31 Comments
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Kris's avatar

What a beautiful piece of writing about loss and grief, thank you. And you never once mentioned moving on, thank goodness, I hate it when people say that about losing someone. You haven't moved on, you carry him with you, and you keep on going.

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Leah McFall's avatar

Yes, this is so true, Kris

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Susan Elliot's avatar

Oh Leah -anyone who's lost a truly kind and loving, great dad will be crying now and sharing your loss. They are impossible to forget - we feel so lucky to have whatever time we do with them - but it's never enough.

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Leah McFall's avatar

Susan xxxxx

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Wendy Varley's avatar

Gorgeous tribute to your dad, Leah. What a character. ‘You learn to live under a low-watt bulb.’ That’s such a good description of living with grief.

I’m glad the belly laughs are returning. Your dad lives on through you and your family. x

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Leah McFall's avatar

You're wonderful, Wendy

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Dan Keane's avatar

Aye, the knot in my chest now. A lower-watt bulb. So so good, Leah!

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Linda Burgess's avatar

Yep, it stays right in the gut, joyfully. My kids can still do it to me, but, like with you, it was Dad who was the funniest.

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Alex Valk's avatar

This is so beautiful and I feel every word. I lost my dad too, he had a long illness and it got really bad in the last year, just as everyone else was coming out of lockdown. He was only in his early 70s and it felt - it still feels - unfair. Thankyou for writing this.x

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Leah McFall's avatar

It's too young, isn't it? It's no age at all. I'm so sorry, Alex

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Alex Valk's avatar

Im so sorry to you too! Big hug to you xx

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Elaine R. Frieman's avatar

What a beautiful tribute. How life is captured in those little moments of joy, against the odds. I lost my Father last year unexpectedly at age 70 but her had been unwell for years too and I fully relate to how difficult it is to live without. 🥰 Sending so many good vibes and best wishes. 🫶🏻

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Leah McFall's avatar

Your lovely Dad. My heart goes out to you too

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Miramartian's avatar

I completely understand. My Dad died at 66 having spent his one year of retirement dealing with a vicious cancer. He was irreplaceable, my Dad and when he died I

lost my protector and biggest supporter.

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Leah McFall's avatar

That's so unfair. Bless him. And you xx

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Jane Bloomfield's avatar

Beautiful! I always think about my late Dad on Valentine's Day. He would send me a card each year signed 'your anonymous admirer' in my late teens, early twenties. Written in his obvious hand it always arrived on time. One of the sweetest things for a man of very controlled emotions. X

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Leah McFall's avatar

What a beautiful memory to leave you. Thanks, Jane.

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Liz Hooks's avatar

Thank you Leah, I didn't know I needed this today. A beautiful piece about your Dad, and my goodness so relatable (10 years since I lost my Dad, Robert (70) to another bugger of a disease). Big hugs and more belly laughs to you (well done Maddy on setting Mum off!). xx

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Leah McFall's avatar

You’re so LOVELY Liz x

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Mary Curry's avatar

I'm crying a little bit - this is gorgeous. Please tell your children I am also shocked that you don't know duck duck goose. (Hold up - I just asked my husband (born and bred kiwi) and he confirms this was NOT A THING. So I will temper my shock.)

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Mary Curry's avatar

(side note - as an adult, I get so anxious playing duck duck goose or tag or hide and seek or any of it - it's terrifying!)

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Elaine R. Frieman's avatar

🫶🏻

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Alan Doak's avatar

😪❤️

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Sue Duncan's avatar

Oh Leah, I get it exactly. Your dad - irreplaceable. Will make sure Harriet reads. Xx

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Leah McFall's avatar

Harriet had a wonderful Dad in Rod. How lucky we were!

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Gary Wayne McCormick's avatar

Brilliant.Devastating.Deeply moving. Gary

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Leah McFall's avatar

Thank you Gary

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Linda Burgess's avatar

Oh Leah, I too long for that sort of laughter. Beautiful piece.

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Leah McFall's avatar

The sort with no sound? It's unbeatable! :)

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