Happy Sunday, everyone! I hope that you are having a splendid weekend and I personally am looking forward to a magnificent week!!! I have received many notes regarding my absence and I would love to share with all of my friends here that a horrible week befell me this past week.
At 3:30 AM on Monday I had a call from the Life Care Center that my Dad had peacefully slipped away...so my sincere thanks to each of you who had him in your thoughts and care. He opened his eyes one last time to tell my Mom, "Hi Honey" and after she went back to her room he passed peacefully shortly afterwards. What a blessing that we no longer have to see him suffer the demons that befell him with the Advanced Alzheimers. At 7:30 that same morning I had to leave for the 5 1/2 hour chemotherapy session which was no picnic this time. And on Tuesday I had to have the dragon shot which again was a real eye-opener!!! The remainder of the week I planned the US Navy service that Dad had requested...not easy since we are in a land-locked area. But through our US Congressman, everything came together, buglers, gun detail, US Navy Chaplain, US Navy flag detail, a lovely honor guard, and about 100 Vietnam veteran flag bearers from all over NC, SC, GA, VA, etc. He would have been so proud of the way we finally released the Eagle to sail the skies for his Last Sail. The Life Care Center brought my Mom and she handled everything with such dignity and grace...and of course afterwards, my Dad had left money for everyone to go out for a nice lunch...which is what we did...Even Mom participated. Please keep my Mom in your thoughts as it has been very difficult for her to lose the love of her life after 63 years. For those of you who would like to check out the obituary I wrote for my dad you can go HERE and click on Jack Lancaster on the right.
For those of you who have asked here is the tribute I wrote for my Dad's Service; and hopefully this will give you a little peek into his daughter also...smile
TRIBUTE TO DAD AND POPS
BY
Jacque and Stan
We are both so appreciative of the many lessons you inculcated in us and hopefully we have lived up to your every expectation. Your obituary says you were a "sailor's sailor", likewise we were taught by your example, to care for those less fortunate than we are. We appreciate your care and concern for the downtrodden and those in distress and hopefully we will remember the responsibility your example taught us. You gave us the charge to be responsible, honest citizens, knowing the difference between right and wrong, with more concern for others than ourselves--hopefully we both exemplify that teaching. Doing for others without any demands or expectations that others do for us. You taught us that no matter what misfortunes befall us, that there are always those less fortunate. We shall never forget. You taught us the love of knowledge and pointed out the many doors such knowledge would open for us. You taught us a love of country, a genuine respect for her, and an unwavering patriotism. Although the demons of Vietnam were so painful to you as the advanced Alzheimers took over your body, we still know you taught us, my country, right or wrong, my country.
Now that you fly with the eagles on high, watching over all of us, doing what you can to the continue insuring our freedoms, please know that we will always take good care of our Mom, will honor, cherish, love and respect her, not because you asked us to do so in your last breaths but because you taught us to.
Thanks Dad and Pops!!
Sail Away, sweetly in our memory!!
Now I can report to you that this round of chemo has not been the best BUT I don't know how much is the chemo and how much is because of all the other bumps in the road...I am already feeling MUCH MUCH better so lets just hope that things are going GREAT GUNS!!!! Thank you so much for your sweet notes, emails, and lovely cards...they have brightened my each and every day!!! With great big hugs for each of you!!!
I will be back a bit later today with the last Winner...and will have some new Sweet Stuff up real soon!!!!
74 comments:
So sorry to hear that you have lost your dad. Thinking of you, be strong!
xMarie
Jacque, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Father. He sounded like an amazing man and obviously he and your Mom did a wonderful job raising you by the beautiful tribute you wrote for him. 63 years is such an amazing mile stone for your parents, especially is this day and age. I can't even imagine the loss your Mom must be feeling. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers for strength.
You are always in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult battle you are facing. Your positive outlook is so important and I hope you always keep that going. We are all right here behind you pushing you through the darkness! Have a blessed Sunday.
Sorry for your loss! And I so hope your finished with the chemo soon! Best wishes.
I am very sorry for your loss!
I hope you soon finish with chemo!
Be strong and believe that things will get better.
So sorry for your loss, your tribute is beautiful. Hope your chemo is done soon & be well.
So sorry to hear about your loss.
It sounds like you gave him a beautiful farewell.
Hopefully you will be feeling much better real soon.
