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Thursday, February 3, 2011

Well Done, Thou Good And Faithful Servant

My beloved father slipped away from us early this morning,
February 2nd, to join my mother,
and to rest from his long and faithful service here on earth.


We are still stunned; neither his doctors nor his family expected such a quick decline when he was taken to the hospital on Sunday for what we thought would be another of his fix-and-get-better trips.  But Pop had other plans.
Herbert Lindtveit -- May 12, 1920 -- February 2, 2011


These last 3-1/2 years, with him living just minutes from us, have been a gift to me.  I became closer to Pop than ever before and we shared some wonderful, and some difficult, conversations and experiences.
I got to know him very well, on a deeper level than before.

I am grateful for that.  He was a very important part of our lives.

I will miss him, a lot.


A creative, funny, sweet, patient, talented, kind and loving father, we never heard a mean or crude word from him, never an angry scold -- even when one of us surely deserved it.

He taught us to make mistakes, to sin boldly (as Martin Luther said), because that's how you learn, and that the way to begin any project, no matter how big, was by just doing it -- taking that first step.  If it turned out to be the wrong step -- learn from it, be proud you took the chance, and keep going.

He loved kids, and kids loved him -- perhaps because his own childhood was very much alive and kicking right under the surface of his grownup skin.   And if there was a baby in the room, you could be sure that within minutes, it would be Pop who would be holding that little one in his arms.

If today's young Dads think it's a new thing to share in baby care, and diaper and feed and bathe their kids, they are mistaken; our Dad was doing that more than 60 years ago.
 
Our girls believed their Pop-Pop could make or fix anything.  Because he could. As each of his four kids bought their first houses -- those houses that needed pretty much everything fixed -- Pop was there to lend his tools, his hands, his encyclopedic knowledge.  I know we all are wondering  who we're going to ask now, when the heating system makes that funky noise or the bathroom window won't stop rattling or the roof leaks or we hear a mouse in the wall . . . . "Let's ask Pop," isn't an option now.

As  my brothers said today, "We never considered a world without Pop."

I still can't wrap my mind around that fact.  I know it in my head, but not yet in my heart.


I don't know what eternity is like, but I know what I like to believe -- that last January my Mom found it full of wonderful yarn, and that after outfitting Saint Peter and our Saviour with appropriate fisherman knits, she piled up a goodly stack of warm and practical sweaters for my Dad.  "Yes," said my sister Peggy, "but she's also asking him why he didn't call when he knew he was going to be late."
Thanks, Kirby, for the picture of Pop in the Tina.  Women loved him; fish feared him!

As for Dad, there will be a good boat, endless clear warm days, a high tide, and massive schools of fish just waiting to be caught.  And maybe a really good apple pie, and a couple of donuts to fill in the empty spots.

Strawberry Shortcake would be welcome, too.

My phone conversations with my father these past few years usually ended the same way:
(After a brief silence)
Me:  Well, that's all I've got.
Him:  Me too!
Me:  I love you, Dad.
Him:  I love you too, honey.
And I would hear the catch in his voice.

I do indeed love you, Dad, and I'm going to miss you like crazy.  -- Cass

76 comments:

  1. Cass, what a lovely tribute to your father. He is a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. May peace and comfort be your companions.

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  2. This was such a beautiful and touching story about your father! I am so very sorry for your loss. I can see you were truly blessed with such a great Dad. My mother and father were both born in 1920 also. I lost my Father in 1998 and my Mother in 2005. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
    Denise

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  3. I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad Sweetie. I think your tribute to him was wonderful and you can just hear the special bond and love you had for each other. I feel exactly what you are going through as I just lost my Dad Dec 1st. It will take awhile and you will go through many stages trust me. Take this time to remember all the wonderful things he's taught you and remember that he will always be a part of you as he helped to mold you into the woman you are today. My prayers are with you and the family during this time and just take it one day at a time. Big hugs!!

    Laura

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  5. Oh Cass... I am welling up right now.. I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like such an incredible and important influence in your life. I am so sorry... If you want to talk... I am here. Hugs, Courtney

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  6. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your Dad. I have dealt with that, and it will take awhile to wrap your heart around it. I hope your Mom made him his favorite color knitted sweater and he is wearing it as he reels in the Big one from his boat!

    God Bless you and your family...

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  7. Oh Cass, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. My dad, too, died unexpectedly, so I understand what a shock it can be. You have my deepest condolences. Isn't it a shame that by the time we truly appreciate and understand our parents, the time we have left with them flies by and we lose them before we are ready to let them go?

