It is with great sadness, that I write, that my father Daniel Alexander passed away on Tuesday. We are so happy he has become one of God’s angels, but will miss him forever.
I’d like to tell you some of my favorite memories of my father, if you would like to hear them.
When I was a child my dad would run down the hall chasing me yelling “I’m mean and I’m green” (pretending he was the Incredible Hulk) and wrestle with me and tickle me like crazy. I would scream and scream “Help!!” for my mom and she would just laugh and say, “You got yourself into the mess, you have to get yourself out of the mess.”
Every summer for many years, my dad and I would take off from Orlando, FL (where I grew up) and drive all the way to Trenton, TN to visit my grandmother. Along the way we played the “Gas Station Game”. We would each pick 3 major gas stations and count them on the 13 hour trek. The trick to the game is you actually have to see the gas station off the interstate, so as you can imagine, we spent a lot of time denying seeing the others gas stations!! All in good fun of course.
Most recently, my dad and I became hooked on playing Jeopardy and watching Survivor. Since season 2 of Survivor, every Thursday night, with an occasional exception, I would go and have dinner at my parents and my dad and I would play Jeopardy. Now you need to know my dad was a history major at Washington & Lee University and he knew EVERYTHING!! Playing with him was pretty amusing as the only times I even had a prayer was teen week when the categories were ‘pop music’ or ‘5th grade math’. (You get the idea!!) Now every once in a blue moon I would have a good night, but no matter what after the first round when it was announced who would go first in Double Jeopardy (the lowest score) my dad would call out my name!! It was always, “And Rachel goes first in Double Jeopardy!” and of course I would try to argue my points to no avail. We even had a silly ‘song’ we sang each time a daily double popped on the screen!! It was quite hilarious. After Jeopardy we would watch Survivor and bet on who would be voted off. We had so much fun.
One more thing I am so happy about is that some months ago Troy and I decided that we would name our son Daniel after my father as we knew he would not be with us forever. We were planning to keep it a secret (and yes, this is the first time I have posted the name on the blog) but my big mouth just couldn’t do it and one Thursday night, when my dad was feeling good, I told him. He looked so proud and surprised and happy all at the same time and he couldn’t even say a whole lot to me the rest of the night. I just know he has already met our son and is keeping watch over him now.
I miss him so much.
Wedding day next to my mom and dad - 1996
My dad and mom at Lake Michigan, in Wisconsin, 2004 (one of my favorite photos!!)
22 comments:
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing away. It sounds like he was a wonderful dad. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. It is a blessing that you have some special memories of him that will never fade.
Rachel, I pray that your fond memories of your father will get you through these difficult times, and bring you peace. My prayers are with you and your family.
Rachel,
I have been meaning to post for sometime now. I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. Slade lost his mother a year ago last June, and it has been a difficult year and a half for us. It has brought our family closer together in an odd way. We will be praying for you by name.
I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have a lot of wonderful memories of your father. I lost my father a few years ago so I know how tough it is. It takes time to heal but you will be left with those memories that you will treasure forever. (Hugs)
Rachel I'm so sorry to hear about your father. He sounds like an incredible man. Even though your son will never meet him, your son will benefit from the love and caring your father lavished on you throughout the years that made you into the woman you are today.
Oh Rachel, I'm so sorry. I think losing a parent right along side losing a child is one of the hardest things to go through. Thanks for sharing a few of your memories with us about your dad. He sounds like he was a wonderful man.
Oh, Rachel, I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man who helped you create a lifetime of wonderful memories. You were truly blessed. You and your family arein our thoughts and prayers.
Rachel- I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. What a sweet post you have written of the memories you have and of his future namesake.
Rachel,
I loved reading all of the happy memories of your times with your dad. He sounds like such a fun father and looks like such a nice man! He has the sweetest smile on his face in each of the pictures you shared. I know he must have been so honored to learn you are planning to name your son Daniel. My friend in graduate school lost her dad to cancer and named her son Daniel after her dad too--it's a very special name! I pray God gives you comfort and peace as you remember your sweet father and all of the fun times you shared.
Tell Troy to give you a big hug from me! :)
Adrienne
I'm so sorry. What a wonderful tribute to your dad for your son to read one day. Sounds like you have a LOT of wonderful memories with your dad that you'll be able to pass on. Little Daniel will feel as though he knew him.
The one thing that helped me most when my dad passed away a few years ago was that we have hope of seeing him again. I know that is true for you as well.
I'll be praying for you and the family.
Rachel, I'm so sorry for your pain and loss. It's very hard to lose a parent - I know. I've lost both of mine and so has Jim.
Just try to focus on all the great things you did together and how much fun you had with him. He sounds like a perfect dad - you were very lucky to have him.
Always remember that we will see them again one day and no one will be in any pain.
Hugs and take care-
Jane
Rachel,
I enjoyed reading some of your favorite memories of your father from your childhood and recently. It sounds like your father was a wonderful, Godly man. I know how much you must miss him. You remain in our thoughts and prayers as you move forward. If we can do anything, do not hesitate to ask!
Carey
Rachel, I think you did a beautiful job of writing about your father. I know you debated on writing this in your blog but I think the way you wrote it was perfect as I am sure your son will love reading about his namesake someday. Again, I am so sorry about your loss. He will be forever missed but always smiling down on your beautiful family.
What beautiful pictures and memories! It sounds like Little Daniel is going be named after a very, very special man. I'm so sorry for your loss. With time comes comfort - hang onto those wonderful memories!
I'm sorry. He sounds like he was an awesome father.
Rachel -
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I'm sure that you are right and he is with your new little one watching over him. Also I think that it is a wonderful gift to name your child to be after your father and I'm so glad that you were able to share that with him before he passed. You are in my prayers and if there is anything that I can do you please let me know. Also something my mom did for my sister and I after my Grandfather passed away. She asked my Grandmother for two of his shirts and had them made into teddy bears for us. Then I did that same thing for my best friend Terri when her grandfather passed away. It is something you might think about doing for yourself or for your little one. If you want the information please contact me and I will get it to you. My email is MandyJo013078@yahoo.com - Mandy
Rachel, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. What a empty feeling it must be to have someone you love most, leave your life. I hope your pain will soon be replaced with wonderful memories of your father. Chris and I will pray for you and Troy.
~ Danica ~
Oh, I am so sorry to read this! I am heart-broken for you! But what joy to be able to recall such fond memories and begin sharing them with your son even now, before he comes home. I am praying for you and your family!!
Rachel, I am so, so sorry for the loss of your dad; he sounds like a great guy! What fun times and sweet memories. And how special that you are naming your soon to be son after him. Take care, Jane
Rachel
You are so blessed to have had such a great man as your father. I am so sorry for your loss.
I think Daniel is a beautiful name.
Rachel, I am so sorry for your loss. You are very fortunate to have those loving memories of you and your dad; that you can share with your son. And what an honor to name your son after him. You, Troy, and your son now have a Guardian Angel looking over you and guiding your path to becoming a family. Hugs, Amy
Rachel,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a blessing that you were able to spend so much time with your dad and have such great memories of him. It is hard to lose a parent no matter how long you have to prepare for it.
My father passed away two years ago this week. We didn't think he would live to meet our 4th son, who was not only due on my dad's birthday, but would be named after him. So my dad was the first person I told too. I'll never forget how proud he was. What a wonderful honor for both your father and son.
It sounds like little Daniel will have a namesake to be proud of! You hang in there girl.
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