That is Stephanie's dad, Graham, in that picture. She took it while we were on a little boat journey just over 2 weeks ago. Graham was here just 10 days ago, and I wrote about how I hated when people left at the end of a visit.
After getting home from clinic today, we were all a bit upset with little progress in Scott's counts and the usual uncertainty that comes with delayed treatment.
Shortly afterward, we had a call from Christine, Stephanie's mum. We didn't get to the phone before the machine got it, but Stephanie said her mum's voice sounded as something was wrong. Stephanie got back with her.
Something was most certainly wrong.
Stephanie's lost her dad.
I'll not go into details of how things were found out, but Graham was found dead in his home in Ireland today. We don't know many details, except that it happened either Friday or Saturday, and whatever happened was sudden and quick.
I'd just met the only Father-in-law I've ever had 3 weeks ago today. He was a very kind man, and upon us parting at the airport just 10 days ago he told me "thanks for taking care of Stephanie". And then he was gone. Little did any of us know.
It's very late and I'm very tired and weary. Everyone here has taken this very hard. Our nerves were shot to begin with, now they don't exist any longer.
I'll leave you with a couple of pictures taken the same day as the one above. Graham was taking a dip at the beach off John's Pass. I kept taking pictures, as I wanted to catch him in the setting sun to see if they would turn out ok. We had no idea his sun was setting. The last one is, well, just Dad and Daughter.
Rest easy Graham. We all love you.
7 comments:
I'm broken hearted for you Steph. What an exquisitely beautiful picture of father and daughter watching the sun go down. My deepest sympathies to you, David, Derry and Scott and of course your Mom and Lorna and the rest of your family.
Godspeed Graham.
To Steph, Lorna and Christine, and the rest of the family
I am so sorry to hear about Graham's death. I don't have many memories if him, except that he was a great big bear of a man, who from a child's perspective, was always warm and friendly. My love and thoughts are with you all.
Zara
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are to you and your family Stephanie.
Sending Love. Angel Laura
My deepest and sincerest sympathies to you and your family,Stephanie. I just don't know what else to say. I am so sorry.
Thinking of you with love and sympathy in our hearts. Thankful you had some very special moments with Graham just three weeks ago.
From all of us at
Giving Hope Through Faith Foundation
I can't really believe this news. You must just be shattered. I'm so very sorry for you all, but so glad you got to spend some precious time with your Dad and the boys with their Grandad. I'm also so pleased your Mum is with Lorna at the moment.
I have many memories of Graham from when you and Lorna were little. I also remember things like him laughing while chasing your mum round the house with any spiders he could lay his hands on. And when I was a kid he'd always let me practice my judo throws on him in the living room. Lots of everyday family things, but his own young family meant the world to him.
Nothing's going to help of course, but please know that I'm thinking of you all.
Dawn.
So sorry to hear the awful news about Graham.
I can only echo Zara's words - I will always remember Uncle Graham as a 'big cuddly bear' who made me laugh lots as a child. I think the last time I saw him was at (cousin) Sarah's wedding to Grant, so a long time ago. I am shocked and saddened to hear the news and send lots of love to you all. Keep strong and know that we are all thinking of you back in the UK. You are an amazing family.
Love
Becki
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