    Treasure your memories and cherish the love he brought to your life.

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  8. I am so sorry for your loss, Cass. I know it will take a while for it to sink in. I lost my father a little over a month ago and it is a day to day process of learning to live without him. This is a lovely tribute. He would {and was} be proud of you.

    XO,
    Jane

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  9. I'm very sorry for you loss, I lost my dad 24 years ago and he's still missed. I will keep your dad and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

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  10. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Dad.
    What an amazing tribute Cass.
    I feel like I know him now too.
    Take Care my friend,
    Cindy

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  11. Cass -- I will keep your family in my prayers. From your posts this last year, I know how much you loved your father -- and how close you were. What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man this post is. For what comfort there is, he is now with your Mom.

    As soon as I saw your title on my sidebar, I knew that you had lost him. I'm truly sorry.

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  12. Oh how beautiful!

    I am so very sorry for your loss. He will be sorely missed I am sure. It has been five years for me and while the ache softens it is still there. But we have a hope. To see them again.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these next weeks and months.

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  13. Sad,..this is such a lovely post, yall were so blessed, and I'm happy for you all to be able to have these wonderful memories.I know you all will miss him!..I pray Jesus wraps his arms around you and your family and hugs you tight.

    ~Jo

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  14. Tears in my eyes for you today ... such a lovely tribute to your dear father. I'm sorry for your loss, and coming so quickly.

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  15. Cass, sweetheart, I am sending to you whatever comfort and condolence will make it up your way on this information superhighway. It is a rare person who can see the love and joy through her pain ... you ARE that rare person, and I know that Pop is proud of you.
    Connie

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  16. Cass, I'm so sorry about your pop. You were so lucky to have each other. Tears in my eyes, as well, for you and your family as you navigate this next phase of your life without your pop.

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  17. Thinking of you today, Cass. I hope all the sweet memories help to heal the heart. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x5

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  18. Cass, my deepest condolences on your loss. He will live on by telling these wonderful stories, told by those that loved him so much.

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  19. I like how you said Pop had other plans (better) i'm sure! Thinking of you!

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  20. Cass- Well, I teared up as soon as I saw your header...somehow I have felt that this was going to happen...and no matter even if we ARE expecting it- we are never ready...and we remain in a state of shock and disbelief for months sometimes....sometimes years~

    God bless you, honey. Your Dad sounds a lot like my own...except I don't think he ever changed a diaper in his life;>) He is at peace now and (I believe) reunited with your Mom...and will wait to welcome you with open arms again one day...okay...I am crying now so need to end this. Bless you- Diana

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  21. Sending my condolences.
    Death leaves a heartache
    no one can heal.
    Love leaves a memory
    no one can steal.

    I am so sorry

    yvonne

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  22. Cass,

    I am so sorry. Sitting here with tears in my eyes. You write about him beautifully. He can be proud of you and your family. What is it they say,
    "Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened."

    Thinking of you my friend.

    Carol

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  23. I am so sorry. I loved reading your words about him and seeing the wonderful photos. What a fantastic face he had--his character just shines in his face!

    Your dad was just 12 days older than my beloved grandmother who passed away in September. Such long lives, and yet they seem so short to the ones who are left behind.

    A big hug to you, and prayers for you and your family as you remember him together.

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  24. All choked up over here - I'm so sorry you lost your beloved dad. He clearly loved his family - and was loved - very deeply.

    Thinking of you and your family and sending prayers....

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  25. I'm soooo very sorry, Cass, to hear of the passing of your dear dad. You are in my prayers. Remember, "he is just away"....
    Wendy

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  26. I am so sorry for your loss. What a great relationship you had with your dad. May he rest in peace and may you find peace knowing he is in a better place and back with your mom.
    thinking of you!
    gail

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  27. I'm so sorry for the loss of your Daddy. You've done a wonderful job of writing this memorial to him. May God comfort you and give you a peace that only He can.

    Grace & Peace

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  28. May he rest in peace, and eternal light shine upon him.
    .....and may you find comfort in the knowledge that he's with your mum, watching, as proud as can be of the family that the two of them created.

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  29. What beautiful sentiments. God bless you all as you grieve your loss.

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  30. Cass, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. What wonderful memories you have shared here with everyone. I am wiping tears away here, too. What a wonderful man.

