Friday, September 2, 2011

He Loved Coconut Cream Pie . . . Saying Goodbye to Grandpa John

You may have noticed I haven't been posting as much as usual this summer, and there's been a good reason for that. My dad, whom we affectionately called Grandpa John, passed away yesterday morning at the ripe old age of 83 after a steep decline that began in July. I was spending some time with him everyday and I am so glad I had the opportunity to do so.

He was a really sweet guy. Kind of a quiet man, he loved opera music, the Detroit Tigers (one of his favorite phrases was, "Don't let the Tigers break your heart!"), difficult crossword puzzles, his grandsons Charlie and Nathan, and he never could resist a fluffy slice of coconut cream pie.

He's back with my mom now, I like to think, and I'll bet they're probably holding hands and smiling, somewhere out there in the great beyond. I miss him already.

I am looking forward to baking again very soon, and hope to be back in the blogging saddle again in a week or so. I may just have to make a nice coconut cream pie . . .


(I took the photo above--my dad's last picture--on Monday, August 29th, with my cell phone. He's shown there with Charlie, my 18-year old.)

18 comments:

La Table De Nana said...

What a sweet and tender post~

2 lovely men in that photo..
My sympathies..It's been such a long time since I lost my parents..

But you never forget..and always miss them.
He does look so kind..I think your son got that gene too:)

From the Kitchen said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. It is good that you could spend time with him. That is a wonderful photo of your son with his grandfather.

Best,
Bonnie

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. We all totally understand if you take time from the blog. Can't wait to see what you come up with in the future :) Take care.

Marigene said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts are with you and your family.

There's one more star up in the sky tonight.
Even though it is far away,
its brightness and warmth
still reach us here
to make the night a little less dark.

june in ireland said...

Dear Jane, I am so sorry and saddened to read the news about your dad. My heart goes out to you.

I believe that your making your bne of your dad's favourite desserts would be a loving and beautiful way to remember him and to keep him that much closer to you.

When I look at the photo of your dad and your Charlie, I see such love and warmth there. Treasure and cherish that, as I know you always will, and take comfort in that you were able to spend this time with him, and that he knew how much he was loved by all his family.

He will be with you always, just as your mom will be with you always, in your heart and in your memories. That helps me so much when I find myself missing my dad, even though it's been 14 years since he passed away.

Please take care of yourself, my friend. When you're ready to return to the blog, we'll be here for you and your beautiful posts.

~~louise~~ said...

Dear Jane,
I had a feeling something was going on by you. So sorry to hear about your Dad.

Take care, we'll be looking forward to your sweetness when you return. Louise

Chele said...

Jane, that is such a lovely post, there are tears in my eyes. So sorry to hear your news but as you say, he is with your Mum and smiling. Sending you big hugs and lots of love across the miles!

kitchen flavours said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He has a kind and gentle face. And that is a beautiful photo of your son and your father. My condolences to you and your family. Please take care.

The Experimental Cook said...

I'm sorry for your loss. He may be gone but will always be in your heart.

Heidi said...

Hi Jane,

I want to tell you how sorry I am about your father's passing. I lost my father very suddenly 8 months ago and not a day goes by where I don't get a little ache in my chest. I think about him all the time and everything reminds me of him. Gosh it hurts. My thoughts are with you. Take as much time as you need to get back into blogging. We can wait.

Faeez said...

Dear Jane,
Sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you & your family....

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. ~Author Unknown

annie said...

What a beautiful memory of your Dad and your son together. So sorry for your loss and glad you were fortunate to spend some time with him before he passed.

SweetSavoryPlanet said...

Very nice post! I have a soft spot for anyone that loves coconut cream pie. He had great taste.

~~louise~~ said...

Just a note to say I'm thinking of you...

Two Minute Takes said...

My sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad. This is a beautiful photo of him and your son.
Such a difficult post to write, such a loving tribute.

Paula said...

Hi Jane, Lost my dad this year too. So sorry for your loss. Produces lots of feelings that take time to sort out--at least that is my experience. Still working on it.

BTW, your apple cake up above looks divine. Boiled cider is a new idea to me but sounds fabulous.

Jane said...

To everyone,
Heartfelt thanks for all of these comforting words. They really do help, and the kindness they express means a great deal to me.
Thanks so much!
Love,
Jane :)

HanaĆ¢ said...

I'm very sorry for your loss, Jane. It's hard to lose a loved one, and losing a parent is even harder (been there). Thankfully, we have memories of them which can last us a lifetime.
Much love from MN,
HanaĆ¢