Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Forever In Our Hearts....

My dad went to be with the Lord last night. I cannot tell you how hard he fought this ugly disease. I was thinking about when I last saw him, just a couple of days ago and before I left I wanted to see him walk. That was the goal-to get him up and walking so he could be strong enough to endure one last try at a treatment. At this time I had no idea he was so close to passing. The nurses came in and helped him and I saw how hard it was for him to only walk a few steps and then he needed to turn back around to sit.

I thought to myself look how weak he is, my poor dad, I wish he could have walked longer. But now I think back and realize my dad was so close to death and yet he still wanted to walk.

He wasn't weak at all, he was so so strong.

Most would have just stayed there in their bed in the kind of pain he was in but he wanted so badly to show us that he wanted to get better. He wanted to show us he still had strength. Incredible strength.

I cannot express the love I had for my dad. He treated me, my sister and my mom like queens. He was always loving, funny, gentle and kind. Not one bad memory can come to mind. To not have him in my life is going to be so terribly hard. So many wonderful memories, I just don't know how to go on. But I will. We all will. I'm just thankful that melanoma doesn't have a hold of him anymore. He is free from pain, free from discouragement that he faced for a year. He is well now and with his savior.

Thank you all for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. Our family is hurting now but not because dad is hurting, because our hearts will miss him so.

Robert James Cross
February 24, 1945-May 3, 2011
<span class=
at 9:21 AM
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70 comments:

  1. ColleenMay 4, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Adrienne, I am so very sorry for your loss of your dad. He sounds like a remarkable man. Thinking of you!

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  2. JulieMay 4, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    So sorry to hear of your loss! Will be lifting you and your family up in prayer!

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  3. AnonymousMay 4, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    I am so sorry. Your Dad sounds like a gentle soul. Lots of prayers for your family.

    Wendy

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  4. WrenMay 4, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I'm so very sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this very difficult time.

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  5. CarolineMay 4, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    I'm so sorry keeping you in my prayers & your whole family. My Dad fought cancer and it was so hard to see him hurt. Much love to you. I so understand those feelings.
    Thank God for no more pain , so many Happy memories to look back on helps me.
    Love you & {{{HUGE HUGS}}}

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  6. mlfontMay 4, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    oh Adrienne! Love to you all!! Lifting you up in prayer my friend!

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  7. AnonymousMay 4, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    Oh my gosh, I am so sorry for your loss...I have been checking your blog and when I noticed something new and started to read, I wanted to cry for you...Yes, he is resting peacefully and no pain....You and your family will have WONDERFUL memories....God bless you and your family at this time.

    Pam/Jacob & Family

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  8. MauraMay 4, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. You wrote such a wonderful tribute to him.

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  9. MichelleMay 4, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    Andrienne and family - I am so sad to hear of your fathers passing. I can't imagine your pain of losing a wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family.

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  10. JennyMay 4, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    I'm so so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you :(

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  11. ElisabethMay 4, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    I am so sorry, Adrienne, for the grief that you and your family are experiencing right now. But, I do rejoice with you that your Dad is with his Savior, healed of all his pain.

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  12. UnknownMay 4, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like such a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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  13. KristiMay 4, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    Im so sorry for your loss!!! Your family will be in our prayers!!!

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  14. AmandaMay 4, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Adrienne, I am so sorry for your loss, but an so happy he is no longer suffering pain. Know that he is watching over you all :) He sounds like a wonderful man, someone I wish I would have had in my life as a father. Thank you for sharing this tender moment with us.

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  15. AnonymousMay 4, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    I follow your blog regularly and knew of your father's illness, but was surprised to read of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We will never meet, but we are sisters in faith and hope. That faith and your sweet and lovely family will sustain you. I am sure of it.

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  16. heatherMay 4, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    I wrote this big long comment but none of it sounded like the right thing. I’ve never been very good with words. But I just want you to know how very sorry I am! I was shocked to read this today and know you were not expecting this so soon. I am sending you lots of love and prayers from Utah! I hope I can be as positive and strong as you have been through this journey with your dad! xoxo.

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  17. KristinMay 4, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    Oh Adrienne, so sorry to hear this. Your dad sounds so incredible. Prayers for your family in this difficult time.

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  18. LynnMay 4, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Adrienne, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. He sounds like he was a very wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
    Blessinngs,
    ~Lynn

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  19. The ColvinsMay 4, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Very sorry for your loss but happy that he is no longer in pain. Still, it hurts to lose a parent. My dad died in 09 after a long battle with dementia. We were sad and happy at the same time. Prayers for you!

