From the time he bought you your first guitar, he could see the music in you. That you took it on and mastered it he thought was really cool. He may be gone, but he won’t be far away… he lives on in your heart and will bring love and light to your world each and every day. He was an inspiration that encouraged you to sing and here we are celebrating the gift that he gave us in you…
Don’t be sad K, be joyous for what you had for when it’s said and done … you had the best dad!
Thank you for sharing your grief, and thank you for introducing me to your Dad, your father, your Papa, through memories and lines, and photos. All that love he gave you, seems to go out and back and around.
I love his smile, he is clearly so happy being your Dad, and I can sense that he gave you so much. The gift of him and the gift of your self.
I lost my father at thirteen when he drove off to Fiordland, shouting out, 'I'm only going so that next time you can come too.' And he never came back. He died in a lakeside hut, after another boat smashed into his boat. I grieved for him, cried and cried, and looked out into the sky and saw his face in the clouds looking down. I can't explain how I knew before I was given the 'news'.
There is solace in that knowing - the beauty and mystery of connection.
And like you, I have felt him all around ever since. In the bush and the birds and the flow of the quiet river. In the green.
So I am glad you had such precious times and I do believe, I do believe... in something.
After my mother died I saw so many prisms and butterflies - spontaneously appearing in unexpected places. I would turn the hose on and hey presto - a prism would spout forth. I would go for a walk and a monarch butterfly would flutter around my head.
I do believe in the magic that is the science we don't yet understand. In all the small miracles, like the butterflies and prisms that appear at unexpected times in unexpected spaces.
And I believe that the love we send out is received. Perhaps our love is recycled in the universe. We sent it out and it goes into the source and comes back to us with more love.
I can't explain it but I feel it.
Grief is tiring. It is big. Some days the waves are overwhelming. So be kind to yourself.
And thank you.
I feel sure that you will continue to see and hear your Dad in every beautiful thing.
You communicated your thoughts and all the memories of your father so effortlessly, Kimbra. Your gift for writing is so undeniable.. it hit a little different learning the news of your father. I truly am so so sorry for your loss.
Grief is never easy.. how you see the world, the people around you.. it all shifts. But those who mourn will be comforted.. i have no words to express except I know your dad is super proud of you! The poem Inheritance birthed something transcendent.
The more I read your substacks, I see more and more, your artistry and gifts are truly one of a kind. God-given. Sending you so so much love at this sensitive time. May your dads soul rest in perfect peace. Thank you for sharing him with us. He sounded like such a wonderful dad. 🤍
Thank you for sharing these reflections on your father's passing. Life is short, and the world is small...writing like this makes everyone less alone. I hope when the time comes for my parents that I handle it with your eloquence.
I listened to Vows over and over again when it came out and caught such an intense schoolboy crush on you for like two weeks it was honestly embarrassing.
It's uncanny to put these two experiences in the same world, fifteen years apart. Thank you for being you, then and now.
I am so very sorry for your loss Kimbra. Though his physical presence is gone in this material world but like you said he would live through you and your work as he always has been. The anchor is not gone Kimbra. It’s calling you for a new sailing.
My sincere condolences on your loss. I know grief, losing my parents over some years ago, and my wife of 45 years last November. Give yourself the gift of time. It is said that it heals all wounds, but I know that isn’t necessarily true. Time gives perspective. Time allows the hurt to fade, and the happy times to be remembered. Time is God’s gift to us who live on, not knowing when He may call. Always remember the good times, the happy times with your father.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm very grateful that, as always, you choose to share your inner world and memories with us - what a gift that is. This was a very beautiful read, and an amazing ode to your father. Sending healing vibes <3
Dear Kimbra. First of all my condolences for passing your father away. June 27th this year I had to go through the same experience when my father died. He was at the age of 92 and was mentaly ill, so we could coop with that. (Sorry if my English isn't that well.) Your picture of both hands is very recognizable. Also your mention of Elly Hillesum strikes me. In june there was a tv serie about her, here in the Netherlands. I wish you strength and a good remembrance. I hope to see and hear you again soon!
