For Dad
From your little girl, Ruth
In my work I try to bring people's stories to life,
But Dad's story, is my life,
He shaped the person I am, the type of person I want to be.
He had fun,
He read, a lot,
He was a fan of sci-fi, and folk music,
He travelled.
He played golf,
He wore bright, jazzy clothes,
He laughed,
He enjoyed life.
He cared,
He listened,
He learned,
He loved, and was loved.
He mentored,
He supported,
He championed,
He believed in others, when they didn't believe in themselves.
He found strengths, when others would only find weaknesses.
He saw light in the dark.
He was Dad, he was my hero.
He was Nigel -
He was Mum's rock.
He loved us and was proud of us,
He taught us to live with passion and joy,
He guided us, all of us.
And he's still guiding us....
When I was feeling overwhelmed, he used to say...
“How do you eat an elephant? - One bite at a time”
That lesson has stayed with me.
And it's been guiding us as we navigate through these early days of utter shock, heartbreak and grief.
It's clear he meant so much, to so many.
We've been overwhelmed and heartened to hear the many messages, memories and stories from people since his passing.
The overriding theme is that he was a kind and gentle man.
A true gentleman.
Ruth
21st November 2024
