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Today, my Dad is happy again for the first time in four months.
Alzheimer's had robbed the smile from his face, the blue from his eyes, the spirit from his heart, and time spent with me.
I am thankful that he no longer sees the effects of this disease nor does he feel the pain anymore.
Through his eyes, I hope that he can see how much I love him and miss him, I always have and I always will.
Dale Rougeau
June 15, 1936 ~ November 21, 2009
*****
Dear friends and family, I cannot thank you enough for traveling this journey with me. Your caring words and your powerful prayers were my foundation of strength as I traveled this road of uncertainty. I was not alone because of you. Thank You.
93 comments:
Dearest Jodie, I am so sorry for your loss. Your thoughts are so touching and your love shines through. Please know you are in my thoughts.
Hugs and warmth, Kelley
Awwwww Jodie.....I am so sorry. I hope through sharing it helps you through this time of grief. Far away but close at heart.....you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have a new angel watching over you. God Bless You. Geralyn
Oh Honey, I am so sad for your loss, but you are very right when you say he smiles again! Dreadful disease!
Big hugs and lots of love and prayers Jodie, I am thinking of you and your family.
Hugs,
Margaret B
Just know that He is whole again and smiling down on you from Heaven.
Hold dear your wonderful memories.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings.
Jodie, I am sending you all the love I can through words.
Debbie
Dear Jodie,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. God Bless you and your family. sandi
Ooooh my, sugar, I'm sooooo very sorry to hear of this, but he is definitely happier now. I'll be thinking of you all day now, I just know I will, chickee. My heart is very heavy for you.
xoxo,
Connie
Jodie- Keeping you and the family in my prayers and my phone next to me if you need ANYTHING let me know I will bring it and just be there for you. I know its hard to loose someone you love but he is with your momma and he is SO happy now. Try not to be sad that he is gone but glad that he is with his love and they are looking down on you and saying its going to be alright baby dont cry. They wouldnt want you to be sad. I loveyou and call me if you need to vent or just whatever. Prayers and hugs
loveya.
sarah
Jodi,
I am so very sorry about the loss of your dad.
Hope
Jodi, I am so very sorry! I'm confident that he's happy now, but so very sad for your loss. Thinking of you Bella sister!
Hugs and love,
~heather
Tears fill my eyes as write this..I will be thinking of you and praying for you. Sandy shared with me a little of what has been going on. No words do justice to what you are feeling. So I will not try...just know that we love you and will talk soon!!
Chantal and Maryse
Dear Jodie, thank you for sharing this with us. I am so sorry for your loss but you are right that he is happy again. My Dad passed away 4 years ago and suffered as your Dad did. It was sad but also a blessing to know he was once again himself and happy. God Bless you and give you strength!
Linda
Jodie my prayers are with you and your dear family at this time of loss. Hold each other close and know that his love for you all is clear to him now and that he will be watching and loving you still.
Hugs,
June
Oh Jodie, I'm so sorry for your loss... I've yet to lose a parent so I cannot even begin to imagine what it is like...
Prayers, hugs and love,
Leanne
Dear Jodie, Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute with us. I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing,but know that he is in a better place and in some ways he had already gone on to that place months before. I know that you were a rock and were there for him through it all so you can be proud of the fact that you were able to care for him until the end. My mother-in-law died of cancer 4-1/2 years ago and my husband is so glad that he was able to care for her. It gave him peace knowing that he helped her to pass quietly and lovingly onto the next level. You have done the same for your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you make your way through the next several days. Blessings and hugs, Tammy
Hi Jodie,
I came over to tell you how sorry I am in the loss of your father. My father has frontal lobe dementia and his smile is gone, his whole persona is gone and it is so hard to see him suffer so I do understand. Although your loss is great and certainly is not easy, may you find comfort that he is whole again. Again my sympathy to you and your family.
LeAnn
Dear Jodie,
Your post made me so sad today. I didn't understand at first what had transpired and I was thinking "what a handsome, happy man he is". Then to see that he is gone just made me feel so bad. My sincerest sympathies to you and your family. I know you have many wonderful memories that you will treasure forever.
A huge hug to you,
Sharon
Thinking of you today- and wishing you peace in your heart. Hugs
Oh Jodie...my deepest sympathy to you sweet friend!! I know heaven has welcomed a wonderful man to shine down on you and your family and keep them safe!! My thoughts and prayers are sent your way during this difficult time!!
Big hugs xOxO Nerina
Oh Jodie. After I got your Email late last night I couldn't you out of my thoughts. I woke up in the middle of the night and thought of you. Wondering . . .
But Jodie - he truly is smiling again. Him and your Mom both - as look down on their kids together - and just GRIN at how wonderful all of you are.
