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I own a luxury doggie daycare/boarding/grooming facility. I love dogs (obviously) and my family and friends. Hopefully, some of you will be adding to my blog. I hail from West Virginia, but currently reside in the beautiful, voting-challenged, state of Florida. I love the beach, sunsets, dogs (did I say that already?), good books, wine, and am falling in love with Yoga....

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Paul Thomas Gilkerson



What am I going to do without my father?

He passed away on Monday, July 29, 2008 from an aortic rupture due to complications from renal failure. He was 70 years old, the best man I have ever known, and my hero. He had lived ever so gracefully, these past 18 years, with the heart of another hero after successfully undergoing a heart transplant in 1990. And all of us who loved him have been grateful for every single day since.

There is a quietness around me that I simply cannot describe after losing him. I'm not sure if the stillness has to do with the silence of his voice or if it is simply because there is now a huge un-fillable void in my life now without him. Simply put, I miss his presence.

And my mother. I am so worried about her. They were married for 50 years this past December and he is the only man she has ever known. It's up to me now to take care of her and I plan to spoil her rotten as she is the best woman I know. I'm blessed to be their child.

And so, to my father - Daddy - your baby girl loves you and misses you from the depths of her soul. But, mother and I will be with you forever one day and we'll become 'Wee Three' once again. In the meantime, you go on down to that dock that Stacy described, have a few cold beers with Paul Jenkins & Daddy Max, say hi to Grammies, Grampies, Aunt Gwen, DD, and Richie, pet Bucky and keep watch for me and Mom.

I love you Daddy.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

What a lovely tribute to sweet Paul. I miss him already - so much. You 2 take care of each other - that's what he would want you know.

I love you.

aunt yvonne

Anonymous said...

sad tears with a touch of joy. it is the strangest feeling.

i love you deena.
i love you aunt donna.
i love you uncle paul

CJ Boston said...

Deena, you and your mom had so many wonderful years with your Dad, while he will be missed, he will never be gone. He will live on in your memories and in your wonderful loving spirit. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you very much.