Oh Jacque what a sad week you've had! I'm so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. I know you were expecting it, but still......very sad. Your tribute to him was beautiful I'm sure he was an amazing man and probable a very proud Father too!
Sorry to hear the Chemo has been awful, as if you don't have enough to deal with. Hang in there, I'm thinking about you and wishing you well.
Jacque, so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. I wish you strength at this time and hope you are soon over the chemo. Warm wishes
Hi Jacque, I'm so sorry you've had such a bad week with the loss of your dear dad and the chemo not being so good this time round. Even when the loss is expected it doesn't make it any easier, I'd convinced myself the doctors were wrong about my dear dad and that he would pull through, but sadly they weren't.
How lovely that your dad spoke to your mum before passing, and the tribute you have written is beautiful, he would have been very proud. My thoughts are with you and your family, stay stong hun, your positive attitude has a been amazing, we're all rooting for you
hugs Mandy xx
So sorry to hear of you loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Chemo is really hard going, but it sounds as though you are doing really well - hang on in there.
Take care.
Hugs
Penni
X
So sorry for your loss, Jacque! My thoughts are with you and your family.
Hugs, Vanja
Hi Jacque, I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved pop:( You're tribute brought tears to my eyes....I hope you have a better week my friend.
Abby:)
I'm thinking of you in your time of loss Jacque, thank you for sharing your beautiful and moving tribute to your Dad.
Hang in there with your chemo, stay positive as you always do. I've never come across a blog with a name more suited to it's writer than yours, your joy of living shines through in every post, even when sharing sad news.
Hugs, Nicki, xx
Thinking of you at the sad time and fingers crossed that the Chemo becomes more bearable.
Happy crafting
Tracy x
So sorry to hear of your loss Jacque. What an amazing man your Dad was and how handsome in his Navy uniform. Thinking of you dear Mom and brother as well as you at this very sad time. What a beautiful tribute to him he would have been very proud of you.
Hope you are managing to stay positive in spite of the horrible chemo and that you feel much better soon.
In my thoughts and prayers as usual Jacque, you are such an inspiration the way you, as we say in Scotland, just get on with things.
Kat x
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear of your loss Jacque, My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time. Beautiful tribute to your dad honey. Huge hugs!
Jacque, sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, even though it is sometimes for the best it is still very hard. Your tribute was beautiful. I have been thinking of you during all your treatment and know you & your Mum are in my thoughts & prayers. Hugs Jodie from Oz
So sorry to hear about your Dad Jacque but reading what you wrote I feel that you are at peace with his passing and knowing that he is not suffering any longer. I will keep you and your mom in my prayers. Glad also that you are feeling better. Hugs, Stephanie
Hi Jacque, thinking of you and your family during this time. Warm wishes and huge hugs Sharon xx
Oh Jacque, so sorry to hear about your father's passing but am so glad he went peacefully! What beautiful words you wrote - they've totally moved me to tears! I hope your strength continues to carry you through this round of chemo you've just had! With many thoughts and prayers for you and your family as you continue through this difficult time.
Hugs, Danielle
Oh Jacque hunni, I am so so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad, I am not sorry to say your tribute brought more than one tear to my eye! I hope your Mum is OK. I am sorry to hear that this last round of chemo has been so awful for you - the next one will be better I'm sure. Stay strong hun and keep smiling and always, always keep your sunny disposition - not always easy I know but it will keep you going - as it has up until now.
Take care of yourself (and your Mum).
My love and thoughts
Dawn xxx
Jacque, I am so sorry to hear of your loss but thankful that your dad can finally be at peace away from the demons that tormented him. Your tribute was very moving, thank you for sharing.
HI Jacque, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family. Your tribute was very moving! Hugs,Moni
Hello,
You and your mother continue to be in my prayers. Stay strong.
Wishing you everything good.
Barbara Diane
I was so very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing Jacque, but pleased that it was quick and peaceful, just as you had wished.
Your tribute was both moving and beautiful and reflected your love for, what sounds like, a wonderful man.
You and your family will be in my thoughts my sweet friend.
i want to express my sympathies on your great loss and express my compassion that your father is free of the demons!!! my father passed in august so i was unable to read through my tears your memorial. my prayers are love are sent to your family and your mom.
