A Sunflower (Sweethearts forever)

Sunflower

Sunflowers are a favourite of mine, they are so big, bright, colourful and vibrant.

They have always been favoured by my father, Brian, and as a kid growing up I can always remember them growing at his parents home, in Pop and Nana’s backyard.

This morning Dad slipped away peacefully as I watched over him, just as the first rays of light were piercing the eastern skyline over Moreton Bay…

The rising sun is a beautiful thing, taking darkness to light, signalling the dawning of a new day, lighting the pathway to a new life…

And what makes this sunflower so special is it has been growing outside the house where Dad asked my mother to marry him more than fifty years ago…a peaceful spot on the cliffs, overlooking the ocean, Moreton Bay, at Scarborough on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

We’ve shed some tears, and had a bit of a laugh, but above all else, today, we’ve felt so much joy that we have had him with us for so long, always looking out for us all, and never far from Fay, the love of his life.

Sweethearts Forever
Sweethearts Forever

 

Yes, Fay, the love of his life…

He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Yes, a sunflower, so big, bright, colourful and vibrant…

Brian and Fay - Sweetheats Forever
Brian and Fay 

30 thoughts on “A Sunflower (Sweethearts forever)

  1. Julie Green's avatar juliegreenart August 5, 2013 / 6:57 pm

    Thank you for sharing this, Baz. You are absolutely amazing and your father has helped make a man (you) who always inspires those who read of his adventures. I wish you all the greatest healing and feelings of joy from your time with your father. Sending warm wishes.

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  2. walksandrambles's avatar walksandrambles July 8, 2013 / 11:42 pm

    What a wonderful memorial of your dad. Beautiful photographs, too…their love for each other is so evident in the pictures. Your dad sounds like a lovely man.

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  3. snappychat's avatar snappychat July 8, 2013 / 10:03 pm

    Sorry to hear about your dad,wonderful tribute to him.

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    • XPLORE - Out and About's avatar Baz - The Landy July 9, 2013 / 6:39 am

      I guess we can’t have him forever, Thank you, snap a shot of a sun flower for him!

      Like

  4. Travel Spirit's avatar Travel Spirit July 8, 2013 / 8:43 pm

    I’m sorry for your loss. How fortunate they were to find each other and for you to grow up with that kind of love surrounding you!

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  5. alessandro ciapanna's avatar alessandro ciapanna July 8, 2013 / 5:30 am

    Deeply touched, i bow in respect. Wishing you all the best, i thank you for sharing so generously of something so intimate.

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    • XPLORE - Out and About's avatar Baz - The Landy July 8, 2013 / 7:06 am

      Thank you, and that was always Dad’s way, to give generously…

      Like

  6. Beth's avatar Beth July 8, 2013 / 3:12 am

    Baz…

    There aren’t enough words. Suffice it to say, you’ve been utterly blessed to have had such a father, and to have had him for so long. My prayers are with your family. And big huge hugs (because that’s how we roll over here) to you, Janet, and TomO.

    For years, my mom has given rose bushes to family and friends when a loved one has passed… plant some sunflowers in your yard. It’ll be a happy, cheerful reminder of your father and a life well lived every time you gaze on them.

    Hugs,
    Beth

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    • XPLORE - Out and About's avatar Baz - The Landy July 8, 2013 / 7:06 am

      Thanks Beth, and yes, we will put some sunflowers in!

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  7. Ice Scream Mama's avatar icescreammama July 8, 2013 / 3:00 am

    ohh i’m so sorry to hear about your dad. i am welled over at the sunflower and your dad and your parents long beautiful relationship. such a touching tribute. such a blessing to have such a dad.

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    • XPLORE - Out and About's avatar Baz - The Landy July 8, 2013 / 7:04 am

      One of the greatest gifts a father can give his children is to love their mother with all his heart, for all his life, and he has. Fay is truly the love of his life, and the only pain he admitted to over these past few weeks was the thought of not being able to hold her, to comfort her when he passes.

      We have much to be lot full about and if there was another love in his life it was ice cream! Truly it was eating it to the end, so a double scoop for Brian tonight, thanks…

      Take care, Baz

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      • Julie Green's avatar juliegreenart August 5, 2013 / 6:58 pm

        That’s beautiful, Baz. I really appreciate this so much and love that.

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  8. passporttobliss's avatar passporttobliss July 8, 2013 / 12:59 am

    Baz, please accept my heartfelt condolences. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  9. Grant 'Axe' Rawlinson's avatar Grant Rawlinson (Axe) July 7, 2013 / 8:43 pm

    Baz, so sorry to hear about the passing of your father, what a lovely tribute you wrote to him here.

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    • XPLORE - Out and About's avatar Baz - The Landy July 8, 2013 / 6:57 am

      Thanks Grant, a couple of weeks back he said to me, climb those mountains Baz, and I’ll walk alongside you…

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      • Grant 'Axe' Rawlinson's avatar Grant Rawlinson (Axe) July 8, 2013 / 9:02 pm

        It will always be nice to have him with you in the hills Baz. Good luck!

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  10. Desertrose's avatar desertrose7 July 7, 2013 / 5:51 pm

    What a beautiful touching post Baz. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
    You and your family have had a lot to deal with of late, but it seems, from the other side of the screen that you also have a tremendous amount of strength and LOVE within your family unit.
    I hope the days will become easier as you deal with this grief.

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    • XPLORE - Out and About's avatar Baz - The Landy July 8, 2013 / 6:56 am

      Well, whilst I feel sad at his passing and he brought so much joy into our life…play him a song he’d love that, thanks sweetie…

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  11. barbara grandberg's avatar barbara grandberg July 7, 2013 / 5:18 pm

    so sorry….[[[[hugs]]]]

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