Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Table of contents
Blest be the tie that binds.
There are ties that bind us within our families, within our interests, and within our world. Additionally, current events, a world away, tie us all together.
Personally, this has never been more apparent to me than with the loss of my dad.
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
We pour our ardent prayers
Before our Father’s throne.
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts, and our cares.
We share each other’s woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.
When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.
John Fawcett, Wendell Kimbrough
Memories of Dad
I think some of you will know exactly what I mean when I say that my heart is sorrowfully heavy and full of joy–all at the same time.
The ties that bind joy and sadness.
I lost my 91 year-old father. I’m sad that our family doesn’t have pictures of the times I remember most from my childhood. These ties that bind seem silly. But the memories are vivid in my mind. Some are simple, like my dad in our garage, fixing the brakes of my bike so I could ride to the pool. Moreover, I remember my dad pulling our boat around for the hundredth time to try to get me up on skis. Did he know the life-long memory he was making? Couple that memory with one of him hitting the throttle and telling me when to pull the plug as we drained our boat. It’s strange, these ties that bind. Finally, I have a not-so-happy memory of dad directing me and my sisters to help put up our tent on a hot afternoon. We were NOT happy campers AT ALL. But these memories are precious.
When the struggle is over.
In these last 13 months, while he struggled with his health, my sisters and I got to see Dad again–the witty, silly, playful side of him. He was an endearing man who softened the hearts of his caregivers and doctors, especially when they figured out he was constantly messing with them.
The peace which passes all understanding.
Moreover, I am full of joy and forever grateful that my dad had great faith, even when it hurt him tremendously to keep it. However, in his final moments he asked, “Where am I?” and answered himself peacefully, “Heaven”, as he passed. Ultimately, this is the only tie that binds that really matters. Few of us get such confirmation at the end of our loved one’s life.
In conclusion, when I start to focus on the doubts and questions of what could have been, I remember that incredible “God Wink” gave us upon Dad’s departure from this world.
Instead of Quilting Analogies to the Tie that Binds
This is supposed to be a blog about quilting. Actually, there are many analogies I could make that use quilt themes to describe family and loved ones and friendships. Instead, I’ll leave a few pictures of the man I called dad. And thank you, friends, for allowing me to share him with you.
1926 – 2018
I loved the pictures and the times you said about your Dad. Take care. Love Ya , Nancy
What an absolute wonderful tribute to your loved one. Receive peace from your memories
So sorry for your loss Carla.
What a wonderful memorial. I’m sure he would be pleased.
What a sweet tribute to your dad. Y’all are in our thoughts and prayers
I know the feeling of bittersweet. When we see them go joyfully to the Lord we are truly blessed. Prayers for you and family.
So wonderful you had some very precious moments and memories with your Dad. He is in God’s care now with no pain or suffering. Hold on to those precious memories and love for your Dad. God bless you and your family during your time of loss. You have and Angel looking after you dear friend.
So very sorry for your loss, dear Karla! Sunset on Earth, Sunrise in Heaven…
Karla,
We’re blessed that you shared your cherished memories of your dad. I recall you talking about him years ago and I know you’ll miss him. Very sorry for you and your family. Prayers to you all.🙏
Sympathy to you and your family. His home was my home away from home when I moved to P’ville. RIP Willie. You deserve it!
A beautiful memory. I know you will miss him terribly but take comfort from the fact that you know exactly where your Dad is tonight.
I have memories if you Dad being silly with us kids and so,so patient trying to pull me up on water skies. I finally got it at age 36! I am happy you and your sisters had those months with him to re connect and enjoy each other’s company. Blessings for your family.
A wonderful tribute to your Dad! Sorry for your loss, Karla.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious dad, Karla. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The parting words mean everything. How special to have heard that blessed assurance he is there now. Precious memories and love you have he took with him, also. Keep smiling with the memories that will keep you tied together. Prayers and love.
What beautiful memories you have of your dad. They will bring you comfort in the days ahead. Blessings.
What a beautiful tribute that’s brought me tears, smiles and a reminder to call my daddy. Sending love and hugs to you and your family through cyberspace.
My heart is heavy for you and your family! Great tribute!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Karla, but also so very glad that you KNOW how happy he is now, and you will always have your wonderful memories of him to keep you going.
You have such an amazing way with words….Dad was amazed with all of your quilting & enterprising….he said were quite a “thinker” to do all of that.
My dear karla….your father shared the best part of himself with you….his life! I wish you peace during your time of loss. He lives forever in your heart.
So sorry for your loss. Keep those memories of the good times.
Karla so sorry for the loss of your Father. May he Rest In Peace.
So very sorry for your loss a dad is a special thing
Thanks so much, Cookie.
Thank you, Shirley.
Thank you, Dave.
Thanks, Miss Mary.
Thanks, Sharon, I love hearing the things he’s told you over the last year.
Thank you, Nancy!
Thanks, Nets.