Thursday, June 12, 2014
A Tribute to My Dad~John C. Jenkins
A little over 2 years ago, my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. The doctors told him that if he didn't receive treatment, he would probably only be around not much more than 3 months. He still decided not to take radiation or chemo because he said he'd rather spend 11 weeks living than 11 weeks dying.
Last Sunday, June 1, 2014 I had a date to meet my dad in Scottsburg, Indiana at the Cracker Barrel. We loved to meet there to eat and chat. We had a fabulous time! Daddy didn't look great, but he didn't look as bad as I thought he might. He told us he hadn't been eating much, but ordered the meat loaf anyway. I asked him if he would like to share it, but said he thought he could put a pretty good dent in it. After eating a few bites, he asked if I wanted some and when I said 'no' he asked where the dogs were!
My dad loved to joke around, and Sunday wasn't any different. He was teasing all of us! After our great afternoon, my daddy went home and took a nap and never woke up again. I am so thankful he went peacefully and that I was able to spend the day with him, but selfishly, I wasn't ready for him to go.
My sister and I drove down to his house after he died to comfort our step-mom. On our way back home it started raining very hard, but stopped quickly. The next thing we saw, was a complete rainbow from end to end. It was just what we needed to comfort us and remind us that everything was going to be okay. The next day, my sister saw a double rainbow and yesterday I saw another one.
At his funeral, each of us kids decided to share a few memories that we had of our father. Some of my memories are:
- Playing airplane on daddy's feet~I felt like I could really fly!
- Pushing daddy's car out of the driveway when he went to work.
- Playing checkers in the garage and ALWAYS losing . . . I think the losses helped me become a good sport!
- Hitting rocks with golf clubs and getting a real butt-chewing!
- Getting to sleep in the back window of the car because I was the oldest. Safety first - NOT in those days!
I am going to miss my dad so much,
but just like when daddy held me in his loving arms
. . . everything is going to be all right!
Thanks for stopping by to read.
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So sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. I am glad your last time with him was so special.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have great memories of a fantastic man.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. I lost my dad last year and still think of him everyday and all the things I want to share with him. But like you my happy memories keep my thoughts of him happy.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Hold on to the fabulous memories and know that he left this world happy and knowing that he was loved. His love will continue in your heart forever.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteDear Hilary,
ReplyDeleteIt is never easy to say good-bye to a true DAD. My dad has been gone for 15 years (I was pregnant with my son) and I miss him every day. He loved to joke around too! We never laughed so hard. The happy memories will last forever! I wish we didn't lose such wonderful DADs so young. Please know I am thinking and praying for you and your family.
Pam
What wonderful memories you have of your dad! Thanks so much for sharing them with us. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteAimee
aimee@vanmiddlesworth.org
Pencils, Books, and Dirty Looks
What a beautiful tribute. So sorry for your loss; your dad sounds like a wonderful man.
ReplyDeletegood enough teacher
I am so sorry Hilary. Thank you for sharing these beautiful memories with us. I am sure that it is not easy right now but be comforted in knowing that you were able to have that special lunch together! That probably meant the world to him to be able to see you that day! Thinking of you!
ReplyDelete