Saying Goodbye to My Dad

As tears slowly stream down my face, I sit here saying goodbye to my dad.

My Father and I on my Wedding, My Emotions after His Death - Finding Silver Pennies

They say the love between father and daughter is very special, a father is a daughter’s first love. This love is pure, not boastful or jealous. This is certainly true for me and my dad. I was actually named after him. The above photo is on my wedding day in England. I remember this day so clearly, the pride I felt with having my dad, sit by side on my special day. The skies were gray, the heavens would open shortly after the “I Do’s”, but I remember sitting on the car journey chatting with him and laughing while the fragrance of lily of the valley filled the air. That was 16 years ago.

This little blog started off as a journal of my inner most thoughts and feelings and today I find a need for it to be that again. I hope you all understand.

I must apologize for my absence here on the blog. First, it was my eye surgery. The PRK surgery had a much longer recovery time than I expected and my vision is still not 100 percent. In time, I’ll write a blog post about the experience. The first days after my surgery my parents visited, my dad bringing me the biggest box of Godiva Chocolates I’ve ever seen! A week after the surgery my dad had a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital via ambulance close to midnight. For three weeks, life consisted of long days in hospital rooms. My mom and I would Uber into Boston together, meeting the most amazing and interesting people on our car journeys in. We’d tell my dad about the man from Haiti who wanted to open a night club, the lifelong marine who always took his grandson for breakfast on Saturdays; and who was thinking of opening a diner or the woman who had a daughter born with a heart problems and; retrained to be a nurse to give back. Those rides, to and from the hospital room, provided us a glimpse into the lives of so many people, from all of over the world, and they all were sending their good thoughts to my dad.

He had stents to treat the damage to his heart and the surgery went well but there were other complications in the hospital and my dad grew very weary of the constant tests, surgeries and decided he no longer had the will to live. I first must thank everyone at Boston Medical Center in Boston for the wonderful care he received. Dr. Moore, his heart doctor, was amazing and so compassionate. I have never seen a doctor express such heartfelt emotion. To all his nurses, thank you, for caring for my father as if he were your own. To those at Seasons Hospice, thank you for your compassion, your love and your constant reassuring. A huge thank you to Laurie and Emily who hugged us and cried with us and made sure my dad felt as comfortable as possible. I feel like I lived a lifetime in that hospital but it also felt like time stood still. I held my dad’s hand. I was told him how much I loved him, how much he meant to us all. I enjoyed his favorite ice cream with him – Brigham’s Mocha Chip. I played his favorite songs and he actually sang as loud as he could to Danny Boy. He passed away peacefully on St. Patrick’s Day with the sun shining. You can read his obituary here, but he wouldn’t have wanted me or you to remember him by his death. In life I often told him how much he meant to me. I told him here and here. To honor him and his life I’d like to share a few of my favorite memories.

The Blizzard of ’78

Blizzard of '78, I'm the baby in the box - Finding Silver Pennies

This one is a bit too early in my life for me to remember as I was just a baby. I was born in 1977 and came three months early. My parents always laughed about the blizzard, the most snow the Boston area has ever seen. They decided it was a good idea to put me in a box (I was 9 months) and pull me along in my first snow bound adventure.

Skating and Soup

My dad always made sure to spend time with me. Just the two of us would go off on adventures and one of my favorite things to do with him in the winter was to go ice skating on frozen ponds. I love to ice skate. He’d always hold my hand when I was very little but as I got bigger, I’d spin and twirl on the ice. After spending hours skating, we’d always warm up at the Luncheonette and get soup. It was with him, that I tried Cream of Tomato Soup, and to this day eating it reminds of our days skating together.

Searching for Key Lime Pie

The love of a daughter to her father and dealing with grief - Finding Silver Pennies

My sister Pammy got married on Valentine’s Day in Florida and my dad and I were both in her wedding. I was in 3rd grade and got to miss school for the trip. He walked her down the aisle and I got to be a flower girl. I really loved my pink dress and I think it was the first time I wore hairspray in my hair. Flying on an airplane to Florida with my dad was so exciting. He took me to Busch Gardens and we also spent time by the pool. I’d never had key lime pie before and my dad thought I had to have it in Florida, because in Florida it is made with real key limes. One night, we went restaurant to restaurant in search of authentic key lime pie. I remember being exhausted by the long walk. It became a quest. We NEEDED to find this key lime pie. No restaurants had it. Deflated we walked back to the hotel and in our room my dad called for room service. He ordered two slices of key lime pie and two glasses of milk. We watched Wild Cats on the TV and ate our pie. It was creamy and tangy and tasted like heaven. He was right. Key Lime Pie is best in Florida.

