Sad news: Jellyrolls' dad has passed away

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[goofyandplutoluver]

Soory to hear about your loose

 

[milkabum]

I will keep him in my prayers,and I am very sorry Jellyrolls. If I could do anything to help,I would..

 

[CinderellaWannab]

May it be comforting knowing how many people care about you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. BIG HUG.
Dmamie

 

[Captain Brain]

I am so sorry...Lets al pray for Karen's family in this time of trouble.I know what its like to lose a family member.


If I can stop one heart from breaking.I know I have done my job well

 

[Azure]

Dear Karen,

I am so sorry to hear of you're loss. If there is anything I can do for you I will be happy to!! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[nmudisneyfan]

Jelly, I am so sorry
Sending lots and lots of and pixiedust your way.

 

[Ravenisfaven]

Your Dis Family will be here for you

 

[TLinden16]

I just wanted to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and concern the past couple of days. It really means a lot to me. It's been a crazy whirlwind 36 hours. It still hasn't hit me.

Karen

 

[TLinden16]

I just wanted to thank everyone again for their thoughts and prayers for my family and I these past few days. It's really been a crazy few days here, and the wonderful support I've gotten here has been amazing. I'm really lucky to have such wonderful friends, and I'm so glad that I am part of this community.

My father's funeral was yesterday morning. The priest at our church, Father Joe, really did a wonderful job on the service. I had shared some stories about my dad with him, and he worked them into an a eulogy that was uplifting, and comforting. Father Joe had met my father only twice--at my mom's wake and funeral last year.

The main story that Father Joe used in the eulogy was a story about a gift that has been going around my family for the past few years. My father got a keychain with his picture on it for free at the racetrack several years ago. My family used to have a joke grab each Christmas, and my father gave it to someone in the family one year. Since then, we have been passing it on from person to person for birthdays and holidays. Last Christmas, my brother-in-law left it on my sister's Christmas tree like it was an ornament, and my sister passed it on to my father for Father's Day this year. We had the keychain in the casket with my dad at the viewing, and my brother took it before they closed the casket so that we could continue to pass it on.

Father Joe took that story, and worked it into a story about how that keychain represents God's love in my father's life. And how my dad passed that keychain to someone with love. He told us to continue to pass that on through the family as a sign of my dad's love, and God's love. He referred directly to my nieces and nephews, and he said that hopefully someday, they will pass it on to their children as well.

I continue to be amazed by my nieces and nephews. Their grace and strength throughout this week has been amazing. They have been strong for all of us, somehow realizing when the adults needed hugs, and giving them to us. The were respectful of everyone who came to the viewing last night, even the aunts they rarely she who attacked them with kisses. The six of them served as honorary pall bearers, and pushed my dad's casket down the aisle at the church after drapping a white dressing over it. Two of them did the readings, and the rest of them carried the gifts to the altar. I'm amazed by how much they have grown, and what great kids they are. I am very blessed to have those six kids in my life.

So thanks again, everyone, for your support these past few days. You'll never know just how much it means to me.

 

[lovethattink]

Wow! What a beautiful eulogy story, brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful to continue to spread the love of your father and God!

 

[Tinkerbelle739]

I agree that was a beautiful eulogy using the keychain to represent God's Love.

I am happy to hear that your brother took the keychain. It is such a small gesture to pass on a keychain but an amazing story behind it.

I also find it interesting that you have carried on that tradition in VMK even before your fathers passing with the rug and the bacon and oh well ok, even the boogies!!

 

[TLinden16]

I also find it interesting that you have carried on that tradition in VMK even before your fathers passing with the rug and the bacon and oh well ok, even the boogies!!

LOL. I never even thought of it. Where is the bacon these days anyways? LOL

 

[4fosterkids]

What a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it. Take time for yourself, which can be hard to do sometimes.
I wish you happy, beautiful memories of your father...
Hugs

 

[Califgirl]

Thanks for the touching story Karen. How kind of you to share those fun, loving and personal memories of your dad. What wonderful, loving family you have. I'll never look at pass the bacon in quite the same way. (I'll try to remember to pass it on with xoxo and boogies, too!)

 

[cat_herder]

Jellyrolls, I'm so sorry to hear that. I lost my mother 6 years ago and I still haven't got over it.


Dianne

 

[purplegoddess]

i'm so sorry. i realize we don't know each other well, but i can only imagine how difficult it would be for me to loose one of my parents right now. so it must not be easy to say the least. my prayers are with you and hope things brighten up soon for you and your family.

 

[Jackoman]

Oh My Gosh! This Is Terrible. Sorry For Your Loss.