A tribute by colette to her Father who died in his sleep at the age of 71 on the 15/11/2013
It was so privileged to have you as a Dad.
I had never wished for any other.
You gave us all that life could offer.
You sacrificed all you could to make us who we are today.
And we are so proud of you.
As a teacher,
You taught us how to grow from nothing to something.
You taught us how to pray and love the things of God.
You taught us everything that life requires.
You taught us how to live and love each other.
But you did not teach us how to live without you.
As a great soldier,
You fought your way through life.
You fought for your success and that of your children.
You fought for others as well.
You fought for peace in your country.
But could not fight death.
As a father,
You brought us up with love.
You never spare the rod and spoil the child.
You gave us the best give of life our education.
You gave us all the values and principles of life.
But you did not teach us how to live without a father.
As a granddad,
You took care of your grandchildren like a babysitter.
You fed and coddle them like a nursing mother.
They will always look to dance and play with granddad.
They will always look for granddad to report their issues.
But you did not tell them you were going to live them so soon.
As a husband,
You showed love to your wife.
You were always there to support her.
You promised her you were going to be there for her.
But when death came you forgot all the promises.
Papa the news of your death came to me as a shock.
The last time I called you told me you were fully recovered now.
Sister Marie Confirmed that by telling me how good looking you are now.
I wish I knew where you were going prepared like that.
You made death sound very simple.
But to be honest is not as simple as you make it seem.
Our hearts are full of grief.
I am so sad; I can’t stop crying every night when I go to bed.
You left a big gap in our heart that cannot be replaced.
Death they say is a necessary end to a beginning of a new life.
But I see death as a sadist that takes away our love once and keep us broken hearted.
First was my beloved sister Ernestine and now is my Pa Joe.
Pa Joe you were a loving and adorable Dad.
Your principles and teachings will always guide us through.
And we will forever miss you.
Your ‘’girl child’’; COLETTE