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  20. KristaMay 4, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    I didn't know your Dad but I'm feeling the hurt for you in a major way. I can't stop thinking about you and your family. You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful father—the blessings we find through the tragedy—as some go through their entire lives without the love you experienced from your Dad for the years he was on this Earth and although his time was cut too short at only 66, as humans, we always want more so he could have lived until 100 and we would want 101. That doesn't make the realization any easier because it's just difficult to live on this Earth without them for longer of our lives than we hoped. Your kids and your loving husband will help be your strength. Even on what seems like the toughest day, their smiles will brighten your day and you will see your gentle and kind father in their smiles and in their eyes. Thinking of you.

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  21. MeMay 4, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. He sounds like a wonderful man.

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  22. JenniferMay 4, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Praying for you. So sorry to hear about your loss. Dealing with death is so hard especially when you're a mom to a young child. It's so hard to grasp. Seriously praying, and so sad to hear this news. Praying God gives you peace that is unexplainable.

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  23. JackieMay 4, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    Oh, Adrienne. I am so sorry you've lost your Dad. He reminds me of my Dad and I have tears in my eyes for the sorrow in your heart. He will guard above you in so many ways, you will always have him with you, watching over you, the girls and sweet Bennett. Prayers for comfort for you and your family during this extremely difficult time.

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  24. my familyMay 4, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    oh Adrienne,

    My heart hurts for you all. Big hugs from Louisiana

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  25. AnonymousMay 4, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    I am so sorry, Adrienne, and sad too. Your father was an extraordinary man. I feel so fortunate to have spent precious time with your parents the last couple of months. It was such a blessing for us to open our home to your family. Few things have ever felt SO right. We love you all and will be seeing you very soon. Ellen (and Gary)

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  26. I Just Love YouMay 4, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    my thoughts are with you. just thinking about losing my dad makes me cry. i can't imagine how hard this is for you and your family.

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  27. This Is StupidMay 4, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    SO sorry to hear of that Adrienne! You definitely were blessed to have such an amazing father here on Earth! Many prayers for you and your family as you grieve him and celebrate his life!

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  28. GretaMay 4, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    God bless you, your family, and your dad. He sounds like he was a great man. Find comfort in the Lord. Everything is going to be ok.

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  29. RochelleMay 4, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    Beautiful tribute to your father. Many prayers coming your way my friend.

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  30. RachelMay 4, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    Your family is in our prayers as you learn to live without him...and find comfort in his heavenly life.

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  31. DeniseMay 4, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    What an amazing thing blogworld is. I have never met you and certainly never met your dad, yet I am sitting here with tears running down my face because of your loss. I am so sorry!! You did a wonderful tribute to him. Praying that your family finds peace.

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  32. MeghannMay 4, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    I am so sorry for you loss. I'll be praying for you and know you'll find peace in the arms of our Savior.

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  33. CarinMay 4, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    I will see the days ahead full of amazing memories of your dad. Your dad will get you through this time... hugs to you and your family.

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  34. Grizzly BearMay 4, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. I ditto what Denise said. I don't know you but my heart aches for you right now. I am so so sorry. May God help you through this hard time.

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  35. She’s Our ButterflyMay 4, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Adrienne, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. It is so hard losing a father and my heart goes out to you. Please know I will be praying for you and your family.

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  36. j*e*nMay 4, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    I'm so sorry, Adrienne! Please know that you & your family will continue to be in our prayers as you walk through this difficult time.

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  37. CallieMay 4, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    I am so sorry.

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  38. ErinMay 4, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    My heart breaks for you and your family Adrienne. I am so sorry for your loss. It is so obvious how much you loved him and how much he loved you.

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  39. CindyMay 4, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    I am so sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

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  40. AnonymousMay 4, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    Oh, Adrienne, I am so sorry to hear this news. You and your family will be in our thoughts and hearts.

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  41. LaurieMay 4, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Thinking of you, my friend.

    xoxo

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  42. JenniferMay 4, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    I've been following your blog for quite sometime now and I have never posted before but I know how special your dad was to you and I wanted to say that I will be thinking of you and your beautiful family. I hope that you can find comfort during this difficult time.

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  43. This American WifeMay 4, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    I'm so sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  44. LisaMay 4, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    Oh Adrienne, I am so sorry for your sadness. I'm praying for you and your family.

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  45. AshleyMay 4, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    I'm so sorry about your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.

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  46. M.HiltonMay 4, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    I'm praying for your whole family, Adrienne. It's shocking what a quick whirlwind this last year was for him, but what is truly the amazing thing is that your family had so much love for each other and expressed it so openly and beautifully. You are so lucky to have had this precious family together for so long and I know that your dad's memory and courage and love will live on through everyone he has touched.

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  47. TaraMay 4, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Oh, Adrienne, I audibly gasped when I read your first line. I am so sorry for your loss! It was obvious to all of us how very much you loved him. Praying for you and your family, and rejoicing with him as he is finally home.

