The Love of My Life Has Passed Away

a reply to: JustMike

It is an honor, Sir.
Friday 7am and counting.

I am so sorry, so...

a reply to: JustMike

I told you this already, but a redneck will be observing a moment of silence for Dada as the funeral commences.

And for you. When those waves of despair wash over you, and they will, know that your precious love was precious enough to stop part of the world.

TheRedneck

Friday 2 pm CET. Check.

In honor of Dada when I got up this morning, I lit a candle and sent my love her way.
She is in my thoughts and heart.

And for you dear Mike, know that we are here with you in spirit.

Dedicated to you, JustMike .. in honour of the great love you and your precious Dada had for each other.

Another message from Mike:

We've talked via Skype every day this week, and he keeps telling me how much he appreciates the sentiments in this thread. He's reading every reply. The funeral is tomorrow, and at this time, he simply doesn't know how to respond to the kindness you have all shown.

Judging from what I went through after Mom's funeral, it may be a few days yet before he really feels up to posting.

But he is doing pretty good under the circumstances, and he will be fine. It will just take a little time, and tonight he asked me to apologize for him taking so long. I know, apologies are not needed, but he asked and I did.

Thank you all again.

TheRedneck

a reply to: TheRedneck

Thank you so much for the update! Tomorrow will be tough and Mike will be in my thoughts and of course Dada. She will not be forgotten.

Good Lord, no apologies necessary Mike! You will post when you are ready and we all understand completely.

a reply to: JustMike

As I said in the other thread, my friend. I'll be standing beside you.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep" by Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep;I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.I am the sunlight on ripened grain,I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there.
I did not die.

MIke, I stand beside you in spirit as we continue to wish Dada success in her leaving our Earthly Realm to join so many other 'loved ones' in the transformation.

When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now.

Dada is still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, she still lives on. May you soon find Peace....
Johnny

Mike, I know that you likely won't read this today.

Here in about ten minutes or so, I'm going to drive up to a spot overlooking the valley that on a clear day offers a view far to the east...and today, I'll try my hardest to see you, and to stand with you. Takes about twenty minutes to get there.

Then I'll light a candle and say a brief little prayer for both you and your Dada, and the rest of your family.

For anyone who wishes to observe a moment of silence for Mike and Dada, the funeral begins in about 30 minutes.

TheRedneck

Mike, I'll look out to sea approximately NNE and think of you and Dada.

I just can't find the words...my heart broke when I heard.

So I'm sitting here, counting down with the others...15 minutes now.
I will also be with you in spirit.

Sending my love to you Mike.
jacy

Remember Me by Anthony Dowson.

Speak of me as you have always done.
Remember the good times, laughter, and fun.

Share the happy memories we've made.
Do not let them wither or fade.

I'll be with you in the summer's sun
And when the winter's chill has come.

I'll be the voice that whispers in the breeze.
I'm peaceful now, put your mind at ease.

I've rested my eyes and gone to sleep,
But memories we've shared are yours to keep.

Sometimes our final days may be a test,
But remember me when I was at my best.

Although things may not be the same,
Don't be afraid to use my name.

Let your sorrow last for just a while.
Comfort each other and try to smile.

I've lived a life filled with joy and fun.
Live on now, make me proud of what you'll become.

I lit a candle.

Be strong Mike. Dada would want that.

TheRedneck

I have lit a candle for Dada and am with you today in spirit Mike.

I Love you dear friend!

a reply to: Night Star

Are you putting on a spread for the wake ?

Dada deserves a wake.

Mike, when you are up for it , a couple of words could be a nice start ...

We are with you mate ... tough times bring us together.

Thank you, everyone. I read every word you all write.

I had my private visit with Dada on Thursday evening and I'm glad I decided to do that. She looked so peaceful. She was dressed in her favourite formal outfit, a longer, dark skirt, matching blouse and jacket.

The nursing staff in the care home had taken her ring off after she passed away because they have to remove any valuables to be returned to next of kin. Dada needed to have a ring as she was proud of being a married woman, so now she has it to wear forever. She also has a small crucifix on a chain round her neck and a little golden butterfly clip in her hair. (Not real gold, it's just one she always liked.) I put a little floral handkerchief in the jacket pocket of her outfit because I always liked to make sure she had one and she loves flowers.

We had Dada's funeral yesterday. It all went as planned.

Had a good number of people there. Her son and only child got a special release for the day from the health spa where he's getting rehab treatment after his spinal surgery. So he was there with his wife. Dada's two brothers and their wives came up from Prague and so did her three nephews, one of her grandsons and his partner. Also had a few old friends who made the trip from Prague as well.

Our neighbours attended and some others from the village and surrounding area were there as well, including the Mayor as we're friends with him. Very down-to-earth guy; I recall late last summer he invited us over so Dada could pick some plums from one of his trees. She loved that.

The lady who runs the local shop closed it so she could come along, which was very kind of her. Two of the young ladies from the regional home care service who'd helped me with caring for Dada came along too and they were also very upset because they'd got to know us both pretty well.

Very cold day, so the roads were very slippery with ice. But when we had the procession from the church to the cemetery, following the musicians and the hearse, we all just held hands in small groups so when someone slipped they didn't fall over. However the sun came out for a while when we were up in the cemetery, so that was nice.

Late Saturday morning here now. I went up to the cemetery about an hour ago to take some pictures of the floral tributes on the grave. It's only a two-minute walk but it's even colder today. Was about minus 10 degrees C and a bit breezy, so I could only leave my gloves off for a minute or so to get the pictures. I might post some a bit later. Just not up to doing the uploading etc right now.

But aside from the cold out, it's a glorious day, with lovely blue skies and the snow gleaming in the sunshine.

I can't complain.

a reply to: JustMike

That sounds like a wonderful send off Mike.

It does sound like the love from all negated the cold !

A big hole is left ... But It is full of love, if that is any consolation mate !

Take care my friend.

Only a PM away should you need one ...

a reply to: JustMike

Sounds like a beautiful service with family and friends. I'd love very much to see the pics you took. I should have been to bed hours ago, so I must leave for now, but you are close in my thoughts and heart Mike.