Magic Mountain...
Well, I had to convince my father that I would be ok because Emily Parks was driving and the Hawkins girls would be attending as well. (other girls were coming too!)
We had a blast. I wish I had a picture from that day.
My point?
Before we left from Emily's home, Brother Parks (or Mr. Parks) said that we needed to pray before we leave. We prayed together and returned home together as well.
I'll never forget the power of the spirit in your home. Ever.
Although I attend church on a ... seldom basis...I will never forget your father's prayer that morning.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful post! You captured it perfectly!
you guys are the best!!! the blog perfect... i miss u guys, and think of u guys a lot. i am soo sorry i missed the funeral...take care and lots of love...thelma...i still cant get over ur mom named me thelma hehehe
Well done, Emily! Loverly photos, too. I agree that it was one of the best funerals ever.
Em- I just was browsing through your blog. (It's been a long while...) And my jaw dropped when I read this post. I loved your Dad like crazy. Not just because of his handsomeness and his genuineness, but also because of the way you absolutely adored him, and how he adored you back.
I'm glad the day was beautiful. Send my love to your mom...
-colleen
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