Word Problems and Crocodile Tears

I am, and will probably always be, bad at math. Word problems filled me with instant dread. My dad, however, was a whiz at math. He loved numbers and was so good at math he had a successful career in corporate accounting. I’d always wait until he got home for him to help me with math homework. I’d cry and say, “but I can’t do it. It doesn’t make sense.” He’d always be so patient with me and explain math in a way I could understand it. To this day, I still feel I’m not good at math. I have a tendency to swap numbers in the wrong order and freeze up but I don’t know how I would have done my math homework without his encouragement.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

My dad was a great golfer. He was a “scratch golfer” which means he could play any course with a handicap of zero. When I was in elementary school my dad gave me a Sunday bag with a few irons, a putter and a driver. We’d walk over to the field opposite our home and just hit golf balls. He’d always remind me, “Dano, keep your head down, keep your eye on the ball.” Sometimes I’d forget and I’d top the ball or I’d completely miss it. I never did become as good as my dad as I didn’t love putting BUT I could hit the ball really, really far.

My Dad Enjoying A Round of Golf - Finding Silver Pennies

Brigham’s Ice Cream

My dad was CFO at Brigham’s Ice Cream. When I was very little he’d take me into work with him. I would help organize papers or photocopy things. It was the early 80s so you can imagine there was not much technology and lots of papers for me to sort. I loved getting dressed up to go into the office with him. I felt so grown up but also felt like I was making a difference. Each day we’d have salads at the Brigham’s Restaurant on site and then my dad would take me over to the ice cream plant. We’d enjoy fresh made ice cream before it was hard packed into the gallon containers. Ice cream before it is actually is frozen tastes so amazing. It is so different than the ice cream you buy at the freezer section in the grocery store. In kindergarten my class went to Brigham’s and my dad came down to see my class. I couldn’t believe I was seeing my dad. It was like I was introducing my class to a movie star, he had on his beautiful three piece suit and Italian leather shoes, his eyes twinkling and he gave me the biggest hug and twirl.

Pool Days

In West Andover, we had a big white house and a giant pool in the back yard. During the week, my mom would always have dinner ready later so my dad could swim laps and play with me in the pool. On the weekends, my dad would sit out in his striped chair and bake in the sun. When he got hot enough he’d dive in and I’d squeal with delight. He’d throw me again and again and again high into the air. To this day I still remember these carefree days by the pool with him as some of the happiest of our life.

Father and Daughter - Favorite Memories of my Dad - Finding Silver Pennies

Lost in Yonkers

College was very important. My dad went and my mom wished she had. When it came time to visit schools, it was a family affair. I auditioned at Emerson college, I looked at BU but thought it was just too big for me at the time. We even brought our little poodle to visit Mount Holyoke. There were a few schools I wanted to visit in New York so my dad made arrangements and drove to New York City. This was back in 1995 before GPS, before Google Maps before fancy smart phones. It was me and the map. Well, my map skills are kind of like my math skills. We got lost in Yonkers. My dad was a quiet man but he also had a bad temper which could flare up. Usually this would happen on the golf course or when the pool cover was going on. I couldn’t figure out where we were on the map and my dad’s temper flared, “Dani, where are we? Are we supposed to get off at this exit?” My dad pulled the car right at the point on the exit ramp; cars were wizzing by us on the highway and cars were beeping and passing us on the off ramp. My face flushed and I felt bad that I didn’t know where we were supposed to go. Somehow we figured it out and got on the right path, we found the schools and went on the tours. I loved Sarah Lawrence but I didn’t get in. In the end I went to Mount Holyoke College, the oldest women’s college in the country. I think my dad was proud he raised a strong woman and now I don’t get lost anymore thanks to Google Maps. Oh, on a side note, Mount Holyoke told families not to call students. That it would help with homesickness. I started thinking my parents didn’t miss me, but my dad snuck calls to me 😉

Bartending at Baldwin’s

It was my dad’s dream to own a restaurant. That dream came true when I was in 7th grade. My parents redid the old Baldwin Homestead. When they bought the building it was in a sorry state. There was water damage from pipes bursting and the whole place just smelled awful. My grandmother thought they were crazy to take on such a big project. My dad did most of the renovations and landscaping himself and restored the colonial mansion to it’s splendor. They held so many functions, amazing dinners and all the regulars and employees became family. He sponsored many waiters and chefs to become American citizens and many of the regulars came to my wedding in England. When I was in college my dad started having problems with his feet and legs so I bartended for him. He made the best drinks, but the funny thing was my dad was allergic to alcohol, so didn’t really drink himself. I loved working the bar and learning how to make Old Fashions, Mudslides and Margaritas.

