Monday, September 21, 2015

Good News and Sad News

Hello Dear Friends! How is everyone?

Wow. I never shared my big news, which is now over six months old, but at the beginning of March, I was promoted to a new position in a different department in the same organization I have worked for. After almost 10 years in the same position, I just needed a change and said change has been keeping me on my toes. I'm doing completely different tasks which is challenging and has me in learning mode. Being the new person and constantly learning new things has me pretty tired and brain-dead at the end of each workday. I didn't think it was possible but I am stitching even less than before and haven't had much time to read up on blog posts either. I try to read a handful here and there and comment if I can but haven't had many changes to do so. I think I understand why people have turned to Instagram even though I still like the idea and therapeutic act of blogging.

I have the original Lizzie*Kate Christmas mystery sampler on the scroll rods and am about halfway done with Part 3. I am hoping that I can find time to finish it in the next couple of weeks so I can move onto another project.

Little by little, I have been going through my insane amount of stash since my tastes have changed some and I have more than I can go through in a lifetime. I am thinking I will post on Facebook Stash Unload to try and sell some of the items I know I will never get too.

On August 28th, my dad passed away. Even though his health was failing due to complications triggered by dementia, I was shocked and stunned. I managed to get on a plane that night so I could attend the services and burial in Nicaragua. I am still in a fog some days just trying to go through the motions of "normal" life and trying to concentrate on work, life and a relationship. We won't talk about the overwhelming tasks looming with getting my dad's affairs taken care of and switching accounts over to my mom. One step at a time...


Here is one of my favorite photos of me and my dad that I came across. Obviously my dad is pooped and trying to watch tv but I climbed in his lap. It's hard to imagine that I won't hear his voice anymore. My dad dying was always my biggest fear and now it's a reality. But despite the sadness, there are so many memories to smile at. Sunday morning donuts, random drives, amusement park visits where I'd ride and he would eat his way through the concession stands. Road trips, hanging out with him while he tinkered in the garage and I played with my dolls. Lots of lap sitting while watching tv. I am so lucky to have had him as my dad. He always supported me and let me be who I wanted to be and I never felt like I was without. I love you, Dad!

19 comments:

gracie said...

First of all, I am so sorry about your dad. I will keep you in my thoughts. Next....congratulations on your new job....I am sure you will do well. Just hang in there.....

Danielle said...

So sorry to hear about your dad passing. It is good you have so many good memories to keep with you. But I know what you mean about just trying to get through each day and living a "normal" life. I hope you come back to blogging soon. I have missed you!!

Robin in Virginia said...

Valerie, please accept my deepest sympathy for your Dad's passing. Hope tight and cherish the memories you have of him. Congratulations on your new job! Hang in there, you won't always be the new person.

Robin in Virginia

krayolakris said...

My sympathies on the passing of your dear dad. What wonderful memories you have! Blessings & peace to you.

mbroider said...

Very sorry about your Dad. Passing strong thoughts to you...

I was checking my bloglist and then i saw FogCityDweller showing third. Had to click you first:)

Congrats also on your promotion. Take it slow, dont stress yourself... Me, even i am stitching v little these days. Just one project for this year so far

carol fun said...

Life is topsy turvy for you right now but you will find your balance. So sorry to hear of your dad's passing...no matter what your age,not matter what their health, it is always hard to lose a parent. I've been through it and it takes time...lots of time...to come to grips with it. Here's hoping the new job brings happiness and all the details of settling your dad's affairs goes smoothly. Good to hear from your...take care...hugs!

LoriU said...

So sorry about your Dad. that is my greatest fear too.

Best wishes on your new position! Sounds exciting!

Carol said...

Oh, my sweet friend... I am so very sorry to read about your dad. It must have been so hard to get that unexpected phone call. Having just lost my dad 11 months ago, I know how difficult this time is... Just try to dwell on the happy times you two spent with each other which, judging by that darling photo, must have been very special indeed. A father's love and support means so much and we were both lucky to have dads like ours, weren't we?

I hope your new position brings much joy to your life! It sounds incredible and I know you'll do your usual top-notch work :)

Sending you a big hug with promises of a longer (way overdue) email when I return from my mom's next week... Take care now...

Melissa said...

Oh, Valerie, the title of the post says it all. I'm sorry to hear about your dad's passing. No matter that it's expected, it still hits hard. I'm glad to hear of your promotion at work (congrats!). Busyness is probably good at a time like this. Sending you hugs.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Your Daddy is still with you and he knows your love and missing him. Best of all you have memories of a real solid relationship with him. I have kept the repose of his soul in my daily rosaries. He is in glory now, free from anxiety of life and health issues.
You keep treading water, you will get through this! Prayers for you too :) every day.

kate n said...

I was so excited to see you had posted something and super thrilled for you about the job, and heartbroken that you have lost someone so special but like you said he will always be with you in your heart and memories. Hugs xx

Theresa said...

I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I think one can never be prepared for this. Be strong and hang in there, he will always be with you.

Congratulations on your new job!!! I'm sure you will be great at it!! Take care!!!!

Terri said...

So sorry for your loss! I lost my dad 4 years ago and it feels like just yesterday. Hugs and prayers!!

Julie said...

Love and (hugs) xxx

Margaret said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. It's never easy to lose a loved one -- there will always be a big hole where they should be. Lots of hugs to you and to your mom too. Congrats on the promotion -- hope you are adjusting well and things will get easier soon. Good to see a post from you!

Sharon said...

So sorry to hear about your dad...it's difficult to lose a parent. I lost my dad 20 years ago this past Aug 21. Those beautiful memories will help sustain you on darker days. Hugs to you! Congrats on the promotion!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

I remember seeing this sad news on FB, Valerie but I missed this post. What a beautiful tribute to you dad. I know you must miss him terribly.

Kaisievic said...

Sorry that I have only just caught up with this sad piece of news. Condolences on the passing of your Dad, my dear friend. But such wonderful memories you have of him, to always cherish. hugs, Kaye

Meari said...

Reading your post gave me goosebumps... I am so sorry. I love that photo of you and your Dad.