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  48. Colton's JourneyMay 4, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Your in our thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry for your loss!

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  49. MelMay 4, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was an amazing man, and I know he will leave a big hole in your lives. Thinking of you.

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  50. PennyMay 5, 2011 at 12:15 AM

    I'm sitting here with tears rolling down my cheeks and don't even know you. What a blessing a wonderful father is! I'm so sorry for you and your family. Such a tremendous loss! May the Lord continue to comfort you all.

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  51. TracyMay 5, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    "...and when he shall die, take him and cut him out into little stars. He will make the face of the sky so beautiful that all the world will be in love with the night..."

    Sending comforting prayers your way.

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  52. AnonymousMay 5, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Andrea (pool)

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  53. MaggieMaeMay 5, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad, Adrienne. I know just where you are! I've been following your Dad's illness with you and in the midst of it, I lost my own Dad just 8 weeks ago. Like you, I'm thankful that the suffering has ended but it's hard not to have him in my life. He walked over to my house every single day to be with me and my children. It's a hole that takes a long time to heal... but your Dad is now with you, watching you and your children grow and laugh and live all the time now with no pain and no distance between you. God bless.

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  54. HeatherMay 5, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    (((HUGS))) to you and your family Adrienne during this difficult time. Keep your memories close to your heart and remember someday, soon, you'll see him again :)

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  55. HeidiMay 5, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    I am so sorry to learn your Dad passed away. My condolences to you and your family.

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  56. Mom to MaxMay 5, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    I am so very sorry to hear this! Prayers are being sent your way!

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  57. AnonymousMay 5, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    Praying for you and your family during this time. May this be a time of healing and remembrance...

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  58. vivMay 5, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    Adrienne, I was shocked to see your dad had passed away, you are so blessed to have had such a loving, gentle father, I know the girls and Bennett will miss him very much. Love and blessings at the time. Viv

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  59. SaraMay 6, 2011 at 1:18 AM

    I am so sorry.....I can't even imagine your pain.

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  60. TracyMay 6, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. Cancer is such an evil disease and to have to watch a parent go through it is so hard. Having to figure out how to go on without that parent is just as hard. My mom died 24 years ago from breast cancer and I still miss her. Not in the way that I think about her death every single moment and relive the last days over and over again like I did at first, but when one of my girls does something cute and reaches a milestone, I think about how I would love to be able to tell my mom. You will always miss him, but it will get easier with each passing day. I am praying that God will bring comfort to you and your family during this most difficult time.

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  61. Little LiamMay 6, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a parent is like losing a piece of you, but the strength he showed, even in his final days, are what will help to carry you through...
    Many warm thoughts and prayers to you and your whole family
    Kristin

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  62. SharonMay 6, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    Adrienne - I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts during this very difficult time. Your father sounded like an amazing man and I know he must have been so very proud of what a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend you are. His loving spirit definitely lives on through you.

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  63. Sweet Pea's MommyMay 6, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in my prayers!

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  64. RunningmamaMay 7, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Oh, I am so very sorry for your loss. How wonderful it is that you were priveleged to have one of the greatest Fathers on earth it sounds like. Praying for you and your family, I know you miss him so very much. Can't hold back my tears for you.

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  65. LynMay 9, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    So, so sorry for your loss, Adrienne. Have been thinking of you all weekend long and hoping that you can find peace and comfort in all of the wonderful memories that you hold. My prayers will continue for you and your family as you begin this new chapter in your life...

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  66. JillMay 9, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Adrienne, I've got nothing to say that you haven't heard a hundred times already...shock at what I've just read, sadness for the gap left in your family, and prayers sent your way for comfort and peace in the midst of this very hard time. Thank you for sharing your dad with all of us. Thank you for posting the hard details of his illness, and for showing us your great and powerful love for him. You shared your dad with thousands of people. You blogged about his wonderful love for Bennett and the girls, and I for one will miss hearing of him, too.
    Much love your way.

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  67. patsyMay 10, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    so sorry to hear this news...my heart is aching for you. prayers for you and your family...

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  68. Korey Hickling (Jack's mom)May 12, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    I am so very sorry to hear of your loss, Adrienne. My thoughts and prayers are with your family now, especially your mother. Having been through this myself 7 years ago, I wish I could tell you that time heals, but I would be lying. Just feel peace in knowing that your dad is happy and healthy in his new home now. Always keep your memories of him alive in your heart, and may you always carry him with you in your soul. Thinking of you, my friend.

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  69. Crazy Beautiful LoveMay 12, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers sent for the entire family.

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  70. Anne and Whitney: Up, Down and All AroundMay 16, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    still thinking about you and your family!!! sending a great big hug!!!

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