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  31. Cass, you know how lucky you were to have such a great man as you father. Of course you do. I can plainly see it here in your tribute.
    No words will ease the pain but I truly am sorry for your loss. Big hugs, girl, big hugs.

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  32. Oh, Dear Cass! I'm so sorry to hear this about your dear Daddy! My heart aches for you and I've been right where you are. I was a Daddy's girl and he went to heaven in 1997. Still miss him.
    You and your family will be in my prayers and how thankful you must be to have all these wonderful loving memories of your Daddy. He sounds like he was a wonderful man! I'm sure my Daddy is talking his ears off right now! :)
    Blessings,
    Shelia ;)

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  33. Cass I am sorry to hear about your Dad. He would be proud to read your tribute today on your blog. May loving memories continue to warm your hearts at this difficult time.
    Hugs
    Joyce

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  34. Cass,

    I'm so very sorry for the sudden death of your dear father. What a lovely tribute to him. How lucky you are to have had a special bond with him, and that will last forever. Take care. You will be in my thoughts.

    Pam

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  35. A tribute such as this reveals what kind of person the loved one was and from your words it sounds as though your dad was a man who loved his family and whose family loved him in return.

    My dad was the handy guy in our family also and after almost 15 years I still ask myself what dad would do when something needs fixing.

    So sorry for your loss, but glad to read what a great man he was and he will live on through your children and their children.

    Take care, hugs coming your way.

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  36. I'm so sorry, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  37. Sending loving thoughts to you and your family. Like yourself I was lucky enough to have such wonderful parents, we were truly blessed. I wish you strength to get through this difficult time.

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  38. You have written a beautiful heartfelt tribute to your father. Those of us who have already experienced this loss know your sorrow. You were so lucky to have had him for a father. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.

    Scribbler (Ellen)

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  39. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I hate the pain of losing a parent. You and your family will be in my thoughts. You were so lucky to have him so long and to know the last thing your probably said to each other was " i love you"

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  40. Oh I am so sorry. I lost my dad right before Christmas. I pray the Lord brings you comfort and grace through this time and that He would be very close to you and your family.

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  41. I'm so sorry Cass. It sounds as if he was such a joy and a blessing to have for a father. Your post is a beautiful tribute to him. (((hugs)))

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  42. Aww...Cass. I'm sooo sorry. Such a handsome gentleman. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family! My Dad, who passed in 1994 was a bit the same. Celebrate his life...and all the wonderful memories. Keeping you in my thoughts.
    Lynne from Ringwood

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  43. Hi Aunt Cass,
    I stumbled upon your blog and now I'm all teary-eyed (again). I really thought Pop Pop would live forever - I think we all did. I will miss all of his stories, and how he would crack himself up telling them. Pop Pop was the best, the coolest guy I know - I'm really going to miss him.

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  44. Oh, Cass. My heart aches for you. You have made such a wonderful tribute to your Dad. He's up in heaven casting his pole right about now. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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  45. Cass--I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad.
    Words escape me right now. Knowing that he is with your Mom should help and time will help you also.
    Blessings and prayers to you and your family.

    Melinda

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  46. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your great love for your dad came through every time you wrote about him. You and your family were so blessed to have him for so many years. My deepest sympathies.

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  47. I am just now seeing this. Cass I am so sorry for your loss. :( You have written a wonderful tribute to your Father. I am sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family. (((hugs)))
    Glenda

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  48. I just stumbled upon your blog for the very first time and am in tears from your post. Hugs from a fellow Cass. xoxo

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  49. My sincere condolences! My dad is also very ill with pneumonia and in hospital. We were called yesterday to come and see him. I think he is stable but I feel that I didn't have enough time to really express my feelings to him. Wonderful that you had a chance to be close these last few years!

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  50. Oh, Cass, such a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man; you described him so that I would have been very happy to know him. And I do know him just because you have shared him with us. Thank you. My heart hurts with your loss, but your love shines so strongly through your words. This was very sudden and I know that the pain feels like a real, physical ache. I have been there, too.
    You will find strength in the warmth of your family to guide you onward. And may That Old House bring you the comfort of its deep, refreshing spirit, its own abiding love. Loss and Joy have lived within those rooms...it can bear your heartache, accept your tears and, with time, soften your hurt.

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  51. Oh Cass I am so sorry. Your Pop was a wonderful guy.

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  52. Cass, I shed tears for you today! You have been blessed to have such a wonderful father and I thank you for sharing him and your love for him with us! Blessings to you.
    ~Holly

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  53. My thoughts and prayers are yours. I lost my dad 3 years ago. A day doesn't go by that I don't miss him. No matter how old we get we are still "daddy's little girls." Be kind to yourself during this season of loss.

