Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Dave


I'm pretty sure if you'd ever met my step-dad, Dave, you'd have liked him. He was one of those guys with a big, friendly smile, a kind word or a funny joke, and always a warm embrace. After a few minutes of chatting, chances are he'd have learned a little bit about you and your family, and that you probably even had a few friends in common.

I'm sad to say, our sweet Dave passed away very unexpectedly and our hearts are breaking.

Over the past few weeks my family's heard a lot of wonderful stories about what a great guy Dave was and the kindness he'd shared with countless people. Some stories made us roar with laughter, other brought tears to our eyes, but all were greatly appreciated.

These weeks have flown by in a rush even though they have been some of the longest days I can remember. So many time I've sat down and tried to write about Dave and the meaningful impact he had on our family and how he embraced each and every one of us with his whole heart. But words fail me and emotions take over until I simply need to sit alone quietly for a while.

So I will share with you part of my Middle Sister's word about Dave from our family's Eulogy for his memorial service-- She started the same way Dave started each meal and it's the perfect example of the sweet, good-natured guy we all loved so much....

We'd join hands and bow our heads so we could not see the food we were anxious to eat. Dave would begin, Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all who are gathered here, please be with the people who are not with us (and sometimes he would name them-- all of them). Thank you for our many blessings.

Then, while the food was chilling and our drinks were warming, he would continue-- The weather was pretty good today but we could have used some more sunshine and many more drops of rain during the night. It was a little warm and too much humidity Lord. If you could please cool us down a bit and send rain-- during the night please, because we have things to do tomorrow. We would be ever so grateful.

Thank you for the food-- Oh, I almost forgot, he'd say with a chuckle, please bless the dog and cat too. Like I said Lord, please bless the food we are about to eat and nourish us with it. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

This wonderful man who married my mother more than 20 years ago touched three generations of our family and blessed us with his presence. He came to more family reunions, 4-H horse shows and pig auctions, Grandparents' Days, school band concerts and car washes, football games, weddings, christenings, anniversary parties, baseball games, clam bakes, camping trips, graduations and other various family related activities than you could count-- all to support Mom and her big, loud family-- and because he loved us. He managed to find something to smile about at all these events and occasionally caught a short nap in the process.

Dave will be missed more than I can say.... So will his comment at the end of every meal-- "Boy, that really ruined my appetite."

Big sigh.

Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins

68 comments:

  1. He sure sounds like a special guy! This is a great tribute to him. You and your family are in my prayers

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  2. So sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. Hugs.

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  3. He sounds like a really likable guy. I´m sorry for you loss Joanna and hope you know that he is in a better place. He will be watching over you.

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  4. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart ached just reading about this wonderful man I'd never met. It sounds like he was a true gift to your family and all those who knew him.

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  5. i am sorry for your loss jj...esp being unexpected it is really hard...he sounds like quite the guy...smiles.

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  6. Awwww, he must've been a generous, loving soul. May he rest in peace. So sorry for your loss. Chuckled at his comment at the end of meals. Too cute!

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  7. What a wonderful guy you had for so many years. I know you will miss him, but I also know that everyone who reads your post will know him just a little... thank you for sharing him with us.

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  8. He sounds like a dear man. I'm so sorry he is gone from your lives. Thank you for sharing a bit of him with us. I was very touched.

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  9. First, let me say that I'm glad you posted; it explains why you haven't "been around". I am sorry for your loss. Just from reading your post I know your step Dad and I would have made quick friends. You have been fortunate to have so many different folk touch your life. And you surprised me about 4-H and hog auctions! I have a hard time thinking about someone who has "jetted around" as much as you being directly or indirectly involved with hog auctions! It was a wonderful post to read....and it came from your heart.

