19th August 1976, I became your daughter. You held my hand when I learned to walk. You kissed my knee when I fell over and hurt it. You taught me how to swim and took me for walks through the woods exploring.
When I got older, you became my taxi after a night out. You were always there for me, regardless. Then I started work in a Travel Agents and we went abroad together on holiday. Happy memories of snorkelling in the sea, delicious meals out and even a camel ride on the side of a volcano. We always laughed as you had to sit on the left hand side as you were the 'heaviest'.
As I got bored and tried something new, you always stood by me. You were so proud when I joined the Royal Navy. But even though you never said, I knew you were a tad upset when I left after a few months. But that was me, I got itchy feet and needed to try something new, often not really thinking things through properly. Like when I moved to Tenerife for two years. When times were good, they were great but when they were bad, it was the bank of mam and dad I relied on. But you never complained.....you just wanted what was best for me. I see that now.
Back home, I settled down and bought a house. You became my decorator and odd job man. Dad can you do this, dad can you do that. Always dad. Then we celebrated my 30th birthday, in between contractions. You and mam gave me a BBQ. A BBQ? Just what every 30 year old girl wants eh?! You took me to hospital where I had my beautiful daughter Kate. You didn't even wait for the sun to come up, as soon as you knew, down you came to get a glimpse of your first Granddaughter. You also took me in the second time. Only this time, as things took a turn for the worse, as well as feelings of joy at having another Granddaughter, you were worried about me. Typical me to scare you all like that, but I pulled through and we celebrated the birth of Leah.
You were the best Bampy a child could ever have. You looked after Kate when I went to work and you cradled Leah when you were able to. You came in the pool with us last July on holiday, the first time you had managed it all year. We arranged your oxygen to be on the side and you swam half a width. The smile on your face said it all. You paddled in the sea with Kate. We ate out al fresco and I am sure that the sun shone just for you dad. We knew your illness was getting worse but you were so positive, so you.
When you were struggling, Leah would rub your hand and say, ok? You used to say that even though she is just two, she was smart. She lifted your spirit and made us laugh together. And we did laugh didn't we dad? You would ask for your asteroids instead of your steroids and the tears would be rolling down our faces until we couldn't laugh no more.
We had Christmas together, even though it was tinged with sadness. And our last time together dad was perfect. Just you, me and mam together, watching tele and chatting.
Many times dad, I have thought, if only I knew that would have been the last time...................
You went to sleep Saturday night and never woke up. You didn't suffer like you had done for over a year. You finally had peace. I held your hand and kissed you goodbye.
Today, we all said goodbye to you. You would have been so proud of mam, she was an inspiration dad, just like you have always been to me. So many friends, neighbours and family came to pay their respects, even people that you would never think came dad, because you made an impression and were well loved and liked. We sang some lovely hymns dad, but no one sang like you. And before you say anything, yes it is my fault for not checking. The florist spelt Bampy with an i and not a y. So it was almost perfect dad, just like you.
I miss you so much already dad, I can't imagine my life without you in it. But for 36 years, I did have you and I wouldn't have changed a thing.
Thank you dad.
Love you forever,
Your favourite daughter
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I would like you to meet my DAD .. One have talked fighted so much for
