Putting Life into Perspective
First of all I just want to apologise for not replying to any comments that have been left over the past week on my posts regarding Bidston Hill Windmill. I scheduled those five black & white images last Monday evening for publishing during the week. Sadly in the very early hours of Tuesday morning I got the news that my Dad had passed away. He was 84 years old on 26th December 2015 and had been married to my Mum for more than 50 years.
I don’t want to go into too much detail, but suffice it to say he had been unwell for the past couple of years and every time he went to the GP or hospital it seemed that they found something else wrong with him. He had started to deteriorate quite rapidly since Christmas and when I saw him last Sunday it was pretty clear that he’d had enough. So I can’t honestly say that it came as any great surprise when I got the call on 16th February shortly after 1:15am. Although I wasn’t quite expecting the end to come so quickly, in many ways it’s probably a blessing that it did. The loss of a parent is still pretty tough to bear though and I will miss him terribly and think of him often……all those conversations (some of them heated) when we would set the world to rights.
The photograph below of Mum & Dad was taken at Shugborough Hall on 29th May 2011……happier times before ill-health started to take its toll. We loved going out on day trips to historic properties together, and it’s from my Dad that I get my love of history, so I think this is a fitting image by which to remember him……for me anyway. I will cherish these memories forever and I hope that this photo will help family and friends to remember my Dad with fondness.
You can rest in peace now Dad.
© Mark Simms Photography (2016)
Mark Simms Photography 
32 Responses to “Putting Life into Perspective”
Sorry for your loss, thinking of you.
I’m so sorry Mark. Such a lovely, moving post you’ve written in your Dad’s honour. My thoughts are with you. I know that this is something I will face all too soon and perhaps that’s why I found your post so moving. There wasn’t much between your Dad and mine. We take our parents for granted to a certain extent when we’re younger in the belief they’ll always be there but then when we get to our age, there’s a natural order of things and if we haven’t already lost our parents, it can’t be too many years into the future. We have to cherish our parents whilst we have them and you have clearly always done that Mark. Take care..
Thanks Adrian for those kind words, I really do appreciate them. Just need to get through the funeral on Thursday then try to make sure Mum is OK. Although she is 80 this year, she’s quite sprightly and in pretty good health, although the last few months have taken its toll looking after Dad. Just hope she adjusts OK to living on her own. You take care too.
I’ll be thinking of you and your Mum on Thursday Mark. We get though these things somehow, the best we can..
Thanks mate, my brother will be there too with his partner and my sister has come over from the States and is currently staying with Mum. And my wife will be there as well….so we’ll all support one another. It will be the week after when everything starts to get back to normal that it will hit Mum, but she does have a close network of friends very nearby and my brother is only 10 minutes away and I’m about an hours drive – so hopefully she’ll be OK.
Sorry for your loss Mark. We lost my father-in-law a few weeks ago and regardless of the situation, it’s a tough go. Thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
Thanks Ed, you take care and I hope things are getting a little easier for you and the family.
Very sorry to hear that Mark, but a very nice tribute post from you.
Thanks Iain
Aww I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss Mark. 😦
Thanks Laura
You’re welcome.
Mark, I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. My thoughts go out to you at this very difficult time. The portrait of your parents is relaxed, happy and full of good memories, I am sure. The power of photography speaks for itself at many different times in life.
Thanks Mike, I’m glad that’s how the photograph comes across, that was my hope.
My condolences to you and you family , I am pleased that you had so many happy years with your dad , your memories will sustain you and the love remains . My thoughts are with you.
Thanks Lynne, that means a lot.
I am very sorry for your loss, Mark. You and your family have my condolences and I wish you all gentle days ahead.
Thanks Laura, that’s very kind
I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences.
Thanks Jackie
Am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Have gone through the loss of both parents within 2 years of each other and it’s not easy. I’m glad you have many fond memories of him and I hope these will help sustain you in the coming time.
Thanks, I hope so too. You take care.
I am sorry for your loss it is a huge one., keenly felt. I have been through it now with both parents. A lovely tribute to your dad Mark and I send prayers and blessings for you and your mom and family.
Thanks Cyb, that’s very kind. You take care too.
So sorry to hear of your loss, Mark.
The photo you have of your Parents (above) is lovely and a beautiful reminder of the happier times in your family.
It not easy to lose a family member no matter what their age, but I hope as time passes, the sadness will mellow out into just fond memories.
Thanks Vicki, your support as ever is much appreciated but especially at this time.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Mark and what a lovely image to post and to cherish of your dear parents.
Thanks
I’m sorry for your loss, Mark. It’s a very nice tribute post.
Thanks Camilla….its been a tough couple of weeks but everyone has been so lovely.
A tough time for you and your family – My wife lost her Dad in the last month too so I have some insight as to what you have gone through my condolences to you and your family.
Thanks Scott, my condolences to your wife and family too…..it’s all a bit disorientating at the moment, just trying to get back to normal.