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  10. Very sad news, Joanna. He was indeed a very special man with an enormous heart and obviously very well loved. Wonderful prayer he used to say to 'grace' - that is exactly the sort of prayer Our Lord loves - from the heart. I am certain Dave is already in Heaven and being richly rewarded for his faithfullness and for his remarkable life here on Earth. I am sure he had a significant input to forming you delightful personality. It does matter who brings us up and he was the right guy for you. Lovely tribute. Been a little busy of late unfortunately so I have not been able to visit much. Hugs ~ Eddie

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  11. What a wonderful tribute. I think you're right - I'd like him. Keeping you all in my prayers!

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  12. Awww hon..I am so very sorry.. I know how close to him you were! What a wonderful man! What a wonderful tribute hon! I am sure he would have loved it! I am sending you big hugs..can ya feel them hon?
    Take care of you!
    Love, Sarah

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  13. Joanna, I am deeply sorry of the passing of Dave. How are you and your family doing? He sounds like a wonderful person and has touched many. His prayer made me smile. Big hugs... xo

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  14. So sorry to hear of your loss of this wonderful man! What a blessing he must have been to your family and all who knew him. I hope that these funny, sweet, loving memories sustain you through your sadness.

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  15. Oh, JJ, I'm so sorry. Sending much healing light your way.

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  16. My thoughts are with you and your family, Joanna. He sounds like a lovely man.

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  17. What a wonderful expression of the love you had for Dave. Thank you for sharing these thoughts about a man who has been so special in your life.

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  18. Oh Joanna, I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. What a sweet tribute. Loved his prayer and after dinner comment! I remember reading about him before and thinking how special he seemed to be and that he reminded me of my step-father (Dad) who is also named Dave.

    I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

    Hugs,
    Tracy

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  19. Very nice post about a very nice man. All the best to you and your family. I hope all the family love heals any pain.

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  20. I am so sorry for your loss. It seems he was a very special and delightful person. Blessings to you and yours.

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  21. Sorry to hear about your loss. Dave sounds like a wonderful person.

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  22. What a wonderful guy! I loved his prayer. I can just imagine the peeking to see if he was finished praying yet.

    Praying that your hearts will heal and the special memories live on forever.

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  23. Sorry to catch you after so long on such a sad day, Joanna....a big hug from India, love....

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  24. Charming, loving recollections of a wonderful man who I never met but felt like I knew him from your loving & heartfelt post. My sympathy to you & your family. xo

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  25. So very sorry to hear of your loss. Your moving words paint a picture of a lovely man.

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  26. Oh J, I'm so incredibly sorry! I'd been missing you, wondering what you'd been up to.

    My heart breaks for you and your family. I'm keeping all of you in my prayers. xoxo

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  27. Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. He sounds like a great guy.

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  28. Dave sounds like a great guy! So sorry for your loss.

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  29. Maybe unexpected was a mixed blessing. Sounds like he went quickly and without pain. I know you and your whole family are grieving and will miss him. I am sorry for your mom, she will miss him every day. Hubby and I send our condolences to you and your family. Sounds like Dave loved you all.

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  30. I'm so sorry for your loss. But I'm glad you had the priviledge of knowing such a wonderful man and having 20 years to share with him!

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  31. Ohh, Joanna, I am so very sorry. I remember reading a lot of wonderful, glowing posts about Dave, and I always admired your sweet relationship with him. A great loss for your family, and I wish you peace and comfort. Sending sympathy.

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  32. So sorry to hear about your loss of Dave. Sounds like a great man and very loving. Sincere sympathy to you and your family.

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  33. what a delightful photo of Dave! Who is the bambino in his lap?

    So hard to say good-bye to someone who is this fantastic -- I'm very sorry for your loss.

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  34. Oh, Joanna, I am so sorry for your loss and so happy that you had such an amazing man in your life. The love is clearly abundant.

    Cheers,

    Casey

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  35. Sounds like he was just the most wonderful Man. {{{HUGS}}}

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  36. Oh, I am so very sorry for your loss, my friend. My heart goes out to you and your family.

