How to say goodbye to a man you loved so much.

On Sunday night my dad breathed his last breathe. The last few months have been really hard on him and he declined rapidly. He died peacefully in his sleep.

My dad was the most amazing man. I’m so honored I got to spend the time I did with him. I met him for the first time when I was 14 years old. I came to Canada to meet my mom after a long separation. He was standing beside my mom at the airport and I remember how tall he was. He worked for the ferries then and he did all the food. He was will respected for all the work he did there.

He was so kind and accepted me and my brother as his family. Never having children of his own he took both of us in and he became my dad. I loved spending time with him. He protected me and loved me.

Growing up with my step dad and my mom was everything I ever imagined. All the things he taught me including driving, helping me with all my English essays and helping me become the woman that I am today.

Barry loved anything outdoors. Hiking, boating, Rv ing, swimming in the ocean. Walking for hours on the beach. He loved picking up rocks and shells and I have a collection at my house outside. He always found those unique rocks and I treasured each of them.

He was married to my mom for 46 years and the adventures they went on. He loved traveling with his best friend. They went many places together. He loved reading and listening to his records. He loved telling stories about his dad and growing up in the restaurant. Helping out his dad and he loved his two sisters. He was very protective of them.

He loved flowers and was often out in the garden. He loved watching the birds especially the hummingbirds come to the feeder. He knew all the names of the plants. He loved diving and he used to go out and explore the breakwater with his friends.

After he was diagnosed with dementia I got to spend lots of weekends with him while my mom took time off. I loved and treasured those times. Long walks on Cordova Bay Beach, pizza at Romero’s. Coffee up at Matticks and people watching. We laughed lots and even though some of those times were difficult I made the time with him the best it could be.

About a month ago the care home called my mom and say that Barry had fallen out of bed. They said they found him on the floor kneeling and that he looked like he was praying. My dad was not a person who went to church but I know that he was indeed praying. We never know that when our life is ending what happens. I believe that’s the day he reached out to the Lord.

I love how God waited for him to come to Him. Now we knew he was ready to go home. Now he’s in heaven dancing with Jesus and he gets to do all the things he loved on this earth. Today I was driving and the clouds were all cool I’m the sky and I know he’s watching out over us.

He’s the only dad that I ever have loved. My other dad well we know how he treated my brother and I. I will miss him so much but the greatest gift in all of this, is I get to see him again. I look forward to that day so much.

I love you so much and thanks for teaching me all you taught me and for loving me how I deserved to be loved. I am the woman I am today because of you. Until we meet again. ❤️