*****

My dad was such an amazing man. I wish you could have all met him. He was so smart, funny, a dedicated husband, father and grandfather and he really taught me so much about life by his example. Often times, I’d get stuck writing. I’d call him from my dorm room and ask for his help, I’d often say, “Dad, I can’t get started…” He’d listen to what I had on paper and my ideas and he’d always, say, “Dani, it sounds like you know what you want to say. Why don’t you start with something like this….” After talking to him, I’d somehow be able to start. He’d make my thoughts clear. He’d have a way to get me started. This whole blog actually started because I wanted to write a book about the restaurant. I still haven’t started it but the writing it but I’m sure  7 years of writing on the blog would fill many, many books.

 

Supportive and Loving Grandfather - Finding Silver Pennies

I still cry each time I realize I won’t hear his voice again or see his twinkling, blue eyes. I hope you feel like you got to know him through my memories. Isn’t it amazing how impactful the small things in life are? Most of my very fond memories are of tiny moments, not grand gestures.

Family is Everything - Finding Silver Pennies

Prior to his passing on my friend Rebecca, who lost her mom, said this to me:

“He is part of the foundation that made you you. Even when he’s physically gone, you’ll know exactly what he’s thinking, feeling just by listening to that internal voice. You’ll never really ever be apart.”

I found great comfort in these words. When the weather is warmer we will scatter his ashes by Scituate Lighthouse. He loved the sea and loved living in the harbor. When I think of him, I’ll always think of him, like this in his Irish knit sweater and LL Bean slippers:

My Old Man and The Sea, Scituate Harbor - Finding Silver Pennies

My Father and His Favorite Home on Scituate Harbor - Finding Silver Pennies

Thank you all so much for the kind comments and support you’ve given me over the years and in the coming months. I thought I’d finish this post with my dad’s favorite song:

“Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen and down the mountain side
The summer’s gone, and all the roses falling
It’s you, It’s you, must go, and I must bide
But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow
I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, I love you so
But if you come, and all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You’ll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an “Ave” there for me
And I will know, tho’ soft ye tread above me
And then my grave will richer, sweeter be
And you’ll bend down and tell me that you love me
And I will rest in peace until you come to me”

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cassie bustamante
6 years ago

somehow i knew danny boy was the song when you said you wanted to end with your dad’s favorite- i could just picture it, the way you’ve described him, eyes twinkling as that song played. i agree with your friend that he is part of you and will be in everything you do, and you will continue to see him in yourself as well as in your kids and one day grandkids. i can’t begin to imagine how you feel right now, but just know that i am thinking of you and your family. i know you and your mom… Read more »

Sreejita Bhowmik
Sreejita Bhowmik
6 years ago

This brought tears to my eyes but am so glad you had time to say goodbye to him and remember those find memories of your time together and though its a cliche its through our loved ones live through us, everyday when u impart your wisdom to your sons your passing a piece of him he left to you to them and in this way his legacy lives on.Take care.

Debrashoppeno5
6 years ago

I am so sorry. This post is a beautiful memorial to your Dad.

Beverly Bielewicz
Beverly Bielewicz
6 years ago

This is such a beautiful tribute to your Dad. He sounded like a wonderful man and I’m not surprised, because he raised an amazing daughter. Danny Boy was also the favorite song of my father-in-law and my husband sang it at his dad’s funeral (probably more common here in Massachusetts than for a Japanese American in Hawaii!). Truly a rich life and wonderful legacy – thank you so much for sharing. Thinking of you and your family.