Keep remembering him as he was in this picture. Happy. As he is once again. How awesome is that?
Big hug . . . with a little sway.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you over the next couple of days. Karen
Sweetie, I sent my thoughts in an email but you know he is dancing with your mother right now. He is beyond pain and it is time for you to rest and heal as well. Love the charming photo. He looks like he was a wonderful, sweet daddy. Love and prayers pouring your way. Love, Pam
Jodie, I am so sorry for your loss. That is a great photo of him though. If you need anything..I'll try my best. Take care of yourself and your family.
Dearest Jodie, keeping you and your family in my thopughts and prayers. Yes I think your daddy is smiling now :)
My mom had severe dementia as well and it robbed her from joy. Now she is gone (a little over 3 yrs ago) I know that she is smiling upon me, right next to my big brother. They are both watching over me, just as your dad will be watching over you.
Many hugs from Marian
Jodie,
Sending hugs and prayers to you. Hold tight to your memories of your Dad, but, I'm sure he'll be watching over you as your own personal guardian angel, as my Dad has for me the past 7 years. Take Care!
xo
Cheryl
Jodie, dear, Just think, when you get to heaven your Daddy will be waiting to welcome you with outstretched arms and that big grin. I know you and he have been through so much, and I'm so sorry this happened during the Holiday Season.
Hugs and blessings, sweet Jodie, you are in my thoughts and prayers!
love, Debra
Saw your Father passed this a.m. from Tammys blog.....
My Sympathy to you & your family in your loss.
May God be with You at this time!
Love,
Marilyn
Sweet Jodie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you on this day. Having traveled this road myself, I can tell you that your memories of the good days will always outweigh the adversity and challenges you have faced these last months.
Love to you,
Sue E.
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I lost my mom almost 8 years ago but I feel her with me everyday. There are just no words, but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jodie,
I found you through Tammy's blog and although I don't know you, I want to give you my condolences at this time. Peace to you,your family and especially to your father.
bunny
My heart and prayers are with you and your family. Dear Dads are so hard to loose no matter what was wrong. May he rest in peace.
QMM
Dear Jodie,
My thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of your Dad. What a sweet picture of him with such a loving face. The disease might have taken him away, but you knew who he was before and he will always be your Dad.
Love to you and yours.
God Bless You.
hello~ i am here from sarah's blog, to add my prayers and condolences. i am just starting this journey with my sweet mom, and will keep your words close to heart. take care.
Oh Jodie, what can I say but that I'm sorry for your loss. It had to be so hard to cope with his illness and see the Dad you knew slowly disappear. I'm sure he is so proud of the love and care you gave him when he couldn't help himself. Take care, you're in my prayers.
Jodie, I am so sorry for your loss...know that you & your family are in my prayers. Your heart is breaking but know that your dad is no longer suffering...and to know that your mom & him are together again in the Lord's arms..God Bless - Grace Peace & Love 2 U, Marlene
Jodie,
I stopped to visit your blog today to tell you how much I enjoyed meeting you at Silver Bella. When I opened your blog and I read about your father's passing my heart just sank. I am so incredibly sorry Jodie!!! My husbands uncle is batteling Alzheimer's and it truly is a sad disease. Your father has kind gentle eyes and he looks like he was a super kind man. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family right now. May peace be with you all. Your in my thoughts. XOXO,Jenn
Jodie -- We only just met, but I wanted to send you my (((hugs))) and prayers. Your tender love for your father reads plainly in the few words in your post.
Dearest Jodie,
My heart breaks for you for even if we are somewhat prepared for a loss, we are never really prepared for any loss of this kind. In your Father's smile I can see what a loving man & Father he is. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Susie
Jodie,
My deepest heartfelt sympathy, you're in my heart and prayers.
Lee
Oh Jodie, I'm so sorry... A million hugs coming your way.
Oh Jodie! I have been meaning to come over here and thank you for the kind comments you left me a few weeks ago. I am so sorry to hear that your dad has passed. I know he is in a better place looking down on you. You are such a sweet person! I'll keep you in my prayers chicky!!
~Molly P
Jodie, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I am sure he knows how much you love and miss him. It must have been so hard for him to live with that pain. Thinking of you xo
Jodie,
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Your tribute to him was beautiful. May you find peace in all the wonderful memories you have of your life together. He is happy again and trust that that smile on his face, the twinkle in his blue eyes and the spirit you knew in his heart are with you always.
God Bless,
Jane
Dearest Jodi, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I know it is heart wrenching. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please know that I will keep you in your prayers. I wish I could give you a big hug.
With all my heart...Tracy
Jodi~I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear father...the death of a parent is so hard and please know that I will be praying for you and your entire family.
