How do I even begin to write something today. I can hardly find the words to fill this space. I’m writing about something that is so close to my heart that the words are escaping me. I still find myself caught in moments of pain, even physical pain when I think of our loss. There are still days when I can melt into a puddle of tears simply by the feeling in the air or thinking about a joke I would like to share.
One year ago this week our family experienced the greatest loss we have ever walked through as a family. After coming back from staring death straight in the face, our father, Graham Taylor, died suddenly whilst walking home from a town meeting. Days earlier we had celebrated my parents 50th Anniversary and in true Taylor style, we ate, we danced, we laughed, we celebrated and we told many stories. Having been given a clear bill of health we all expected a few more good years but alas that wasn’t on the cards.
So this week, the Anniversary of my father’s death, I choose to once again celebrate the life he lived and the legacy he has left. I was and will always remain honored to be the daughter of a great leader and a phenomenal father. His legacy lives on through the lives of his wife {Isabel}, his children and grandchildren. He is talked of and remembered with great admiration, he is missed greatly but we all continue to listen to his wisdom, understanding that life is for living and that we must live it to the fullest.
Things I miss about my Dad ~ I miss his laugh, his wisdom, his morning calls that always brought a smile to my face and many others. I miss being able to ask him the hard questions, when life throws me a curve ball… because he always had a great answer. I miss his jokes and I miss spontaneously dancing with him around the kitchen. I miss him at the dining table sitting at the head, I miss seeing him crying, at the softest moment, when we are all together {he had such a tender heart}. I miss hearing my mum and him laughing together and seeing them grow old together. I miss the fires on the ice in the winter. I miss his input with my children and the grandfather that he was. I miss hearing his perspective on the world and how he could communicate the complicated and make it simple. I miss his hands, he had such beautiful hands. I miss his stories and would give anything to hear even the most repeated one again. I miss the way he loved me. Simply put I miss everything about him.
Through his life and now as he enjoys eternity, I am reminded that I need to be the best version of myself each and everyday. I need to teach my children and raise them with love and strength. I need to live with passion and on purpose and make even the saddest moments matter.
My father was a great man and this week I celebrate, knowing that he will never be forgotten and that one kiss of heaven in my life was being his daughter.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Your dad was an amazing man Susan. Even those of us who never had the privilege of getting to know him well, were greatly impacted by him. Thinking of all of you this week.
Absolutely beautiful tribute Susan! Your insight is an inspiration to all who read. Your dad is living on through all of you, it is clear! xoxo
Pain Joy Hope. Thanks for sharing Sue.
Powerful and so beautiful SS. You have been blessed in this life to have had such a father. x
What a wonderfully written tribute to your dad and the everlasting gift he gave you! You are doing him proud, Susan. Prayers for you and your family with this anniversary and every one here after.
Thank you so much for your comments. We had a great life. Started dating as young high school sweethearts and went on from there. HOW GREAT IT WAS!!!!!!!!!!!
I can only thank all of you who have been on our site. You, yes you, have been my and my children’s inspiration and my joy. You have helped bring me through this sad year. May God Bless you all!!!!
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Beautiful. I wish I had met your dad. He sounds wonderful, and from what I can tell, you’re a chip off the old block! xxx
I did not know your father as well as I would have liked but know he was dearly love by many. I have been hanging large, red Chistmas ornaments in my tree out front in honour of him and his love for life. Always to be remembered.
Beautiful tribute Susan to your wonderful dad. Your dad was loved by so many people as he touched the lives of many. Your whole family is continuing to touch people all over the world, what a wonderful family the Taylor’s are!!!
Your dad would be so proud of you all.
Our Prayers are with you all at this time.
Mark & Bea
That’s beautiful Susan. So true…especially the part about not being able to ask the hard questions. My dad passed away 4 years ago and I have questions I know he could answer. I guess we’ll have to figure out the answers now so that we can tell them to our kids:-)
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