ETA: Since I was gone all day today helping figure out the logistics of my dad’s service this Thursday, I didn’t get a chance to write a new post – so I’m bumping this back to the top of my blog, and extending the closing date of the linky so you can add this week’s random to last week’s random – that way I can utilize the linky to visit both weeks at the same time! Thanks so much for your patience during this tough time. You guys are the best.

I’m late posting again – if you stopped by yesterday, you probably know why. If you didn’t, my apologies for being a bit scarce the last few weeks – this week will be even more so, as  my dad passed away earlier this evening (Monday, June 10th).

Some of you know that he had a major stroke a while back, followed by water on the brain – both of which he recovered from and kept going strong. But the onset of dementia coupled with his fall off an 8-foot ladder a year-and-a-half ago got the better of him, so he’d been residing in a care facility ever since.

He just turned 75 a couple of months ago – so technically still young. I choose to remember him when he was vibrant and full of life:

My dad was a jack of all trades – us kids get that from him, there’s nothing any of us can’t do, because he taught us everything. I always think of him fondly whenever I’m doing any sort of DIY project – from building a powder room and bar in our 1817 farmhouse in PA:

To simple things like soldering loose wires, or any problem solving.

He also instilled the love of camping in the great outdoors, something I’m happy that my hubby, who always said the only ‘good’ camping was in a hotel, has also caught the bug for:

I’m grateful to the upbringing I had, the lessons learned, the integrity my dad instilled in me, and the memories that will live on forever. Rest in peace, Dad.

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Feel free to link up your Random (or not) here – I welcome the levity:

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Keeping the random alive (barely) – feel free to snag a badge and play along – one for my wino friends:

Stacy Uncorked

And one for my non-wino friends:

Stacy Uncorked

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11 Comments

  1. My heart aches for you, i am so sad. He was very handsome and looked like the kind of person who stayed happy a lot, especially when he was being creative.

    Our first home is in the hearts of our parents and their loss is like no other.

    Your whole family will continue to be in my prayers.

  2. What a handsome man your Dad was, and the fact that he was so involved in your life is a wonderful thing. You have many memories to cherish and I hope they will help ease the pain you are feeling now and in days to come. You are in my thoughts.

  3. Stacy,

    I’m sorry for not getting over before now but WOW, what a lovely way to remember your dad. He passed many good qualities to you and I know he’s proud that you took every lesson he handed to you by applying them to your life. He’s a handsome fella and this image is a good way to remember him. God bless, my friend! You’re in our prayers and thoughts!

  4. Brilliant way to handle posting today, and if the day comes where you just don’t want to, i for one would understand.

    You will especially be in my thoughts this coming Thursday.

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