Blessings,
Linda
Oh dear Jodie...I'm so sorry for your loss. I went through the same thing nine months ago, so I know how you feel. The relief of no more suffering, yet missing them greatly. Rest assured that your sweet father knows how much you love him. Remember the lovely times, my dear. They get you through.
Big Hugs,
Lori
My Dearest Jodie,
I am sending you so much love, I understand your loss, but know your Dad is now smiling down on you with all the love he was no longer able to express in his past months in this world. God has blessed you and will continue to give you comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
Blessings,
Gale
Bless your heart. May you receive God's comfort and feel His presence in this painful time for you.
Blessings to you and your family...
Cynthia K.
Dear Jodie, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you take comfort in the fact that he's with his loving Savior. xo , Sue
I hope your happy memories will bring you comfort during this difficult time...jj
Dear Jodie,
You have my deepest sympathy at the loss of your father. Peace be with you.
Gwen
sweet Jodie, i am so sorry for your loss...my deepest sympathies are with you...hugs!!!
Oh, Jodie, it is sad to see a love one go. you were lucky to have him so long. I lost my Dad when he was 49. My deepest sympathies and I send you much hugz! I can see you love him deeply and that is so rare. Hold on to that always. Hugz, Z
oh jodie...
i pray for
peace for you
and your family...
bless your heart.
Hi Jodie:
Thankfully your Dad is Happy and peaceful now. I am crying; because his eyes are twinkling and you can see the nice man he is. I know of you from reading Sharon's blog every day. This is a GREAT photograph of him to keep in your heart : )
Peace and warmness to you
carole
Hi Jodie, I am sorry to read this, though I know that the circumstances make it easier to let him go, the parting isn't easy. I wish you and your family strenght to deal with this loss. I love the photo you have chosen of your father, a great tribute to him! Take care, hugs LiLi
Jodie, my friend, thank you for being an example to me of fulfilling our duty as daughters. I have yet to go through that. I know the death of a child, I've been there.
Jodie, I believe that life doesn't stop at death. Because I believe that, I also believe that families can be together again.
My heart breaks for you at this moment my friend and I leave you with this thought.
The sun will come out tomorrow.
big hugs
cindy@stitches
I am so sorry to read of your loss. My father passed away in 2001 and I miss him every day. He looks like a delightful man and I truly believe that our parents are always very near, even after they have died.
My thought and prayers are with you.
I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. I can't imagine. It sounds like he was well loved and lived a full life. Praying for your family now.
Jodie, as we bury Daddy today, I read all of the beautiful, comforting, loving, sympathetic thoughts to you and our family about our loss of Daddy. I want to thank each and everyone, and the ones yet to post also, how much all of their thoughts and prayers and encouragement during this difficult time has brought peace and assurance.... thank you dear blog sisters of Jodie, my sister. Thank you for extending your kindness and compassion to Jodie and her family.
God Bless You, and I'm so happy that my sister is surrounded by such wonderful and great people as you all are.
I know that Jodie is thankful and so is her famiy. Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings each day be recognized! Because they are there every day!
Jodie I love you dearly and yes, you were a great blessing to Daddy and remember always, that "LOVE IS ETERNAL"....love never dies between two people who loved each other greatly as you and Daddy. There is only a thin veil separating us from him at this time, but we are still with him and he with us, in the love and hope of Christ, until we all are joined together again in heaven, whole and complete, and share a happiness and joy that is way beyond our capability of understanding!
I love you dearest sister,
Karen
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Jodie~
So sorry to hear about your father. He is at peace now and smiling down upon you!! I can feel your sorrow as I lost my father a few years ago. Although he is gone the sweet memories remain to keep him in your heart. Wish I was closer so I could give you a big hug!!
Robin
Dearest Jodie,
I'm so very, very sorry. :( I have no words because I know from my own experience that grief, though shared, is ultimately ours alone. Though I know that God carries us through. My heartfelt prayers go out to you dear one, to you and your family, during this time of great loss. ♥♥♥♥♥♥
Love,
Linda
Well sister in law.This is hard to write because of all the tears. You know you are loved.Because you make it so easy.Now take some time for you and rest and relax and take care of yourself cause nothing can happen to you please!!!!LOVE YOU!!!!B
Dear Jodie, I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that he is with our Lord.
Love,
Amy
Jodie sending positive thoughts your way. It was a terrible disease for your dad to suffer from - heartbreaking for the family
Alison
Thinking of you today and knowing that you are comforted by the love of family and friends. Blessings to you and yours, Tammy
Hi Sweetie,
My heart goes out to you.I will pray for both your Father and your family.
May God bless you all.
XXOO Marie Antionette
Jodie, I am so sorry. You will always have the wonderful memories. I can tell that you were an amazing daughter to both your parents.
love and prayers,
Sandi
Oh my dearest Jodie...I sure wish I could be there right now to give you a hug. I am so sad for your loss. My condolences and heartfelt prayers for your comfort.
