Today marks the third anniversary of my dad's passing over the rainbow bridge to collect his favorite dog, Buster, so they could continue on in the afterlife together. I miss him dearly. He and my mom were married for over 55 years and my mom still lives in the same house they first bought in 1949. Dad loved his family and worked hard to provide for us.
Dad enjoyed camping, hunting, and spending time with his family at the cabin. He loved a good party because he was such a talker. Cabin gatherings on the Missouri River all summer long gave him many opportunities to chat up to 100 friends at a time. I can still feel his presence at every cabin celebration.
Dad was a strong man that needed to be busy. He was a plumber by trade. He fixed cars, built cabins, and remodeled homes. When he would come for a visit I would have to line up projects for him to do. He would start on one right after carrying in the suitcases.
Yes my dad was always working on something and was always ready to help out a friend with a leaky pipe or a broken lawnmower. Unfortunately it was this hard work around a lot of asbestos products that led him to develop a rare but deadly form of lung cancer called mesothelioma. This is a slow growing cancer that can take 40 years to develop symptoms. If you or anyone you know has been exposed to asbestos please seek medical and legal advice.
Vie Leonard Jr: Husband, Dad, Grandpa
The Leonard Legacy will live on in your grandchildren, Melinda, Michelle, Walker, AJ and Cory. Your memory will remain with us forever. We love you.
What a beautiful post Laura .... and what a beautiful way to honor and remember your dad. He will always be with you and in your heart. Maybe the eagle who visited me up north this past weekend wasn't just my dad ... was probably your dad too. I believe our dads will continue to love us, guide us and protect us. Thank you for sharing Laura.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilou. I too thought about the eagle being the spirits of both of our dads looking out for you. We carry on their work in our own way. My dad would have loved my new business caring for all of the dogs.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute, Laura. I'm so sorry you lost your dad to this disease. I feel very fortunate that my father survived it, just having to give up one lobe of his lung. Small price to pay to still have your dad around.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon. Glad to hear your dad was able to get medical attention early enough. Have you sought legal advice? Because if not I would highly recommend it. I can help if you have questions.
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