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  37. never is a loss easy....but the memories of someone as special as dave, will live on forever in the hearts of those he touched, and sometimes, that makes the loss bearable.

    and when a loss is bearable, funny stories emerge and the memories just keep on dancing.

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  38. Oh Joanna, you made him alive for us, I'm guessing anyone who knew him would have loved him. Bless you for recounting the humour of his long-winded and often-times rambling family meal time prayers - I can feel for your loss, and am thinking of you and yours at this very sad time. ((x))

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  39. Sorry for your loss, Joanna, but once the pain eases a little, it sounds as though you will have many fond memories to comfort you.

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  40. How wonderfully this man was loved and it seems that you were blessed to have him in your life. Your post brought tears to my eyes, Joanna. I mourn with you at his loss and send a big hug your way and hope your family will remember all the joy he brought to you.

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  41. OMG I'm so sorry. My stepfather is very special to me. also. I would be so devastated....

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  42. Sorry for your loss. What a terrific guy.

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  43. So sorry to hear of your loss, JJ. My thoughts are with you all.

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  44. It sounds like Dave was a darling man and I'm so sorry that you no longer have him in your lives... though clearly, always in your hearts. Hugs to you, Joanna.

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  45. this post is a lovely tribute!!

    here is my crumb trial if you want to follow..

    luv 'alice' fff

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  46. Oh I'm so sorry for your loss. This is just... not a good week for people. You aren't the first friend to lose a (step)father. My condolances.

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  47. Joanna I am very sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man and I can completely understand your sadness.

    take care
    with love
    Robyn

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  48. The world is a sadder place with the loss of Dave. Just be happy you were priveleged to have known him.

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  49. Oh, how very, very sad.

    I am so sorry.

    He sounds like a wonderful human being.

    So happy he was in your life. So sad that he is gone.

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  50. Oh joanna, I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. Such a loving tribute you wrote for him.

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  51. Dave sounds like a fabulous guy - I'm very sorry for your loss.

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  52. How lucky your family has been to share these last 20 years with such an amazing man! I'm praying that God is holding family and friends in his loving arms as time passes and hearts mend.

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  53. JJ I'm so sorry for your loss he sounds like an amazing man. ((hugs)) to you and your family.

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  54. I'm so sorry for your loss! Your step father sounds like he was a wonderful guy! You were so blessed!

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  55. oh, Joanna. Please know I am sorry for your loss.

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  56. my deepest condolences on your loss, JJ. That photo captures his spirit so well. sending a big HUG your way, and lots of love.

    one love, my friend.

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  57. jj, i´m so sorry for your loss. sending you a big hug.
    jane

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  58. Hugs and prayers during this difficult time. :(

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  59. Dear Joanna, I'm sorry that you and your family have lost such a lovely man...what a treasure he was...and I can tell will be greatly missed and remembered daily. Take care of yourself.

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  60. What a lovely tribute. My best to you and your family as you mourn the loss of this special man.

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  61. Dearest JJ, my most sincere condolences, I'm so sorry for your loss...Thanks for sharing those treasured memories of your stepfather with us...your words tell the story of a great man...love that ruined my appetite comment...hugs, honks, and prayers from the big apple during this difficult time.
    ~Edward

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  62. Sounds like a wonderful man, Joanna. He will be missed, won't he?

    Hugs,

    Pearl

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  63. Thinking of you and hoping you are OK - Hugs ~ Eddie

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  64. I am so sorry. He sounds like he was wonderful. I am particularly fond of his closing comment at meals. I think I might have to adopt it myself.

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  65. I am sorry for your loss Joanna. He was a great guy even just by looking at his face.

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  66. I had to increase my husband's texting plan because he keeps going over. I think he's at 1000 now and hopefully that will be enough.

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  67. A wonderful post. You are such a brilliant writer and I am sure Dave would have been proud to read this. It is tough losing someone special in your life and things arent quite the same again. The best thing is you have wonderful memories and they will be incredibly important to you all in the coming months ahead. Take Care.

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