I have been wanting to write something since Saturday when I found out but I haven’t been able to, but after a few pints i have found the strength and it’s considerably easier, although I still don’t know if I’ll manage.

On Saturday I received the news that my dad had passed away, he has had complex health issues for a long time (too long) but it came as a complete shock to us all.

Over the last few days I have been completely overwhelmed by the amount of love that has been shown, for me, the family, but most of all for my dad.

I can’t, at this time, bring myself to explain what a fantastic man he was. But he was always there for me and my brother, he supported everything that we did. He may not have said he loved us, or that he was proud of us, but he showed it. And we knew it. So many people have commented on his sense of humour, it really was one of a kind, and sometimes took some getting used to, but it was because he saw the positive in all situations and that helped through the toughest of situations.

It is because of the way I saw my dad deal with the issues with his health that I have been able to deal with mine (possibly not as well). Health issues have always been something that happened as part of life, an added obstacle to the challenge that is life!

The thing I have been most overwhelmed with since Saturday has been church. I know that I teach my pupils that Church is the people and not the building, and this week I have seen it. As soon as my parents moved to this house (before I was born) they started attending the parish church. It has always been a part of my life, and has impacted, hugely, my faith now. The support they have shown, for me, my brother, and especially my mum has been phenomenal, as well as the fond memories they have for dad. I literally can’t put it into words (literally is the correct use of the word as what I’ve written doesn’t do it justice). If this is not an advert for what Church is, then I’m not really sure what is.

Dad was sarcastic and cheeky, but he loved. He knew the love of God, he lived the love of God, and he introduced me to that love as well. It still hasn’t really hit home, and I imagine there will be many more ramblings from me. But for now I will say that I am so grateful for everything dad did for us, the love he showed through encouragement and support, and the strength to get through the tough times. He was a unique character and I’m going to miss him more than I ever could have thought.