With a heavy sad heart, I convey the news that last night, Mark’s Dad passed away while in hospice care. He was released from his tired body and has moved on to his soul’s next purpose. His passing was at the end of a gradual decline as we watched congestive heart failure take him day by day. To know that he is no longer suffering is an immense relief to his loved ones although it’s hard to explain to a 9 year-old what that means. Wanting someone to die to have them no longer be in pain.
Pop Pop was dear, funny, and generous with his love and care. Two miracle granddaughters were born last year and I never saw him happier than when he was gitchy-gooing a grandbaby.
My son was asked to do a project in school on a family member who had served in the military. Pop Pop served on a destroyer for four years during the Korean War, starting at age 17. So this is the paper quilt that Eamon made to commemorate him.
The pieces are different scenes from the story of Pop Pop’s ship and how he was feeling about serving his country. I retrieved the art piece today from Eamon’s school so that we can put it on display at the funeral parlor.
Pop Pop’s and Eamon’s birthdays were so close together in April that we often had joint parties for them. This photo below was just 5 years ago. It was and wasn’t so long ago, you know?
These will be the memories I will hold of him. Him loving on Eamon and Fiona. His cheering Eamon on at soccer and baseball games. And that incident where Eamon threw up on himself at the McDonald’s inside the Wal-mart in Easton, Maryland, and Pop Pop stripped him down on the tailgate of the SUV in January to put him in clean clothing. He was a take care of it kind of guy and I am immensely grateful that my husband is much of the man I love because of him. We will miss you Terry. Say hi to Uncle Dick for us.
23 Comments
Shalagh,
I’m so sorry for your loss. He looked like a wonderful man your kids and all who knew him had the pleasure of spending time with. Eamon’s quilt is beautiful. I bet Pop Pop would be proud. May he be resting soundly now. I know he will be missed.
Amy xo
Thank you for saying this Amy. As much as our parents can get on our nerves, they are something completely different for our children.
Love back atcha,
Shalagh
Beautiful remembrance Shalagh.
Thank you Mary. Remembrance is a nice word.
Well said! We’ll miss him too! Uncle Torrence was a great guy! I loved him like a second dad!
Thanks Leslie and yes, he was a super sweet and swell guy. Your Dad was like a second Father to Mark. We brought Eamon to the “Garden” when we said goodbye to Uncle Dick. I feel for Mary.
Sorry for this, but a lovely tribute you have paid here, and woven together the old and young generations. Great paper quilt too.
Thank you Vanessa-Jane. Wouldn’t you like to know that someone would say something nice about you at your passing?
Yes indeed 🙂
Thank you, Shalagh, there are tears in my eyes for your loss.
Hugs to you, Mark, Eamon and Fiona,
Judy
Thanks Judy. You are so sweet.
I am so sorry! His life was rich, how the world changed during his life. He was a husband , father and grandfather. Few can say that. Few are so loved by their grandsons. That love is worth a thousand lives, I pray I get to that point , personally:)
Just what I thought Melissa. We have been saying it’s not about us. When Pop Pop was in the hospital, it was about him. When he was in hospice it was still about him. And now that he’s gone, it’s about his widow. But I hope I get to be loved and adored by the next generation when I pass.
Love,
Shalagh
Katherine and I as well as everyone at VOA send our condolances and share in the passing of Pop Pop
You’re a dear man. Thank you to you and your people.
Love from us to you,
Shalagh
Shalagh,
I am so touched by your tribute and the words of wisdom in the
responses from your friends. I don’t know most of those who
have responded, but I feel a connection to them. I hope that
you, Mark, Eamon, and Fiona feel the love sent to you at this
difficult but also special time.
Ann
Ann,
That was such a nice thing to read in such a rotten time. Thank you so much.
Love,
Shalagh
Very nicely done Shalagh.my childhood is full of memories of him laughing with my Dad.
Kathy,
Seems there’s such a deep root with the Peach fathers/brothers, the children feel the reverberations of loss. Leslie had the same memories. I envy your connections but not your sadness. Thank you for Mark who I read your comment to.
Love to you,
Shalagh
Shalagh & Mark,
I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s Dad’s passing. It’s so difficult to see a loved one suffer, but also so hard to let them go. My prayers are with you both, Eamon, Fiona and the rest of the family.
Sue
Oh Sue, I will let Mark know. He really cares about you and your family and will really appreciate your words.
Love,
Shalagh
I adore you and love that you are such a caring, compassionate person. Reading this tribute to Pop Pop touches my heart and I’m sending you (and your family) so much love. <3 <3 <3
You are also a very kind and sweet gal Marissa. We are over the worst now. Appreciate your support. Looking forward to speaking more.
Love,
Shalagh