Sadly I have had good reason.
Just two days prior returning home to England after our epic, and literally 'life changing' tour of America I received a call from my brother whilst in my hotel room in New York City to say that our Father had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on the 5th July - he was 78 years old. He had died peacefully at home in his favourite armchair with a glass of red wine in his hands watching a World-Cup soccer match. He loved football more than any other sport. What a way to go eh!
My Dad was a daily devoted reader of our Blog and never missed a post and by all accounts it bought him great pleasure to see his youngest child realising a life's dream. His last comment via my FaceBook page was on the 2nd of July, it simply read "You've done it son, well done to everybody." It has been a great comfort to me to know that he watched and read in detail the three months of our adventure across possibly the most beautiful country on the planet; A country he never got round to visiting even though he travelled extensively throughout Europe. My Dad was many things, but above all he was a man of service to his community, including becoming the Mayor of his home town during his 56 years in public service roles. What an example he set, and a challenge he leaves his four children.
Like my 13,000 mile ride across America he will never be forgotten.
Now the time is right to finish off our Blog. Standby for the final few postings!
John,
ReplyDeleteI was afraid that the silence here meant something bad or unpleasant had occurred. I am sorry to read that it was your father's passing from this life. It does sound like he lived his life well, had the love and respect of many, and at an appropriate age left this life in a style that truly fit him. What more could any of us hope for for ourselves?
You and your family have my condolences on his passing.
Doug