LAURIE
LAURIE
6 years ago

Danielle I sent you a card a while back and now I know you did not ignore it but rather had other things on your plate. I too lost my Dad – Sunday it will be a long, sad year. His favorite song was Danny Boy and although my Mother and my two sisters were here in Scituate for St Pats day this year (for my aunt’s 90th bday) we still couldn’t bring ourselves to sing it. Your beautiful memories are your legacy and I couldn’t believe the parallels. I had the same experience with math and my dad. Be… Read more »

Elaine OWENS
6 years ago

i am so sad to hear this news Danielle. I can’t read all you post now, brought me to tears.
My dad passed away in October and it’s still fresh. Peace be with you. xo

Mary Vitullo
6 years ago

Danielle, I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He seemed like such a wonderful person. What a beautiful story of his full life. Sincerest sympathies.

Vicki Blazejowski
6 years ago

Oh Danielle… I started crying just reading the title. When the time comes, I’m not sure I could even write about it but you did a beautiful job. So sorry for your loss.

Pat
Pat
6 years ago

So sorry for your loss, your Dad sounds like a wonderful father! I love your friends words about listening to your internal voice
Pat

Judy Coggins
Judy Coggins
6 years ago

Oh Danielle, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. Your tribute is heartfelt and very moving. Thank you for sharing it with us. Take care of yourself. xx

Eileen
Eileen
6 years ago

I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Thank you for sharing theses beautiful memories this is such a difficult journey You did such a beautiful expression of love with this piece. So sorry for your entire family

Nancy
6 years ago

What a beautiful tribute to your Father. Looking at the pictures it looks like Conor has a strong resemblance to him. I echo Rebecca’s beautiful sentiments. I am so very sorry for your loss.. What a wonderful man your Father was and how blessed you are to have had such rich life experiences with him. May peace be with you and your family at this difficult time.

Ashley Harding
6 years ago

It’s so true that your father is a daughter’s first love. It’s a bond that nothing else can compare to. I’m so sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful post and I’m glad you were able to take the time to remember some of your fondest memories with him. Those memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Nancy F Lambert
Nancy F Lambert
6 years ago

Danielle, I’m so sorry for you and your families loss of your dad.
Beautiful tribute of your dad, You and your family are in my prayers.
Nancy

Kate
Kate
6 years ago

This is such a beautiful tribute to your father. I am so glad that you have so many cherished memories of him to carry with you. It sounds as though his life was very full and that he made your life rich with love. Sending you good thoughts and hugs.

Christine
Christine
6 years ago

Danielle,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your whole family. I lost my father this past year as well. However, we did not have the relationship you had with your dad. You are truly blessed to have such a wonderful father, and he is a part of you, and your children, and you have beautiful memories. May you be comforted. That was a beautiful tribute to him.

Jeanne
Jeanne
6 years ago

Danielle, I am so sorry for your deep loss. Your father sounds like a wonderful, kind, caring human being and he obviously raised another one in you. From one Mt. Holyoke sister to another, we hold one another up on our hardest days. You wrote such a lovely tribute to your dad. The tears will come but the memories will never fade. Surround yourself with those you love, tell stories, laugh, cry, yell, scream. All of it helps. Thank you for sharing such a raw piece of yourself here.

Linda @ q is for quandie

I’m so sorry for your loss Danielle. It sounds like you had an amazing relationship with your dad, and he lived a full and happy life. My condolences to you and your family.

Kelley
Kelley
6 years ago

I feel so very sad for you. This post is such a beautiful testament of who your dad was as a father and as a man. I lost my dad in 2006 to cancer that took him very quickly. Having already lost my mom 13 years prior, I wasn’t ready to let him go. This many years later the pain of that time still feels so fresh. Please know you are in my thoughts and I wish I could give you a big hug. Thanks so much for writing from your heart today.

Beverly
Beverly
6 years ago

I am so sorry. When I lost my dad, I cried buckets of tears on my
daily commute for 8 months. One morning, I saw a beautiful pink
flower standing alone, at the Fwy exit I always took.
To me that was a sign, and my bucket was dry from then on.
Now I see angels in the clouds.

Karen on Bainbridge Island
Karen on Bainbridge Island
6 years ago

That was beautiful. A loving tribute from a loving daughter. You are very lucky because for the rest of your life you know how much your dad loved you and he knew how much you loved him. My dad died when he was only 62 from a second heart attack. The first experience ten years before that was so like yours. The midnight race to the hospital, the scary stay in the ICU and the long hospital recovery. Your story about your dad surprised me with some of the similarities. I too am awful at math, my dad was a… Read more »

PC
PC
6 years ago

Beautiful post – I wish I had received the time to say goodbye to my parents. You have memories and he will always be there in your heart and mind. I am sitting looking at my beloved grandmother’s dining room furniture decorated for Easter and she is smiling from Heaven.

