| Location | Devon & London |
| Age | 53 years |
| Date of Birth | 06/03/1954 |
| Date of Death | 22/05/2007 |
| Visitors | 5,052 since 04/06/2007 |
| Creator |
Ian Dunster
Born 6th March 1954 ~
Died 22nd May 2007
Aged 53 years young
Devon - but always a Londoner!
Has one Daughter ~ myself
and 3 Grand-Daughter's ~
Zulekha, Arifa & Ruqaya
Dad died very suddenly and unexpectedly.
On the morning of Monday 21st May 2007, Dad didn't turn up for work and never made a call, which is
unlike him.
The next day (Tuesday 22nd May), he was found at home in bed and had passed away in his sleep.
Post-Mortem tests revealed he had died from Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis (a blocked artery). This
came as a big shock as he wasn't overweight or what I'd call unfit.
My Dad was born in Hillingdon in West London. He signed up to the Army as that was his dream. He
signed up for 9 years, but sadly only managed to serve 3 years due to epilepsy.
Whilst in the Army, he was in Ireland and witnessed his best friend get blown up. Dad was found to
suffer from epilepsy in the Army and as a result was discharged from the Army, he was absolutely
devastated. A little while after being discharged from the Army, my Dad applied to serve in the
Falklands but kept his epilepsy secret. 13 people applied to go, and my Dad was the only person to
make the second interview. He passed the second interview and finally got around the 3rd interview.
He was so pleased he was finally off to serve again. A few days before he was due to fly out....he
was found out about his epilepsy...and unable to go. He never got over it. That was my Dad, he was
so ashamed of his epilepsy, trying to hold him back, he'd even lie about it to serve in the forces!
My Dad fought his epilepsy and was able to keep it under control with medication, he hated it and
was really upset to learn that I too had been diagnosed when I was 18.
My Mum & Dad got married and he looked upon my elder Sister Kelly as his own child. They seperated
when I was small and my Mum moved to Bristol with me and Kelly. Me and Kelly used to stay in London
with him every school holidays, and I went to live with him a few times throughout my child-hood,
the last time being when I was aged 14.
My Dad was a real party clown and would light up anywhere. He used to embarrass me when I was around
my friends with some tactics he would get up to. He loved playing tricks on people. When ever he
could get a microphone, he'd be up signing to Rhinestone Cowboy!! He idolised Chelsea FC, was more
than the ordinary supporter, perhaps sometimes went to extremes!!
My Dad worked for Air Canada at Heathrow for many years as long as I remember, then he left London
altogether to go and live in Devon to be near his Mum (my Nan). He lived there for about 3 years,
until his recent passing.
Unfortunately, since my Dad died, his family have chosen to dis-own me and my 3 little girls. They
dis-owned me 3 days after my Dad died which happened to be on my 5th wedding anniversary.I am the
only thing left of my Dad and they don't want to know me.
Personally, I think it's more to do with the fact that I'm married to a Jamaican man and have
mixed-race children. Ever since I got married in 2002, they seemed to think differently of me,
no-one attended my wedding from that side of the family, although my Dad did, and done the duty of
giving me away. My Dad and I, were both happy on my wedding day. In fact someone said to him "how do
you feel, now you've lost your Daughter?" and his reply was "I haven't lost my Daughter, I've gained
a Son-in-Law!". People cheered him for saying that. My Dad was there also to greet me and my Husband
on returning from Jamaica, at Heathrow, and drove us all the way back to Bristol.
My Dad and I had our ups and downs, like a lot of parents with their children, I wasn't perfect, nor
was he...
But he was my Dad and we love each other, no matter what. He gave me away when I got married, and he
came to my Daughters' Christening's.
I will love my Dad forever, his family may want to forget about me and shun me, whatever, but they
will NEVER erase my memories of my Dad.
My Dad's funeral songs were:
If Tomorrow Never Comes (Ronan Keating)
Dance With My Father (Luther Vandross)
Blue Is The Colour (The Chelsea FC song!)
************************
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike
and today may be the last time you get to hold your loved ones tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day.
You didn't take the extra time for a smile, hug or kiss
you were too busy to grant someone what turned out to be their last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear,
tell them how much you love them and you'll always hold them dear.
Take time to say "I'm sorry", "Please forgive me", "Thank you" or "It's ok"
and if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.
1st December - tree is up!
Hello Dad,
Well sorry i've not been here for a while.
I haven't been feeling too good but just trying to plod along really! Don't have much choice do i? I'm job-hunting at the moment so hopefully something good will come along soon.
I put the christmas tree and decorations up today, well i put the outside ones out and the tree up before i had to collect Zulekha from school. When we came home, she was soooo happy and watched as i finished decorating it all and i let Arifa and Ruqaya turn out the lights and the tv and then Zulekha turned on the 2 switches and all the christmas lights were on! Aw bless them it was lovely, then we went outside so they could see our outside lights!!