Allow me to send you my deepest sympathy to you, your family and especially your Mom for the sad loss of a much loved Man. Your tribute was very moving. His suffering and pain have gone and he is in a better place now. You will all forever have memories. God Bless you all.
Hugs Suzi xx
Dear Jacque!! So sorry to hear of your loss. Even you know he´s much better you´ll miss him and that is the difficult time. But I´m sure your strongness will be a confort to your mom and brother. Hope you are positive as always in spite of the chemo and that you feel much better soon.
You´re in my thoughts and prayers everyday Jacque!! Take very care of yourself!
Hugs and love
Regina
So sorry to hear your sad news Jacque, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Pam x
Jacque your beautiful tribute brought many tears to my eyes. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. HUGS from Kentucky
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayer!
Oh, Jacque, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Alzheimer's is such a nasty disease. It steals our loved ones before they go. My grandfather struggled with it for 10 years and it was a painful process for all of us. I hope you and your family can remember the man he was and find comfort in the fact that he is that man again!
Hugs, Deb
So sorry for your loss Jacque. Hope the chemo is over soon. Stay strong
Hugs
Suzanne x
Sad sad news, you are sure a daughter your dad was proud of. Hugs
Pinky
If you are not the true spirit of dignity I don't know what is.
What a special person you are to take all this with the grace and strength you are showing.
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts sweetie.
I know your father is so proud of you.
Hugz to you
I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. You have such a strong spirit and you are an inspiration for me. I hope I am as strong when life throws me curves! :) My thoughts are with your family.
Jacque my heart goes out to you ! Your are dealing with so much right now, and from the tribute you wrote to your Father now I know how you are doing it. I will keep you all in my prayers and a special one for Mom who has lost the love of her life.
Hugs
Zo erg te lezen van je vader...heel veel sterkte en moed!!!!Veel liefs,Celia.
My sincerely condoleances with the lost of your father. I'm really sorry to hear. But like you said, his suffering is over now.
I will keep you AND your mother in my thoughts.
Keep your chin up!
Karin x
Sorry to hear of your big lose and your hard week. I have treatments at a place where they give chemo and have seen many friends go through hard times with it. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Wonderful tribute to your Dad, sad for your Mum to be without her true love but he left her a special gift behind in you !
hugs
Kate x
Jacque, I am wiping away tears from my eyes as I am reading the beautiful heartfelt tribute to your father. Your father was an impressive man and he has an equally impressive daughter.
It is a privilege knowing you and being able to call you a friend!! Love and hugs, Christina
Hi Jacque
What a wonderful tribute to your father. My thoughts are wit hyou and your family.
Take care hun.
Hugs Ali x
my thoughts are with you and mum and I hope things improve. I know what demencia does to family and friends of those loved and feel for you. I wish I was nearer to be able to help and only pray you have some awesome friends and family there to support you.
My prayers are with you and if you need to chat just ask honey
jayne
x
So sorry to hear that you have lost your dad. I wish you strength at this time and hope you are soon over the chemo. Warm wishes
Jacque, you were in my thoughts all week because I am not used to your blogging absence. I want to give you and your family my condolences, you will be in my thoughts. Take care of yourself, sweet lady!
Oh, Jacque, what a difficult week you have had, and I am so sorry! I continue to pray for you, and your absence concerned me since we knew you had chemo on Monday. I am just so sorry!
Your dad sounds like a wonderful man, and what a wonderful example he and your mom have set for you and others. God bless them both.
We are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, and I thank you for your positive voice. You are so positive when you have so much to be negative about, and that is such a gift (to you and to us!).
With lots of hugs and prayers to you and your family,
debbi
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear father. What a blessing that he had a peaceful passing. Your tribute really moved me, and reading about the Naval Service it sounds like he would have been very proudly watching over the proceedings. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mum. Best of luck
with your continuing treatment.
God Bless you and your family!
Hugs Tara xx
Jacque,
I am so sorry to here about your dad. You post brought tears to my eyes. But in a good way to help me to remember my pappap. He was in the U.S navy and also had Alzheimers. You and your family are in my prayers
So sorry to hear that.
My sincere condolences.
May the Lord comfort all of you in this moment.
You are a true inspiration Jacque. I'm so sorry for your loss. xx
Hi Jacque,
Sending my sincere best wishes to you and your family...such a beautiful tribute and service. Your Dad must have been a very special person to have such a strong and courageous daughter.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, you are always an inspiration.
