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
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Written by
tanyamarie
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AH tanyamarie that is so beautiful hun thinking of u all god bless and glad u were with your dad when he passed, i had been with my mum all day and was going back that evening and she passed 10 minutes b4 i got there and i kick myself for doing as she said and taking my girls home xx
Such lovely touching words to your Dad, he shall be proud of you all.
I lost my Dad 14 years ago last December 30th and it still seems just like yesterday.
My thoughts are with you.
David
xxx
Oh dear, so very, very sad, I am so terribly sorry. You sound like our sons would sound if they were talking about my husband who has COPD and is really poorly, my husband did all the things you talk about, our sons coming back home time and time again when things didn't work out, being a taxi, getting them jobs, going on holidays together, getting 'phone calls, dad can you do this, can you do that.
You sound like a loving, thoughtful daughter and your dad would have been so proud of you. I know your mum will be okay because she has you, I know I have two sons but there is an old saying which is very, very true.
A son is a son 'til he gets him a wife,
A daughter's a daughter for the rest of her life.
I wish you all the best and hope you can get through this
Such a magnificent tribute to your Dad, I cried tears of such joy at your words. Your family has been blessed to have had such a wonderful loving man for a Husband, Father and Bampy. I'm sure he's watching over you all now and will always be near.
What beautiful words and what a loving daughter. Just remember your Dad will live on in you and your children and the more you talk about him the longer he will stay around. Don't forget to give your Mum the odd hug my daughter does this for me and she always tells me it is one over from her Dad and whenever she does I get a warm feeling. Be brave but that doesn't mean don't cry it means keep your head high and smile just like your Dad expected
WOW Tanyamarie, I'm a dad and if when I pass on my daughter thinks of me as you do of your dad I would be so incredably happy. All of us have to leave sometime and it will make it
so much easier if you know you did a good job while you were here,as your dad obviously did. I say goodnight to you now with a tear in my eye Tonyxx
You didn't say goodbye today tanyamarie, as your Dad will remain in your heart forever
Your written tribute is just wonderful and now I'm sure you will be a rock for your mum and help each other through the grief and out the other side however long it takes.
Dear Tanya, that is a beautiful letter to your Dad, such a special relationship you had and such wonderful memories you shared. Thank you for sharing with us. Keep hold of the beauty you shared and your memories will always make you smile.
Bless you, your Mam and all those who shared life with your Dad.
Big hugs and love Zoee xoxox
Sweetheart,what a beautiful and incredibly moving story,and tribute to your Dad,what a loving daughter he had,as well as you having such a loving Dad.He will always live on in your heart.
Beautifully written. This brought tears to my eyes. You will always have the good memories. Sorry for your loss. The mercy is your dad did not suffer at the end and is now at peace with no more suffering. God bless
What a beautiful tribute. It brought tears to my eyes to see the wonderful relationship you had with your dad. You will have the memories you built with him forever. xxx
Just managed to bring myself to read this tanyamarie, felt so much for you when you spoke of your loss, but so glad I managed to read it even though I sobbed out loud. A very beautiful letter from a very honest and dignified girl - your parents made a very good job of you and you have repaid them well -never fear xxxx
I have been so upset that I have been unable to say anything until now, I'm so very sorry but so glad your dad passed peacefully it was a beautiful tribute so soon. I never had that relationship with my father which has effected me all my life and I'm 66 now. I was born with a heart defect and was in the Brompton for 3 months he never came and visited he was never there for a cuddle. I left a note in his coffin when he died 20 years ago. My mum has been brilliant and made up for him not being there. God bless and take care.
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I would like you to meet my DAD .. One have talked fighted so much for
