Monday, January 30, 2012

On Friday

 
Strange, that I mentioned my father-in law here on Thursday.  Not 24 hours later, he was gone. 

His life spanned 81 years, from war-torn Europe to the peaceful suburbs of Melbourne.  He built a life for himself and his family here, continuing on his own after the tragic early death of his wife - mother of his 5 children.  He saw his children, grandchildren and great-grand-children grow and was proud of their successes, small and large.   The strength of his loving family is testament to the values that carried him through the toughest of times. 

He was a strong character - complicated, funny, fiery, and fiercely independent.  We loved him, and feel blessed to have spent the last 14 months with him in our everyday lives.

There's a big gap in this household now, but the pain of age and illness is gone for him.

  You deserve a good rest, Ilias.   Rest in peace.

24 comments:

Allison said...

Oh, I'm so sorry Nikki. My sympathies and hugs are sent to your family.

Vireya said...

Condolences to all the family.

kirsten said...

Best thoughts with you and your family at this time. Sounds like he was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed. xx

KathyB said...

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Kathy P said...

So sorry... thinking of you and your family...

Tas said...

Thinking of you and your family, Nikki.

Lynne said...

Oh, Nikki, I'm so sorry!

ellie said...

Thoughts and love to your family. I hope you are having a wonderful giggle and cry and laughing and memories. xxx

Helene said...

My thoughts are with you. What a beautiful tribute you've written. Wishing you and yours long life, love, Helene

Shocking Hocking said...

All the best Nikki - wishing you all the strength as you go through the next few weeks

anna said...

Nikki, what a sad time for your family. My thoughts are with you.

Fiona said...

Sorry to hear of your loss, Nikki. Beautiful post about his life.

thornberry said...

Beautiful tribute Nikki. Just beautiful. Take care and hugs to all of you.

A Peppermint Penguin said...

beautifully written.

I'm sorry for your loss and glad his pain is ended.

Wishing you all strength.

Katy Cameron said...

Sorry to hear of your loss (((((HUGS)))))

Fer said...

Such a blow, and yet he has lived a full life and didn't slowly fade away. Love to you all.

Lotti said...

Sorry to hear of your loss Nikki, but it is so nice to look back and remember all the wonderful things about this man. It is obviously a blessing to have had him in your family's life. My thoughts are with you.

Katherine said...

Thinking of you and your family, Nikki. What a loving tribute - hold onto to those good memories.
Sending you hugs....

Marty said...

Sounds like he had a remarkable life and a lot of strength. So sorry for your loss. Remember the good times.

Kirsty said...

Sending lots of love to you & the family Nikki. xxx

Jennie said...

It sounds like he lived 81 years to their fullest. I'm sorry his last few were painful. At least he had the support of the family he'd created to see him through.

Anonymous said...

Your father-in-law Illias sounds like a splendid fellow and how wonderful that he had the love and fellowship of his family so close to him. He will be missed so much, be kind to yourselves at this time, love to you all. Pamela

Tania said...

I can only imagine a big, empty, clanging silence resonating in that gap. Hang in there Sweetie. Tread small steps. xxx

Sally said...

I am so sorry for your family's loss.