Ellen Shook
Ellen Shook
6 years ago

You have written a beautiful memorial piece to honor your father. You will be so glad that you wrote this at this time when it is all very fresh. I am not sure exactly why, but when I lost my own father many years ago, it was like all the memories washed over me like waves, time and again. Other people have since told me the same thing. What your friend told you is very true, so hold onto that. Even now, 37 years later, sometimes I still hear his voice and find myself doing some of the same things… Read more »

Jane McGovern
Jane McGovern
6 years ago

What a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your amazing father. Please accept my deepest condolences. It seems appropriate that your Irishman passed on St. Paddy’s Day. Thank you for sharing your heart and your memories with us.

Carol Mitchell
Carol Mitchell
6 years ago

Danielle, I continue to be so sorry you have to endure this. My mom passed away 12 1/2 yearsxago, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss her. You are right about the little things. That’s what I remember and miss most about my mom. It has taught me the importance of the little things in my family’s life. My mom was so proud of who I was, and I’m sure your dad felt the same. Be strong for him. ❤️

Janis Jones
Janis Jones
6 years ago

I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my father on January 25th. 6 months after my mom. It’s a harder topic to deal with when everyone asks how you’re dealing with it, how you’re doing, or if they could help you. All you want to say is bring him back, even for 1 minute to tell me he’ll be o.k., or to hear him tell me that it’ll be o.k. . My heart breaks every time I think of my dad, but it will get better, the pain lessens some. In a short time, every time you recall… Read more »

Tricia
Tricia
6 years ago

Danielle, what a beautiful tribute to your dad. You brought him to life with your beautiful tribute to him. I think the picture of your dad on a patio with the harbor in the background is right along the jetties leading to the light house. If I’m right it’s right along Lighthouse Rd. My cousins and I walked along those jetties so many times during my summers on Lighthouse Rd. and Rebecca Rd. Your dad was a lucky man. He had you, Brigham’s and Scituate. I’m sad that you are so sad.

Dee at the Carlton
6 years ago

Condolences on the loss of your beloved Father, the little things really do matter, that is how we will all be remembered & in those little things & little moments, you will find peace & comfort.

To speak their name is for them to live again so keep his memory alive by retelling the story of his life xx

Suzanne
Suzanne
6 years ago

Danielle,
I am so incredibly sorry to read about your Dad’s passing. I know how hard it is to say good-bye, I lost my Dad 4 years ago, only two weeks before my wedding. I loved reading your tribute to him and your life together. And, you said it perfectly, it was not the grand times, it was those little moments you shared throughout his life with you, that shaped who you are. God Bless you and your family and many prayers at this difficult time.

Amy Chalmers
Amy Chalmers
6 years ago

Well that was such a moving post about your dad!! I guess knew so little about him but maybe i knew a lot because of his energy and countenance and the fact that he is your dad. He lived more than a lifetime didn’t he?! I know you will miss him and that’s cuz he was such a great father.

Debbie-Dabble
6 years ago

I am so very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. In time, you will remember here and smile and laugh…You will carry him with you each day because you have him in your heart forever!! I know because it is 31 years since my Dad passed and there is not a day that I do not think of him and smile…He is with me everyday because I carry him in my heart..
Many Hugs,
Debbie

Carolyn
Carolyn
6 years ago

Oh, my ❤️ Is so sad for You. Thank you for being so brave and courageous in sharing your Special relationship with your Dad. Awesome Memories in your forever 💖 Love & Hugs Carolyn xoxo

Tonya|Rustic & Woven
6 years ago

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Hold on to those beautiful memories – they are gift you can cherish forever. Hugs to you and your family. ❤

Maxine Robertson
Maxine Robertson
6 years ago

I am very sorry for your loss. Although I’ve never commented I’ve been following you for a while. You had a wonderful relationship with your father and you will have many memories to find comfort in. After reading this I had to call my dad. He is struggling a lot these days and you reminded me how precious ever day is. So thank you for that. My sympathies to you.

Susan
Susan
6 years ago

Your life and heart are richer for having your loving father .