I really didn't think i would be into the christmas spirit this year with all going on, but actually i'm actually looking forward to seeing their little faces when they see what their presents are!!!
I have bought one of the lovely Christmassy themes from GTS for your site Dad, i'm just abit worried that it looks abit cold here for you!! I know call me silly but i think it looks really cold!!
Well thanks for coming into my dream the other morning Dad, and for your words of advice, i couldn't believe when i woke up i had been crying my eyes out in my sleep. It felt good to have you hug me and tell me your classic words 'Sarah, don't worry about it'. If i've heard those words a million times from you i'm not lying, it was your favourite phrase i think!!!
I had a letter from Nan thanking me for her flowers and chocolates i sent her for her Birthday, she tells me everyone is fine. I do miss her as i do you but i think life is mapped out and this is the way for me so i have to follow this road i suppose.
Well Dad it is very late now, it's just after midnight, so i'd better get some sleep.
Wrap up and i'm going to buy you a christmas tree tomorrow to place beside you. Love and miss you always Dad, love Sarah xxxxxx
Have A Good Weekend Everyone
This Tribute Is For Friday Got Busy Day Tomorrow
Right now I'm in a different place
And though we seem apart
I'm closer than I ever was
... I'm there inside your heart
I'm with you when you greet each day
And while the sun shines bright
I'm there to share the sunsets, too
... I'm with you every night
I'm with you when the times are good
To share a laugh or two,
And if a tear should start to fall
... I'll still be there for you
And when that day arrives
That we no longer are apart,
I'll smile and hold you close to me
... Forever
If Roses grow in Heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me
Place them in my Loved One’s arms
And tell them they're from me
Tell them I love and miss them
And when they turns to smile
Place a kiss upon their cheeks
And hold them for awhile
Because remembering them is easy,
I do it every day
But there's an ache within my heart
Because I am missing them today...
Although death has separated us physically,
Faith and love have bound us eternally.
Though we cannot see you,
We know you are here.
Though we cannot touch you,
We feel the warmth of your smile,
As we begin a new chapter in our lives.
Today we pause to reflect upon
Those who have shaped our character,
Molded our spirits and touched our hearts.
May the lighting of this tribute be a
Reminder of the memories we have shared,
A representation of the everlasting
Impact you have made upon our lives.
Thoughts Today Memories Forever
Angela(Christopher-John Rowe)Mum
Thursday
For Friday
Finding it tough now
Good Morning Dad, i'm sorry i haven't been here for a while but i have been ill and have had so much things to do, i don't really know if i'm coming or going, i have so much stress and it's showing on me now, i look awful!!
Anyway, i hope you're ok up there and are looking down. I'm still feeling terrible over you going Dad, i still refuse to come to terms with it and sometimes i find myself breaking down. I miss you so much Dad, i can't really describe exactly how i'm feeling but i would love, absolutely love to be able to be with you. The pain i feel is sometimes unbearable, it chokes me and hurts me. I never knew i could hurt so bad but my gosh it has knocked me down Dad. I would do anything for you to have your life again. See, i still think sometimes that i'll see you again and show you things, and when this tiny thought pops to me and lets me know you're gone forever, i go crazy. It can even be when i'm cooking or something and then i just hold on to the wall and cry and cry. Why on earth were we ever put on this earth to experience pain like this i'll never know but wish i had some answers. As you know i'm on my own sometimes and it's then i get so lonely, so please Dad come by and lift me up abit, just try and take some of this heaviness away from me. I feel like my brain is about to explode at times, it's quite scary. Dad i'll always feel like this, i'll never stop missing or loving you, so i guess i'll just feel this way until it's my time to maybe join you. I am not the same person anymore since you've gone, and i would love to have some of my old happy self back but i'm hurting so much. You've been gone for almost 18 months now and we didn't even live with each other but time has certainly not taken any of the pain away. I could scream at times.
It is Nan's birthday on Thursday and i'll be thinking of you both on that day. I'll send her some flowers but it's hard as i can't speak to her. I have told her that i wouldn't call her just in case any of the family is there and wouldn't want her to feel away, so she can call me at any time but i wouldn't call her which is hard but that's my decision seeing as the family want nothing to do with me. I'm happy that Nan had taken the time to call me and we spoke but i hope you can understand my decision Dad if you're looking down. I told Nan i'm always here for her and i'll love her dearly regardless.
Life is hard but i have to try to get through and make it for my kids now. I feel sorry for them sometimes. They're doing well, Ruqaya was in the newspaper again the other day as theis years baby competition has started, so she was in there promoting it as last years winner - my precious baby!!
