If there’s one thing I’ve been taught my entire life, it’s that family doesn’t have to share blood. And thinking about that in this moment from my high school bedroom while there is a buzzing in my childhood home, it seems sort of funny. Because the reality of it is, we had family enough on our own. Coming from a family of seven, doesn’t that seem like it would just be enough? Hell, it probably seems like too much to many of you.
But in this house, in this family, once you’re in, you’re in. Because all those people standing in the kitchen downstairs? Many of of them don’t share our blood. But within moments of our phone call, Dad’s gone, here they are.
There is more food in our fridge and freezer than we know what to do with (thank you), and we feel so wrapped up in love and support that we know with full confidence that while this might be the hardest day this family has had to face thus far, we will be okay. Because we have family. And in this house, that includes you.
The events of the last week feel like something out of a dream. I’m living in some parallel universe where I’m starring in an episode of Parenthood. Because this can’t possibly be real life. Dad’s gone.
But the truth is, those we’ve loved along the way are never actually gone. Not in this house, anyway. In fact, Dad defied logic and science. Given only a day maybe two on Wednesday, we started to notice odd things happening around the house. We quickly found a reason. Surely, the angels sent our beloved Uncle John to take Dad’s hand and walk with him, but Dad was refusing. A soldier never gives up. So in the meantime, Uncle John got bored and started messing with us. I tell you this now so you can get a sense of how this family works; of how we deal with loss in this house. Whether true or all in our heads, we find peace in those stories.
This morning, Dad went to be with those we’ve loved and lost along the way. He has them, and we have each other. And we’ll be okay.
Service Arrangements; Raleigh, NC
Visitation: January 12, 6-8PM; Renaissance Funeral Home
Funeral Mass: January 13, 9AM St. Luke’s Church
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of my dad, Erick Dickens, a retired New York City firefighter, here.
I am so sorry for your loss, I am praying for your whole family and I know that the Alangels came for your father. I remember when they came for my Pop Pop, and I truly believe that. That picture is amazing by the way.
angels*
So sorry for your loss. So glad you are surrounded by love now. I'm sure your dad is smiling down on all of you. Praying for you and your family!
Oh Joey I am so sorry. Thinking of you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute. Thinking of you during this unimaginable time.
I'm so sorry, Joey. Many hugs.
Thoughts and prayers, friend.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss friend! I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, you so eloquently wrote about your dad and I can only imagine how proud of you he must be.
*hugs*
I hope for peace during this time for you and your family. Big hugs and a lot of love pouring out to you.
Joey, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
All the love, hugs, and prayers to you & the fam, gush. You know we love y'all & are here for anything you guys need.
Oh, how your heart must be aching. But what a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by those him love so much. I'll continue to pray for you and your family. I can only imagine the pain but I also know there's comfort in His arms.
Im so sorry to hear about this news Joey. I hope that the people surrounding you continue to give you comfort, it sounds like you have a great support system to get you through this tough time.
I am so sorry for your loss, I hope you can find comfort in this time of sadness in knowing he is in a better place.
I've been wondering & praying for your family.
I'm so sorry… Praying for strength in the days to follow.
Praying for you and your family, sweet friend. May you feel surrounded by family-both blood and not, both here in the flesh and not.
I'm sorry for your loss. He sounds like an amazing man and father.
I've been thinking about you guys and praying. I'm so sorry to hear that your dad passed away. But it makes my heart happy that you have so many people around you to support you, and get you all through this time. Your dad is certainly still around, and always will be, to watch over all of you! Sending you lots of love!
Joey, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I'm keeping you, your family and all those who knew and loved your Dad in my thoughts.
oh Joey, I am so very very sorry. Thinking of you and your family xxx
I am so sorry to hear of your loss! My heart hurts for you and your family. It is wonderful you are surrounded by so many people the can care and share your memories with!
My dear friend I am so, so sorry. I can't even imagine losing my dad. It sounds like he's in good company up there with our Lord. I pray for you and your family at this very hard time. xoxo
Praying for you and your family, sweet friend!
xoxo
Kat
I am so, so sorry for your loss sweet friend. I will be thinking about you and your family and sending all the hugs and love! <3
My heart is breaking for you, sending so much love your way.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you and your family!
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you have many around you in that big family to comfort you at this time, but I'm sure there's a big hole left.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Peace and love to you and your family.
I'm sending positive vibes and prayers you're way. I'll also tag you on a little pic in Instagram. I hope you like it. Estherdavison@gmail.com
So very sorry for your loss, but it sounds like you have an incredible support system and your dad is surely smiling down on you all!
When my grandpa passed away we found all kinds of little moments that we're so much like (I think) what you're describing. They're always here. Still sending you tonnes of love.
So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to him. He is smiling down from heaven proud of all of your accomplishments!
I am really sorry to hear that you lost your dad. His memory will never be forgotten as long as you keep honoring his name and living his legacy.
I'll be praying for you and your family.
I'm thinking of you so much during this time. I hope you are taking time for yourself and are comforted in knowing he is no longer in pain. Love you! xo, Champagne&Suburbs
hugs
When you shared this on instagram my heart broke. In millions of pieces. It brought back feelings of when I lost my mom. It hit me hard. BUT reading this today makes me feel content. I smiled. You seemed content. You are not alone and that is the most special gift ever during a time like this. Your dad will be with you forever. He's raised you well and you have a fantastic support group behind you. Hugs to you and your folks!!
I've been away from blogging for a bit and just now catching up on what I missed- I had to leave a (very belated) comment to say how sorry I am to hear about your loss. I lost my Dad at the end of last year, and whilst I don't know what your experiences have been, I do know what it was like for me and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I'm praying for you and your family.
I know I'm late to seeing this, but sending you love and hugs, because you can never have too many. XOXO