That phone call no one wants to get....

Hello Journeyers!
And welcome back to the new and improved Our Journey to Everywhere! What do you think?
The reason for my absence the last month or so is because I received the worst news of my life on the 13th of March 2014. I remember sitting in a restaurant catching up with a friend, and as I was literally adding sugar to my cappuccino, my phone rang and on the other line I heard it. News that I hoped I will never have to hear! My father passed away... My world crumbled and all I could do was pray that it wasn't true. But it was. And my life has never felt this empty. My dad was my whole world, my rock, my support system and my best friend. He was always the first person I phoned (after Cedric) when I had something to share, whether it be bad or good news. And he was always there to jump with joy with me on good news and cheer me up with his silly jokes on bad news. So yes it is safe to say that my life has stopped and I plummeted into a deep dark ocean full of sadness. So many emotions were going through me, mostly anger. Anger at so many people that made his life unhappy the last few months and angry at the person that drove in front of him.

This was the last time I saw my dad - August 2013

Cedric and I were on a flight down to Mossel Bay the next day to be there for my dad's fiance and to be with my family. And sad to say but with all the heartache we had a good time. All we did was talk about my dad, I heard so many wonderful happy stories from when he was younger. We shared all our happy times with each other and laughed a lot. My dad laughed a lot, and made everyone around him laugh a lot. He was such an amazing person. He could turn the worst situation into the best one. He had that personality that could turn a grumpy old man into putty in his hands. I can now only strive to be like him and live like he did.

I love this photo. This was on his 51st birthday, and this was his way of showing how old he is. LOL!

His company had a tearjerker of a Memorial for him which we attended. His employees and bosses loved him. And I am glad I went, it almost prepared us for the Funeral the next day. Which was beautiful! My dad wouldn't have wanted it any other way. From Houtkruis playing as we entered the church to 100's of motorcycles escorting his hearse to the Funeral Home. I had goosebumps the whole time. My dad only drank Black Label, so what better way to go celebrate his life after the Funeral with some bikers at a restaurant on the beach. And every single person had at least 1 Black Label. So it's safe to say that from now on the 13th of March 2014 I declare as National Black Label day! #ripjohnny

And just like that it was over. I still couldn't believe it and I was terrified of coming back to Joburg to face reality. I stayed for the Cremation and thanks to a few angry but caring pushes Cedric and I were on a flight back home. It was really very hard. But in a way I knew we will be ok. Not now, but one day. In the future. We will know that he is now in a better place. Looking over us. Guiding us. He wouldn't want us to be sad, he would want us to be happy, laugh, love and make the best of each day. He did. So why not us too...

He truly was a Legend, taken too soon, but he was needed elsewhere.

I will forever miss you daddy, and the pain and sadness will get better with time. The wounds will heal, but the scars remain. You live through us now and we will make you proud. Love you lots like jelly tots! xxx

I wasn't sure if I wanted to share this on my blog, but I'm glad I did. So yes, this is the reason for my delay in blogging the last month or so. I've been struggling to get back into the swing of things. But luckily the new blog look helped me to get some of the motivation back. Thank  you for all the loving words of support that I received from all my blogger family! You guys are special! And I appreciate each and every one of you!

Let's see this blog go from strength to strength now, because that's what it deserves! :) My dad always loved reading my blog! And thank you so much to Pretty Geeky for my lovely new blog look! You guys rock!