    Blessings to you,
    Shelley

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  54. So sorry to hear of your loss. Lovely tribute to your father. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  55. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad.
    Thinking of you and your family.
    God Bless, Dawn

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  56. Oh Cass, this brought tears to my eyes -- what a loving, beautiful tribute! He sounds like such a wonderful father, and I am sure that all those left behind will feel his loss keenly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    xoxo,
    Mary

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  57. Cass-
    I am so sorry for your loss.
    What a loving tribute you shared with us all in this post.

    I am thinking of you,

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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  58. So sorry to hear about the loss of your father,my blessings and prayers go to you and your family.

    catherine

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  59. Dear Cass,
    Your Dad was a great man that filled your hearts with joy.
    I am so sorry to read of his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Big hugs, Elizabeth

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  60. Dear Cass,

    I am sorry for your loss, for the world's loss. Your Pop sounds like a wonderful man and I know my Da is with him on that fishing boat. You are in my prayers and thoughts.

    Those of us that believe know there is no such thing as goodbye.

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

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  61. Oh, Cass....
    I am so, so sorry for your loss. I love the way you described eternity - full of knitting sweaters and peaceful fishing expeditions - what a wonderful way to imagine your precious parents together again. I think you've got it just right too.

    Many hugs and prayers from Tenafly,
    gena

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  62. Oh Sweetie, the tears are running down my face as I think of your pain. My Dad passed over so many years ago and I still miss his dear heart. All the love you have for him is evident and I'm sure he will be watching over you. Thinking bof you~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  63. Dear Cass,

    I stopped by today thinking I could count on you for a good story and a laugh or two. The sweet memories you shared of your beloved father did make me smile, but you made me cry as well ... for your loss and for him, no longer able to say, "I love you too, honey." But you know he does, and you'll hear those words in your heart for the rest of your life.

    Kindest regards,
    Bill

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  64. Hi Cass,
    I am so sorry for your loss. This was a wonderfully touching post.
    Valerie

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  65. Cass,
    So sorry for your loss...Your post was so heartfelt and a wonderful tribute to your Dad...I lost my Dad 10 years ago quite suddenly...he was only 64. I miss him everyday but meditate on the time we did have together as we lived in different states. I spoke with him almost daily as you did your Dad...how I treasure those conversations as you will. My heart goes out to you and will keep you in my prayers. Your post is beautiful!!

    Miss Bloomers

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  66. Cass....so very sorry to hear of the loss of your "Pop"...you wrote a beautiful tribute to him...he sounded like a wonderful man and father...God bless you....Sue.

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  67. Oh Cass. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Have been away from blogging for a little while due to life, and just came to your site and found out about your father. I know you are hurting and want you to know I am praying for you. Your Dad will always be with you in your heart sweetie!

    Love,
    Robin

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  68. Yes, older houses or ancestral houses are big assets into the city. That's why make a proper action of preserving it.

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  69. What wonderful, wonderful pictures in the story of your dad... what a handsome man he was! So very sorry for your sudden loss.

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  70. Such a heartfelt tribute to your dad. How many people wish they had such a loving man for a father. May your memories bring you comfort. My dad (born 1922) has been gone almost 20 years now and although our relationship was sometimes difficult, I still miss him. V

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  71. My first time here and I am sorry that you have lost your father. May he rest peacefully in heaven with your mother. This was a beautiful tribute to your father and the pictures tell a story filled with a lot of love and devotion. Wishing you the best during this difficult time.. I will be back.

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  72. Your Mom and Dad are both looking down on you now and smiling, all the while thinking, what an amazing, caring, sweet daughter we raised. The love you all have for each other is very evident in your tribute to your Dad. Take comfort in the fact that your parents are together again. You and your family will be in my prayers.

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  73. I am so sorry for the pain of grief you'll suffer in missing your dad, glad to know you have many friends who offer support and comfort. God bless you.

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  74. Cass, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your remembrance post was so nice. I know your mom and dad are watching down on your now.

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  75. Cass,
    Just signed on to see what you've been up to and read the sad news.
    Your tribute to your Dad was wonderful and my sincere sympathy goes out to you.

    Debra

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  76. So nsorry to hear of your dad's passing, Cass. I saw your comment to Yvonne and I wanted to pay my condolences to you. This was such a beautiful tribute to your father!

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