Aw K. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. The irony of commenting with words, (on a writing website no less),is that in a time like this, words can seem meaningless, even trite in the presence of such an important moment. As you mentioned above regarding the Bread song, he is everywhere now, in all his cheeky glory, letting you know he is alright and still with you. Take care K. Sending my love and light to you and your family.
My deepest condolences, Kimbra. Sending love. Your words, as always, are beautiful and poignant. Thank you for sharing this moment with us, and for opening us up to this aspect of life.
Thank you for sharing this tender moment in time. I got such a beautiful picture of you and your dad’s relationship. You honor his so beautifully with your words. When I arrived to your poem at the end, years rolled off my face. Reading gave me direction in how I (may be) meant to show up. May your heart know peace❤️
My condolences on the passing of your father. I want to tell you something l heard many years ago. It’s just a perspective to consider.
The world is a living being and like all living beings it has its time. We, the people, are the highest form of life allowed to exist on this world. But a human life is granted only after many, many other lives we’ve lived previously. It is a precious thing, this human life because we finally have consciousness and we have the opportunity to choose. The first human life we live is derived from a previous life as an animal who was loved by a human. It is the experience of being loved that we develop a singular consciousness instead of a group consciousness as in a group species. This is why a special child looks into our eyes the same way that our pet dogs look at us. They love us unconditionally. It is their first human life.
Now here is the point of all this. We come into the human experience to grow and to learn. We are meant to learn through living and making “mistakes.” The world supports us in our endeavors. As more and more people are born, through a few thousand years, it is inevitable that we produce more and more pollution in the world. This ages the world and eventually brings Mother Nature herself to the end of her life cycle. This has happened again and again and will continue. In a manner of speaking we are the cancer of the world. It is natural. So, in short, your father was correct.
Dear K
From the time he bought you your first guitar, he could see the music in you. That you took it on and mastered it he thought was really cool. He may be gone, but he won’t be far away… he lives on in your heart and will bring love and light to your world each and every day. He was an inspiration that encouraged you to sing and here we are celebrating the gift that he gave us in you…
Don’t be sad K, be joyous for what you had for when it’s said and done … you had the best dad!
Love to you, the love only a father can bring
Thinking of you
C
Thank you for sharing your grief, and thank you for introducing me to your Dad, your father, your Papa, through memories and lines, and photos. All that love he gave you, seems to go out and back and around.
I love his smile, he is clearly so happy being your Dad, and I can sense that he gave you so much. The gift of him and the gift of your self.
I lost my father at thirteen when he drove off to Fiordland, shouting out, 'I'm only going so that next time you can come too.' And he never came back. He died in a lakeside hut, after another boat smashed into his boat. I grieved for him, cried and cried, and looked out into the sky and saw his face in the clouds looking down. I can't explain how I knew before I was given the 'news'.
There is solace in that knowing - the beauty and mystery of connection.
And like you, I have felt him all around ever since. In the bush and the birds and the flow of the quiet river. In the green.
So I am glad you had such precious times and I do believe, I do believe... in something.
After my mother died I saw so many prisms and butterflies - spontaneously appearing in unexpected places. I would turn the hose on and hey presto - a prism would spout forth. I would go for a walk and a monarch butterfly would flutter around my head.
I do believe in the magic that is the science we don't yet understand. In all the small miracles, like the butterflies and prisms that appear at unexpected times in unexpected spaces.
And I believe that the love we send out is received. Perhaps our love is recycled in the universe. We sent it out and it goes into the source and comes back to us with more love.
I can't explain it but I feel it.
Grief is tiring. It is big. Some days the waves are overwhelming. So be kind to yourself.
And thank you.
I feel sure that you will continue to see and hear your Dad in every beautiful thing.
Read your words in the morning,
will probably ponder on them at night.
You communicated your thoughts and all the memories of your father so effortlessly, Kimbra. Your gift for writing is so undeniable.. it hit a little different learning the news of your father. I truly am so so sorry for your loss.
Grief is never easy.. how you see the world, the people around you.. it all shifts. But those who mourn will be comforted.. i have no words to express except I know your dad is super proud of you! The poem Inheritance birthed something transcendent.
