Thursday, May 19, 2011

My Dad

My Dad passed away last weekend. He had a series of strokes five years ago but, thanks to the amazing care that my brother gave him, my dad went into extra innings.

We had a amazing funeral service, immediate family only. Our friend, Andy Scott, played the bagpipes. We ate Snickers Bars, my Dad's favorite, and sang "the Yellow Rose of Texas." Afterwards we all went to dinner and at the end my wonderhusband read this piece that he wrote about my dad. I thought it was pretty spiff and thought you might like to read it too. ~ Marilyn.





To:  Family
Subject:  the current order of business,


Jim Scott was a lot of things to a lot of people.  As Jim would say he had his meat hooks in a lot of pies.  He was involved involved in the lives of an uncountable number of people. To some he was an organizer, cheerleader, helper and to some, a force of nature.

Jim was larger than life.  He was an individual.  He did what he wanted and said what he thought.  If you think about it, what a great way to live.

Jim was not bound by social convention or by grammar. Phrases like "water seeks it's own level" and "take the shot" were not just said carelessly.  To Jim, these words held power and meaning.  We didn't know  it at the time, but they would found their way into our own vocabularies.  We would end up saying them to others, conveying in our own way that power and meaning.

Jim lived lived his life by his own code, and that the most important things in life are respect, giving to others, having a plan for your life or "knowing where you were going to land", and most important of all, family. 

Mostly, Jim was about family.  Watching a sporting event with family members or talking around a table like this.  Speeches would be made, and we would know in that way that we were loved and a part of something bigger than ourselves.

How many of us can say we lived our lives the way we want, that we know what we want and how to get it?  How many of us can say we know our place in the world, the universe or with our god with the certainty of Jim Scott? 

I'm sure that after a speech such as this Jim would want us to clink our glasses.

9 comments:

  1. Maz, our deepest condolences for your loss, and our celebration with you in the obvious joy and completeness of a life well lived. May your dad rest in peace, knowing that he's been so dearly loved.

    Celia xx

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  2. Thanks, Celia. He was loved. <3

    Maz

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  3. o dear,
    what to say in my poor English?
    For sure your dad will be missed in this live by his dear-ones.
    Hope you and your family will learn to live without this special person. Because you know: we all have just one dad in live and we cannot miss them, never ever.
    warm greetings, Mincka

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  4. That is an amazing photo! I love the twinkle in his eyes. Thanks for sharing... and may God's peace surround you and your family at this strange and difficult time of missing such a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you...

    Lisa

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  5. I am sorry for your loss. Your dad looked like he enjoyed himself as he did what people are meant to do with a life. What I just read is a testament to the man who seems to have been good being. May your mourning be light as you celebrate his life.

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  6. Great photo...he looks so happy. My Grandmother passed away in 2005 and I miss talking with her...she was so humorous.

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  7. I am sorry for your lost of your Dad. He sounds like a person we all would have enjoyed knowing and learning from. I know your heart still holds
    much sorrow. We must remember our time apart is short lived. You will be with again..laughing, and enjoying his present. He is keeping a watchful eye on you and your family. And wishing he could tell you...I am fine...so you be fine. Be glad for we will be with each other again..and then our time will be endless.Be well. be happy and no worries.
    God bless you.
    Kimberlee

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  8. Marilyn, I am home on furlough from Tanzania and heard that your father died, but didn't know when, so I looked it up on your blog. I know you have wonderful memories of your father who loved to build memories (like the cutting off of the tie when each child got his/her driver's license??? I vaguely remember something like that). Last time I was home I was able to see your dad and spend a small bit of time with your mother. It was so nice to catch up. I am sure you find yourself from time to time wanting to tell your father this or that and then remembering that you can't. I think of your family every time i drive by the football field at Estancia. Bless you. I love your artwork and website! From, Marcia Millar - a blast from the past...smile.

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    1. Thanks, Marcia. Great to hear from you. My dad would "Cut off your tail feathers" when you did your first solo drive, that is he would cut your shirt tail off and frame it. Big hugs, M

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