I’ve been dreading writing this post, grasping for words, clutching my heart. Part of me still believes my dad will waltz through the door or call me any minute now. But then reality sets in and I remember the truth: I lost my dad on Sunday.
It’s too soon to put this heartbreak into my own words, all too raw to recognize the droves of people who have showered us with love and light. So, I’m turning to one of my favorite poets, John O’Donohue, and sharing a piece that is perfect for my superhero dad and those of us who adored him.
Though we need to weep your loss,
You dwell in that safe place in our hearts
Where no storm or night or pain can reach you.
Your love was like the dawn
Brightening over our lives,
Awakening beneath the dark
A further adventure of color.
The sound of your voice
Found for us
A new music
That brightened everything.
Whatever you enfolded in your gaze
Quickened in the joy of its being;
You placed smiles like flowers
On the altar of the heart.
Your mind always sparkled
With wonder at things.
Though your days here were brief,
Your spirit was alive, awake, complete.
We look toward each other no longer
From the old distance of our names;
Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,
As close to us as we are to ourselves.
Though we cannot see you with outward eyes,
We know our soul’s gaze is upon your face,
Smiling back at us from within everything
To which we bring our best refinement.
Let us not look for you only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glows
And music echoes eternal tones.
When orchids brighten the earth,
Darkest winter has turned to spring;
May this dark grief flower with hope
In every heart that loves you.
May you continue to inspire us:
To enter each day with a generous heart,
To serve the call of courage and love
Until we see your beautiful face again
In that land where there is no more separation,
Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,
And where we will never lose you again.
To learn more about the wonderful ways my dad left his mark on the world, click here.
Oh Liv…my heart breaks for you. There are no words. Please take care of your sweet self & soak up the love of your family. You're in my prayers. Sending you so much love.
My deep condolences on your loss. Holding you and your family in prayers and love, Liv.
Liv,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know too well the pain of losing a beloved parent, and my heart hurts that you have to go through it. Sending you prayers for strength and peace.
xo, Anita
My deepest sympathy to you.
What a nice tribute to your Dad.
Keep on keepin on. Prayers are sent your way.
I'm so sorry to read of your loss. You will be in my thoughts as you go through this time of healing.
I am so sorry LIv! My heart goes out to you.
xo.
your faces are so beautiful, dear liv. sending you continuous love.
XOX
Liv,
I'm so so sorry about the loss of your dad. I've been reading your blog for a couple years now. I realized a while back when you blogged about your dad that I had heard him speak before. My daughter had been attending Saturday workshops for gifted and talented children and they would have guest speakers for the parents while the kids where in their classses. Your dad was the guest speaker one Saturday. He was amazing. I learned so much from him that day. Your dad's ripple effect will go on forever. I send you my love and prayers
Liv,
Sending love, care, and peace to you and your family. I really sense what a wonderful presence your dad was in your life – and what a beautiful life gift that is.
Much love…always…
Lance
thinking of you.
Sending love and light…. thinking of you so much.
These days are so difficult and raw… cry when you need to and smile inside knowing that he is watching over you and your family. Hang in there….
Oh, I am so very sorry. Thinking of you and your family today.
wishing you & your family peace at this time.
Love to you, dear friend. I see at the look on your dad's face in that picture, and think of your relationship, and I know that there never has been a father so proud of his daughter. My heart walks beside yours in this grief. He will be missed.
Prayers for comfort and peace are heading to you and your family, Liv. I am so sorry. Some of us aren't so clear about our impact on the world. Your dad knew for sure what he was here for. The world is better because of him.
I had the honor to care for your dad,Liv. (Yes, I looked your blog up) In my soul, I knew what was happening during my hours with Pete. I was blessed to care for him…and you and your mom. Sometimes the unspoken is so loud..nothing needs to be said at all. I was very saddened to hear of Pete's death, and I want you to know I am thinking of you and your family. May you feel peace, embrace the love shown to you and continue to find beauty each and every day.
Cami-RN
I am soooo sorry for the loss of your father,your friend. You are im my thoughts and prayers.
He was amazing, Liv. And so are you.
Dear Liv,
I am holding, holding, holding you and your family in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss.
-Briana
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. Love and light xxx
Hi…you don't know me personally but I feel for you!!! I'm sending peace your way. My dad passed away in July and it's been the most difficult time of my life. He was my best friend in the world. I'm sorry for your loss. I'm really, really sorry. When people said it gets better I didn't believe them…though I still have times where I burst into tears and can't stop I do have more good moments than bad now.
Many things will remind you of him and it hurts but it does get better…at least it is getting better for me.
In my worse time of grief my life is also blossoming with very exciting things. So, I send you wishes you will find some kind of joy too in this time of sorrow…maybe not yet…but soon. I'm sure he'd want you to be happy and joyful…. Peace Marion
Liv – I am so sorry to hear about your dad. It seems like he left quite a mark on the world (like father, like daughter) and he will be sorely missed. I remember sleeping over at your house one night when we were younger (your parents wouldn't let us watch Psycho – rightly so!) and I just remember your dad quiet and smiling. He will always be with you and you will always be his little girl. Lots of love to you.
I am sorry to read of your loss. Blessings to you and your family.
Liv…..oh Liv.
I don't have the words
your heart deserves.
Huge tender hugs reaching
across miles
with all the love
I can send
…loving, lifting, longing
for comfort to wrap and hold
you near.
Grieve well, beautiful braveheart.
Tenderly,
Jennifer
Liv,
I have no words. I'm so sorry for your loss, I can't even imagine. Sending lots of love and hugs your way.
Liv, I only know you through your blog but am so sorry for your loss. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You have touched so many through your work and know you are being sent lots of love right now.
Your post brought tears to my eyes. I still have both of my parents but this fear lives in my heart as I know one day I will face this too. Praying for you and your family.
Oohh Liv.. I'm so sorry! Sending you tons of love.
wrapping my arms around you.
sending love to you and yours.
oxox
k