The more I read your substacks, I see more and more, your artistry and gifts are truly one of a kind. God-given. Sending you so so much love at this sensitive time. May your dads soul rest in perfect peace. Thank you for sharing him with us. He sounded like such a wonderful dad. 🤍
Thank you for sharing these reflections on your father's passing. Life is short, and the world is small...writing like this makes everyone less alone. I hope when the time comes for my parents that I handle it with your eloquence.
I listened to Vows over and over again when it came out and caught such an intense schoolboy crush on you for like two weeks it was honestly embarrassing.
It's uncanny to put these two experiences in the same world, fifteen years apart. Thank you for being you, then and now.
Condolences. Blessings.
Everywhere, with love.
Paolo
I am so very sorry for your loss Kimbra. Though his physical presence is gone in this material world but like you said he would live through you and your work as he always has been. The anchor is not gone Kimbra. It’s calling you for a new sailing.
Kim,
My sincere condolences on your loss. I know grief, losing my parents over some years ago, and my wife of 45 years last November. Give yourself the gift of time. It is said that it heals all wounds, but I know that isn’t necessarily true. Time gives perspective. Time allows the hurt to fade, and the happy times to be remembered. Time is God’s gift to us who live on, not knowing when He may call. Always remember the good times, the happy times with your father.
Let me know if I can help you in any way. Love,
Gordon
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm very grateful that, as always, you choose to share your inner world and memories with us - what a gift that is. This was a very beautiful read, and an amazing ode to your father. Sending healing vibes <3
Dear Kimbra. First of all my condolences for passing your father away. June 27th this year I had to go through the same experience when my father died. He was at the age of 92 and was mentaly ill, so we could coop with that. (Sorry if my English isn't that well.) Your picture of both hands is very recognizable. Also your mention of Elly Hillesum strikes me. In june there was a tv serie about her, here in the Netherlands. I wish you strength and a good remembrance. I hope to see and hear you again soon!
Aw K. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. The irony of commenting with words, (on a writing website no less),is that in a time like this, words can seem meaningless, even trite in the presence of such an important moment. As you mentioned above regarding the Bread song, he is everywhere now, in all his cheeky glory, letting you know he is alright and still with you. Take care K. Sending my love and light to you and your family.
💗
🤲🏻
Hi Kimbra. Condolences probably don't do much, but I really want to thank you for sharing these words and letting us know your father.
Your love in high places has a name now. ❤️
My deepest condolences, Kimbra. Sending love. Your words, as always, are beautiful and poignant. Thank you for sharing this moment with us, and for opening us up to this aspect of life.
Thank you for sharing this tender moment in time. I got such a beautiful picture of you and your dad’s relationship. You honor his so beautifully with your words. When I arrived to your poem at the end, years rolled off my face. Reading gave me direction in how I (may be) meant to show up. May your heart know peace❤️
I am sorry for your loss, Kimbra. But really, is it? He is everywhere. He is you. You continue his life.
My condolences on the passing of your father. I want to tell you something l heard many years ago. It’s just a perspective to consider.
The world is a living being and like all living beings it has its time. We, the people, are the highest form of life allowed to exist on this world. But a human life is granted only after many, many other lives we’ve lived previously. It is a precious thing, this human life because we finally have consciousness and we have the opportunity to choose. The first human life we live is derived from a previous life as an animal who was loved by a human. It is the experience of being loved that we develop a singular consciousness instead of a group consciousness as in a group species. This is why a special child looks into our eyes the same way that our pet dogs look at us. They love us unconditionally. It is their first human life.
Now here is the point of all this. We come into the human experience to grow and to learn. We are meant to learn through living and making “mistakes.” The world supports us in our endeavors. As more and more people are born, through a few thousand years, it is inevitable that we produce more and more pollution in the world. This ages the world and eventually brings Mother Nature herself to the end of her life cycle. This has happened again and again and will continue. In a manner of speaking we are the cancer of the world. It is natural. So, in short, your father was correct.
Blessings to you.