A personal post

I've had a big question on my mind lately - how much of my personal life do I share - and how can I carry on my bloggy tales without mentioning a very important event in my life?
Blogging has become an important part of my life; I've shared all-sorts about my world, much more than just my handwork, and I have made some very special friends through it. To exclude aspects seems to me to be not quite right. I like my blogging to be clear and logical. To leave a big gap doesn't seem right.
My dear dear father died last week.

Just over 2 years ago he was diagnosed with an incurable type of aggressive brain tumour. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy kept the tumour at bay until recently when it started growing again. The tumours grew very quickly and in December his health went downhill very quickly.

One of my favourite photos of Dad and I, taken not long after his
initial diagnosis. Dad always had plenty to say about everything.

The last few weeks of Dad's life were a very special time. Dad had to go into a resthome for the special care he needed. My brother, sister (who both live overseas) and I were together with Mum. We lived at the resthome with dad, we laughed together, we cried together, we loved together. Dad was able to tell us how much he loved us and we were able to tell him how much we loved him.
Dad's funeral was a coming together of many family members and friends, lots of people whose his life had touched in so many different ways.

Rare opportunity for family photos.

I feel very privileged to have had such a wonderful father; if I can be half the person he was, I would be happy.

A mighty Totara has fallen.

Rest in Peace, Dad.