Learn to control money but do not allow it to control you

groatie_queen

Dear FW, given the travel chaos everywhere, it is nothing short of a miracle that you were able to get to Sofia, and have the chance to say goodbye to your father, and be there for his passing.

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, it is a bitter loss but you have that comfort of being there, both for your father and your sister.

Sending strength and love

GQ xox

Raingold

Hi Fire Walker,
I'm so pleased you got to say goodbye to your Father and your sister will appreciate your love and support. My thoughts are with you and your family

Firewalker

Thank you all for your messages and support. Today was my Dad's funeral; it was a fairly simple and dignified civil ceremony. Since he spent the last year of him life with my sister in Sofia his neighbours and friends did not manage to come but the family, including my Aunt/ his sister, were there. In the Summer we will take his ash to North Bulgaria where they lived and have a ceremony for both my Mum and my Dad.

It is hard but he had a long and generally happy life - he saw his children grow up, start on our own paths, he saw his grandchildren, he has one great-grandson, he said a final good buy to the love of his life eighteen months ago and he thought that his duty here is done and it is time to 'leave the guard' as we often joked to someone else. At the funeral I did manage to say several words without crying and to wish him a good journey.

He made me think, though. He leaves possessions (not many at the end, though we are still tackle their apartment in the Summer) and he leaves property. But the main thing he (and we all) leave behind are memories - of him laughing, joking (sometime completely inappropriately), having a twinkle in his eye, looking at my Mum with the love and admiration he always had for her. He was also wise and he was our rock - he was so understated that it took us decades to realise this.

RIP, Dad.

Firewalker

macgirl

That is a beautiful tribute FW, may he rest in peace. Thinking of you x

MatyMoo

So nicely said Firewalker.

My two elder brothers died when I was 7 and my Mum told me that nobody is dead as long as someone remembers them, so memories are very important to me.

Aesop

2nd time tonight I have cried. That is beautiful Firewalker. Reminds me to make sure my DS grows up with happy memories of me and his Dad.

Thankyou for sharing with us xxx

Craftyscholar

So glad you got there in time.
A lovely tribute.

savingwannabe

Firewalker your dear father had a life to be celebrated. His memories will live on in everything you do. He must be so proud of you, you really are a blessing. I hope your time passes smoothly in Bulgaria. Be kind to yourself and take things slowly one day at a time. I will pray for you to heal. You are a child of the universe remember. Bless you my friend you are in all of our thoughts. We miss you, kitX

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

http://www.inspirational-short-stories.com/desiderata-poem.html

Aesop

that's beautiful SW. You find the best stuff.

savingwannabe

No i dont its what i was given years ago when i was distressed about something by a wise lady. And i keep saying what she sent to me.