Well Dad, I had better be off. I'll be back soon. Loving and missing you forever Dad, your one and only child - Sarah xxxxxx
May you always walk in sunshine and God’s love around you flow, for the happiness you gave us, no one will ever know, it broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, a part of us went with you, the day God called you home. A million times we’ve needed you. A million times we’ve cried. If love could only have saved you. You never would have died. xxxxxxx
When you’re alone with Jesus
And he sweetly smiles on thee,
Will you gently whisper to Him
A little prayer for me?
And when I’m alone with Jesus
And all else is hid from view,
I’ll gently drop into His Sacred Heart
A little prayer for you.
xxxxxxxx
I'm feeling so lonely Dad
Good morning Dad. Sorry i haven't been on here lately, i have been finding things very difficult. All i keep doing is crying at the simplest thing, at times i feel like giving up but the kids keep me going.
I have put a new song on here for you, I have it in my car and i play it over and over again, as it reminds me soooooo much of you. I hope you like it Dad.
Zulekha and Arifa have broke up from school and nursery for the half term now and are getting excited about Halloween approaching! Zulekha is going to dress up as a witch, Arifa will be a devil and 'baby' Ruqaya will also be a witch!
Mum has just got back from her holiday in Spain, she thoroughly enjoyed herself.
Sometimes Dad, i feel so lonely like banging my head against the wall or something. Oh thanks for appearing in my dream the other night, well to dreams, although i was slightly baffled! Maybe you can pop back to me some time and keep me company?
I'm going to book an appointment with a medium, although i keep putting it off as i watched the film Ghost lately and it spooked me!!!!
Well Dad, i'd better be off, have a lot of things to do (as usual). I hope you like your new song (bye bye) and hopefully i'll have some contact with you soon. Love and miss you Dad, always thinking of you, love Sarah xxxxxx
☆ * ☆ * A Letter from Heaven * ☆ * ☆
☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆
To those I love,
You hold on to me so tightly in your hearts - where I shall always be.
Your concern has always been for me, but I wonder how you are doing.
You will never know all the prayers that have been prayed for you. the tears that have been shed over your grief and the concern that has been shown for you in multitude of ways, but I find it so comforting to know you havent been left alone.
Please know that I am not alone, either. The death that hurt you the most has given me the gift of eternal life. Never let anyone tell you God doesnt exist. If you need to be mad at Him for awhile, that's okay; He can handle it. But never let hate, anger or bitterness fuel your emotions. Talk to Him and let Him talk to you. Listen for Him in the voices of the people who love and care about you, and let His Word reassure you that I am doing just fine.
It's comforting to know that you hold me so close while struggling with the prospect of letting me go. You need to know, that we will always be together.
Eternity is not " out there" eternity is now! I have simply moved a little farther
ahead of you.
Remember that God never wastes anything - especially love.
The love that we shared on earth will be even greater in Heaven. For now, you must rest assured that I am safe in God's Perfect Love. I would like you to take some of the love you have for me and share it with those around you. You can never run out of love - the more you give away, the more you will have....and let others love you.... you are worth loving!
Be patient with yourselves. You will make some mistakes and you will even find yourselves ot thinking about "me" from time to time. That's all right too....... All my needs are being met; you need to take care of you. Hold onto one another, help each other, give hope and love to all you meet.
Above all, be prepared to welcome others into your wolrd of grief and mourning. You are being taught valuble lessons that will need to be passed along. Some will not have the strength, many will not have your faith, and most will feel they are alone; but all will need the love and understanding only you will be able to give. Now, your pain is the only credential you need to minister to others. When you think of me, never think of me as being alone.
Think of me as smiling laughing and enjoying all that God has prepared for me.
Finally, never believe you are alone. Do not focus on what you have lost, but
look always at what you have left. You are surrounded by people who love and care about you. Live with them - love with them - share with them - laugh with them ...
Make everyday a celebration of life - a life that will never end.
We will meet again - and until we do - know that I am so very proud of you
for not giving up!!!!
From - Your Loved one's in Heaven
☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆ * ☆
When tomorrow starts without me
and I'm not here to see...
If the sun should rise and find your
eyes filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
the way you did today...
While thinking of the many things
we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you...
And each time you think of me,
I know you'll miss me, too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand...
That Jesus came and called my name
and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready
in heaven far above...
And that I'd have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart...
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here in your heart.
JUST LETTIN....
...U KNOW..........
.................... .....
.....oooO........... ...
.....(.....)......Oo oo....
...........(.......( …...)....
.........._).......) ..../.....
...................( __/.......
.................... ......
......oooO.......... ....
.....(…...)…...O ooo...
...........(…….. (.....)....
.........__).......) …/.....
..................(_ _/.......
... I.....was.....here xxx
Love Anji XXXXXXX
I'm Free
Submitted by: LonaRose
Author: unknown
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me
I took His hand when I heard His call
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I've found that peace at the close of the day
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, and a loved ones touch
Perhaps my time seemed so brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now, He set me free
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