Sharon x
Oh Jacque, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. Advanced Alzheimer's is an awful disease, for everyone concerned. The tribute you wrote is beautiful.
x
I have a lump in my throat reading this, very sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like an amazing person, and 63 years with your mum, is truly amazing, she must be so lost without him. You must be so proud to call him your dad, for all he has achieved, and that comes across in all that you said about him. Stay strong. Love Sandra x
So sorry to hear your sad news! Sending you love and best wishes!
Love, Andrea xx
Yours is the first crafting blog where I have ever shed a tear. Your dad sounds as though he lived a full Services life, honourable and brave, but he couldn't have asked - or have been given - a finer send-off Jacque. I hope you will now have the strength to continue to fight your own battles and if the will and strength of feeling from your blog is anything to go by you have won that battle already. We are all behind you. And love the card. It looks good enough to eat! And strawberries, if you don't mind me saying, are so quintessentially English after all, love from a wet-eyed follower, xxx
Very sorry to hear about your dad. Sending you strength!
Jacque I know that your Dad is so very proud of you! What a great tribute you wrote to honor him and his life. He sounded like a man of honor and great pride in his country. Even though I only know you through your blog I can tell that you have the same values as what you spoke about your Dad's values. That is why I know he is so proud of you and your great courage. I am sure that your strength and courage has come from your Dad's character. I know for sure with God's help you will beat this cancer! I will continue to pray for you and I will pray for strength for your Mom. How hard it must be to loose some one you have loved for so many years. Thanks for sharing this part of your life with us. You are an awesome lady!
Biggest of Hugs to you!
Nancy
Oh Sweetie, I`m so so sorry for your loss!!!
You and your Mom will be in my prayers!!
Love,
Vivi
Jackie, Im sorry for the loss of your precious father. Obviously he was a man of great integrity and led by example! Im sorry that your chemo was a rough one also. I say that bald is beautiful just like your cards!! I will lift your mom and yourself in prayer! blessings
Aww, Jacque, bald is beautiful sweetheart! You wear it with pride! :) I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your father, but I do agree he is better off w/o the demons of Alzheimers haunting him. Such a touching story about his words to your mother. God Bless, Kelly
Jacque, I'm sorry for the loss of your father. Your family will be in my prayers. I enjoyed reading about your dad, I know you were very proud him, as I'm sure he was of you. I didn't realize you were from this area, I guess I kind of assumed you had moved here to retire. My husband teaches at North Henderson HS (which of course replaced Edneyville).
hugs,
Gini
Your strength is an inspiration for us all. Your dedication to family and country are admirable. I especially love the "my country, right or wrong, my country". My dad is also a Navy man and he loves to tell us his Navy stories. Thank you for sharing a bit of yourself with us. I wish the chemo to be successful and over soon. After all, you still have alot of cards to make. :)
Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad! I wish you and all your family the best hun. Hannah xx
So sorry for your loss, keep going and the pain (some of it actually) eventually will go away.
Jacque, I am so sorry to read the news about your dad. Thinking of you xxx
Jacque. hun, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers hun! It must be so difficult, but you are correct, he is no longer suffering and now can look down and protect his family with his angel's wings! Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way hun!
Big Hugs~ Kim
I am honoured to have the priviledge to share your thoughts of your beloved Dad. I lost my Mom just over a year ago and it is so hard when our parents leave us. It is tinged with thanks that their suffering is over - but then ours continues. Be strong my dear, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
hugs
wynneth
x
Dear Jacque. I'm so sorry to hear about your father. You and your family are in my prayers.
I admire your outlook on life, your strength and your spirit. Things will get better in time.
Hugs, Hulda M.
Such a beautiful remembrance of your father Jacque! Very loving and honoring words, it's quite evident that he was a wonderful, brilliant man! No doubt he is proud if your accomplishments and of your person, as is your mom, too...thank you for sharing the wonderful tribute with us! ;)
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. He sounds like he was an amazing man of integrity and honour. Thank you Jacque for sharing the wonderful tribute to your Father.
So sorry the chemo has been bad this time. You too are an amazing person and are always in my prayers.
Hugs
Marion
I am so sorry for your loss Jacque.. I am sure he is in the best place ever.. Sitting there looking down on you and wishing you well.. You have had so much on your plate these last months.. I admire your courage and will be praying for you and your mom..huge hugs.
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