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Thursday, April 21, 2011

I Bought a Blue Dress Yesterday

I hadn't planned to go shopping, but I hadn't planned to spend my morning at the funeral home either, taking care of my Dad's memorial service.

When Dad was diagnosed a few weeks ago, I thought I'd have more time with him. Time to make sure he knew that I couldn't have had a better Dad. That I couldn't have had a better role model. Time to make sure he knew how very much I loved him.

The call on Tuesday morning summoning us to the hospital came as a horrible surprise. He'd been so sick from his chemo treatment, but had been improving, so we never expected to have to say goodbye so soon.

But I see God's hand in it all and in His infinite mercy, He spared my Dad any more suffering and brought him home to heaven. He's now healed and free and happy and that gives me peace. Dad didn't want us to "go around with long faces", yes, his words; but he wanted us to celebrate with him that he was free. His memorial service will be a celebration of his life. He wanted to be remembered for the life he lived and loved.

So, I bought a blue dress yesterday. Blue was my Dad's favorite color and the color of his eyes and I'll wear it proudly to honor this amazing man who shaped my life and taught me how to live it. Fully and without regret.

I love you Daddy.
~~Robin

Celebration Service for Robert Saunders, Jr.Link

26 comments:

  1. Oh my love, I'm so sorry for your loss. But I admire your strength and courage as you honor your dad's wishes to remember and cherish him. I know you'll see him again some day! His spirit is free as you said, and I hope that truly does bring continued peace. If you EVER need to talk or cry or laugh, please know you can call me!

    May God's spirit be with you through this time!

    I love you!

    Sam

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  2. What a beautiful tribute to your Dad Robin. Words can't express how sorry and sad I am for the loss of your Dad. I wish there were some magical words I could say that could make you feel better. All I can offer is my hugs, prayers, and an ear to bend or shoulder to cry on.
    Much love,
    Amy

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  3. So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers. Lynn

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  4. Beautiful Robin. I'm praying for you and somehow I believe your dad will see you in that dress.

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  5. I am very sorry about your loss...you are so strong, i admire this!
    I wish you great strength for the next time.

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  6. So sorry for your loss. I too just recently lost my sister to Luekemia. She was a great model to me as well. My family wore yellow! Remember all the great times you shared with your Dad!!

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  7. Lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about.
    And you should always know, wherever you may go, No matter where you are, he will never be far away from you.
    Prayers and blessings.
    María

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  8. I'm so sorry for your loss sweetheart. Praying for you and your family and the days that are coming. A truly beautiful message in your post today. Thanks for sharing. Love, Selene

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  9. Sorry to read of your loss Robin - may you take solace in the knowledge your dad will be there to watch over you from a place where he is free from pain and suffering and surrounded by loving energy!

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  10. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. We are never prepared for that when it happens. I am holding you and you family close to my heart and prayers. I am familiar with the pain and the relief that they are no longer suffering. His glorious spirit and memories will forever comfort you. God bless! Laura

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  11. Robin, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I'm sure he'll be smiling down on you now and always.
    Love, Lynn

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  12. Robin, so sorry about your Dad. You are so right in celebrating his life as that will lead to healing in such a better way. I'll continue to pray for you and your family.

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  13. Sorry for your loss. Your dad seemed like a wonderful man. At least you and your family have wonderful memories of him

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  14. I am praying with you for you loss. But now Dad is free and you all will meet again.

    Tai

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  15. Robin-
    Thinking of you... I was so sad to read your blog today...

    Jen Heffernan

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  16. Since the loss of my mom, dad and son in a four year span, I know that heaven must be a very special place! I no longer fear death because my loved ones are in a spectacular place and one day I'll be there. We know God is present in our lives here and the hereafter. Yes, it is a celebration of his life and his purpose here was so special - I'm so glad that you had such a great relationship with him. I know you'll miss him tremendously, but find comfort in knowing he is with our heavenly Father and he is looking over you and your family with a bird's eye view! And, your mom and dad have created such a beautiful person - what a gift they have given us -- you!!

    Love you!! Phyllis

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  17. Robin - I am so sorry for your great loss and sending you a cyber hug. Your words about your Dad touched my heart and I am here crying with you. May God's peace fall upon you and give you great comfort. Love, Maureen

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  18. Robin, I'm so sorry for your loss & I'm glad he's no longer suffering! I'll surely pray for you tonight. I'm friends with Della Marie & Diana Hickey.

    May the Lord be with you & comfort you.

    In God's Love, Mary Hayes

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  19. Robin, I am so sorry to read of your loss. I hope that you and your family will find peace in the coming days and weeks.
    Gale

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  20. Robin, so sorry to hear about your Dad. It's never easy and I know exactly what you mean about having time to do and say all the stuff we should. Many prayers for you and yours.

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  21. Robin,

    I am SO sorry for the loss of your dad. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. You and your family are in my prayers. HUGS!!

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  22. Robin, I am truly sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family. Stay strong,know that you are loved and He will guide you through~
    Stampin' Hugs,
    Erin

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  23. I Love this song. My dad passed away almost 5 year ago. And every time i hear this song it reminds me of him.I know i will see him again some day. So Sorry for you loss. I will keep you in my prayer.

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  24. Your words of love to your dad are beautiful Robin! Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. May you find peace in His wonderful presence today and throughout this time. We serve an awesome God and one day there will be a great celebration that will await you ~ Oh what a day that will be!
    Blessings, Denise

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  25. Robin,
    I am sorry for your pain and wish I could give you a big hug. My dad died last year on the 26th of April and I understand how hard it is for a daughter to miss her daddy. You will always cherish him and as the days move on you will laugh at something that reminds you of him, and find your self talking to him. Just know that he is always by your side and smiling with you.

    Lisa Meyers

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  26. Oh Robin...not what I expected to read here! I am so sorry. Your love for your Dad shines through your post. Blue is perfect.

    Hugs and prayers!!

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