Doing it for Dad
By Rachel
I am running in the Queenstown (NZ) marathon, November 16, in memory of my Dad who passed too early from the ravages of stroke.
My Dad was 73 years young when he passed away. Ironically, he battled cancer of the bowel, liver and lungs for many years prior to this and only in 2020 was he told he was cancer free. Then less than 2 years later he had a major stroke. To see my father, a strong, intelligent, independent, masculine man stripped of everything that resembled who he was, was absolutely devastating. I reside in Australia after immigrating in 2007, originally from the UK where my Dad lived and I always knew one day that dreaded phone call would arrive. It was somewhat inevitable when you lived on the other side of the world. Yet you can't describe it when it happens, I was on a plane from Brisbane to the UK that afternoon.
The relationship between a father and daughter is hard to describe. He was an absolute gentleman, kind, caring and sincere. For the last 17 years I have lived in Australia he visited 13 times and as the years passed, we became closer and closer. He always said, if he had his time again, he would live over here. I have so many memories of his holidays to Australia, quality experiences we shared together that I am so grateful for and will never forget.
Rewinding back to when we were kids, we were fortunate to go on European holidays every year, I would fall asleep in restaurants and remember Dad having to carry me back to our apartment. I felt so safe in his arms. He was always up for an adventure and his camcorder wouldn’t be far behind. He worked extremely hard to provide for us as a family and we are so proud of what he achieved throughout his career. I used to love hanging out in his office, him being the ‘big boss’. So modest with it though, no ego, just a smart, driven man.
Then when he had his own business, that was even better, we could really run amuck, my brother and I pushing each other around the factory in big trolleys. Dad gave me my first job, packing and turning tights. I can still smell the oil from the sewing linking machines. Sometimes we needed to travel to other factories to pick up supplies, so we would hire a truck. Getting on the road with Dad for work was so much fun.
We had lots of leisurely family day trips too and 'Queen' would always be the cassette tape of choice in the car. We would all sing along at the top of our lungs. He loved his music. He also loved anything electrical, shopping for a new tv (or anything for that matter) he always made sure he managed to get a deal negotiating and having a banter. Cars were no different, he would never tell us he was getting a new car then just turn up in it. Sharing his excitement was priceless.
He also loved his sports, taking part when he was younger, and being a spectator as the years passed. Traveling around the country with my brother for cricket and football, always supporting him, including a trip to France. Dad supported Aston Villa and never missed a match. In recent years he spent his time in the garden, doing odd jobs and caring for his Koi carp fish.
Dad would often say to us, ‘you don’t need to worry about me, I’ll be ok’. I would like to say the same to him. I know it is the job of a parent to protect and guide their children and he always did that. Now it is our turn to say, ‘you don’t need to worry about us’. You have provided us life lessons and important values which we will instill in our children, and we will all be ok.
The marathon I have chosen is Queenstown in New Zealand on November 16, held on the anniversary of his passing. Two short years to the day, since we lost him. If that isn't a sign, I don't know what it is! It is also the 10-year anniversary of the event and 10 years since my last marathon, so it all seemed like it was meant to be. It will be an emotional experience, but I know Dad will be with me every step of the way. #doingitfordad