Stephanie C
Stephanie C
6 years ago

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your father. This was another beautiful tribute to him. It will difficult for you to deal with your loss, just remember that a piece of your dad is within you & your boys. I loved the memories you shared especially the blizzard of “78, Brigham’s & the key lime pie. How lucky you were to spend time with your dad at the ice cream plant . That sounds like every kids dream.

Cindy in Oklahoma
Cindy in Oklahoma
6 years ago

Beautiful words…. beautiful tribute…. and it solidifies my thoughts at this stage in my life about the meaning of life and love….
It is everything …. the only thing of any value… what remains after we’re gone and what will someday reunite us.

I’m so sorry for your loss of your father’s physical presence but so happy you will have his love in your heart forever. That’s an incredible and joyous thing to celebrate every day….

Kerryanne
6 years ago

Such a beautiful tribute to your dad Danielle. They are all such lovely memories to be left with and although he is not physically here with you now, I’m sure he’ll never be too far from your thoughts. I’m so sorry that you and your family are going through this difficult time right now. Sending you big hugs sweetie xx

PL
PL
6 years ago

I am so sorry for your loss, but hope that, in the days and months ahead, the cherished memories will begin to fill the Dad sized hole in your heart. And you will realize how very blessed you were to have the father you did. In a few days it will be 49 years since my father passed unexpectedly, the day after my birthday. I was young, but I have held on to the memories these 49 years and know that I couldn’t have asked for a better father. The tribute to your father is so touching and I believe… Read more »

Heidi
Heidi
6 years ago

I’m so sorry. What a beautiful tribute to your dad!

Donna France
Donna France
6 years ago

Oh Danielle. I am so sorry for your and your family’s loss. Your tribute to your dad is beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you you. xo

Cecilia
Cecilia
6 years ago

So sorry

Cher Robertson
Cher Robertson
6 years ago

A lovely celebration of a life well lived! There is no better tribute than happy rememberances of the love shared within the family. My thoughts are with you.

Mary
6 years ago

Thank you Danielle for sharing a part of your wonderful father with us. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing and hope that you can find comfort in the knowledge that he got to spend time on earth and love and influence you and your family. Praying for your comfort.

Cathy
6 years ago

How lucky you are to have had such a wonderful father! My father died when I was 33 and he was 67. He seemed too young to die and it took a long time for me to get over it but you do. What remains are the memories that have constructed your life. You will feel that he is always alive especially when you talk about him. Thank your for sharing your thoughts with us.

Carol
Carol
6 years ago

Danielle, I am so terribly sorry. Grief is such a raw emotion, hurting when you first arise in the morning, perhaps many times throughout the day, robs you of sleep at night. I hurt for you and actually took a day after reading your tribute to respond. I too know the pain of goodbye, and none of us will survive our lives unscathed. And as we age, there are more and more loved ones we loose. It almost seems we ourselves can’t survive the sadness while we live some of those dark days. But amazingly, we do. Slow but sure,… Read more »

Lynne
6 years ago

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my sincerest sympathies. May your memories comfort you during this difficult time.

Megan @NoSmallLife
6 years ago

Danielle, I am so sorry. You honored your Dad in such a beautiful way. It’s obvious the rich love and bond the two of you shared. My Dad is a “Danny-Boy” 🙂 as well. I just love that you were named after him. With someone as special as your Dad, you’re no doubt feeling the depth of the loss. It’s undescribable unless you’ve walked throught it. But even in the darkest moments, know that hope and joy will return to your family. It will be different, but it will still be as sweet, sometimes even more so. Praying for you… Read more »

Tracy
Tracy
6 years ago

I’m so sorry to hear of your immense loss, Danielle. In June it will be 2 years since my Dad had a major heart attack, and I know I am so lucky that he actually made it, as the electrical system in his heart was damaged, and he now has a pacemaker, along with the stents. This post was such a beautiful tribute to your Dad, and I could just picture the two of you from each vignette you created. Don’t refrain from singing Danny Boy, or eating his favourite ice cream, or anything else that reminds you of him.… Read more »

Kim O.
Kim O.
6 years ago

I grew up with a non-present Dad, reading this makes me long for what you had, so blessed. I bet there is great sadness in your heart! My best friend just lost her Dad and they too had a very special relationship. Makes us realize how we must live each day to the fullest. Hugs