With love,
Michelle
Oh Jodie, I am so sorry!!! I am crying as I write this as I have been praying for your father everyday and feel such sorrow over his passing. I am thankful that he is with our Lord now, free from pain and suffering. God Bless you and your family. I will pray for you all.
Blessings dear friend,
Kim
Jodie,
I'm very sorry for your loss. My father-in-law went the same way, so I know how difficult this has been for you. My heart goes out to you.
Wendy
Dearest Jodie,
I have only seen this message today.
I am so very sorry and tears are in my eyes as I write.
You have been in my mind so much the past few months and I have been praying for your dear Father.
You were so kind when my Dad died and helped me through those last days.
Sending all my love and hugs to you.
Remember all the happy times and lovely memories you have of your dear Dad. My prayers are with you and may you find comfort in knowing that he is at rest and peace now.
Hugs
Carolyn xo
Oh, Jodie...I just read on Pam's blog that your dad passed away. I'm so very sorry...
Hi Jodie, I am so sorry to read of your Dad's death. He looks like he was such a gentle and happy spirited man. I can tell he was very special to you and I just know you were the light of his life. Remember he is not gone just away from here. Prayers for you and your family tonight. Hugs, Mollye
Praying for you~~~
Beautiful tribute:)
So sorry to hear...
KayEllen
Jodie,
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.. I'm so sorry to hear about you loss.. Please know that I'm hear for you..
Stephenie
Dear Jodie, I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you. I know this must be such a hard time for you and your family that thanksgiving is probably the last thing on your mind. I'm so thankful for the wonderful people I have come to know from blogging and I'm grateful that you're a friend. I wish you a peacefilled Thanksgiving filled with Gods presence and strenght. You're in my prayers and in my heart today.
Hugs and love, Tracy
P.S. I didn't even know that I wasn't a follower. I just wanted to send my love and had to go over to Sarahs sight to find you. But that won't happen again because I'm watching over you now!
Jodie,
I just read your post about your dad. My heart is so sad for you and I will be praying for you and your family. Kana
I am so sorry for your loss.
You and your family will be in my prayers this season.
Sandra Evertson
oh jodie,
you and your family will be in my prayers tonight. i am so sorry.
love and peace to you,
meleen
Dear Jodie,
What a beautiful and loving tribute to your sweet father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Blessings to you! Vicki
Jodie,
Just wanted to stop back by and let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers:).
Blessings dear friend,
Kim
Dear Jodie,
My name is Gloria Scott and I am a friend of your sister Karen and your brother-in-law Bill. I am sorry for your loss and what a beautiful tribute to your father. Just know that all that you did for your father during his illness will not go unnoticed. God will bless you greatly for that. You and your family have been in the prayers of many in our church community. We love Karen and Bill so much - they are such a blessing to us - May God bless you all during this time of sadness and may he hold you in the palm of his hands.
Peace in Christ,
Gloria Scott
Jodie, sweet friend ~ I am so sad to learn of your loss ... your Father is smiling down upon you forever. What a lovely picture of him.
God bless his soul & you all at this time.
Please follow/join me @ our new blog ... the old one had issues.
Hope you had a lovely holiday.
Hugs & prayers, TTFN ~Marydon
Been thinking about you today...Steph
Oh Jodie,
My heart weeps with yours.
Much love to you, my dear friend.
No matter how ill they are, or how long they have suffered, it is still so terribly hard when our parents finally let go. Especially at the holidays. My heart is with you.
Karla
I'm so sorry for your loss! What a wonderful tribute to your dad, that was so touching!
You have my sympathy. I have also experienced the long goodbye that is Alzheimer's. My mother passed two years ago.
I smile now to know she is completely happy in the presence of the Lord...and with my father.
May you cherish the good memories.
Jodie, I lost my dad on Sept. 12th after a long illness. He never understood that the many medications he was taking were keeping him alive, and he never understood or accepted that he wouldn't get better. It wasn't Alzheimers, but it was a long, hard journey, as I know you understand. This holiay season I am reminding myself that I shouldn't be unhappy, but happy that he is no longer suffering, and celebrating a real Christmas in the presence of the one who gave us the gift of a Savior. What a comfort that is for me! Blessings, Becky
Jodie,
I had no idea your precious dad passed away. Please know I am holding you and your family in my heart and lifting you up with my prayers.
Jodie, I'm sorry about your Dad, but know that now he is his whole self once again and that is the blessing. I'll keep you in my thoughts as you and your family go through this holiday season without him. Remember all the good times and little things that made him the Dad you loved so much.
becky
Goodbyes are not forever,
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you,
untill we meet again....
Blessings to you and your family,
from Holland.
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