Robbie Burns HMS Wren 1951
Food for a Small and Intimate Family Christmas
Mini Dundee Cakes
This is the post I hoped I’d never have to write, obviously I knew I would have to write it one day, but not so soon, and not during Advent and the run up to the festive period. My dad died last week, and, if I am honest it wasn’t totally unexpected as he had been ill on and off for some time, but it was much earlier than we all thought and it was a huge shock. I took that dreaded phone call in the middle of the night, with mum in tears, and the news that “dad had gone”……it’s all a bit of a blur from then on, but I do know that I spent the next six to seven hours face-timing mum and talking to the ambulance crew, the police liaison officer and the local nurse, who had all come in to keep her company until my sister and I could get up to North Yorkshire…..and I didn’t eat for over 36 hours or have any sleep for 24hrs.
My dad with is mum, my grandmother in approximately 1935 to 1936
Dad was in the Royal Navy for many years, and he loved the Senior Service; he left a few years after I was born, because he didn’t want to be away at sea for long periods of time with a wife and a new baby – he then went on to work for Government Communications for the rest of his working life. We, mum, me and my sister, followed dad all over the world with his job, from South Africa and Hong Kong to Cyprus and all over the UK. When he finally retired, he and mum settled in North Yorkshire, a county they both loved. Dad was born in Hayes in Middlesex, but his father came from the North East of England and his mother was a Norfolk girl, but he loved the wild “big sky” and coastline of the East Coast of Yorkshire, where he and mum have lived happily for the past thirty-six years.
Weaverthorpe Church
He passed away next to mum after going to bed, without the need to go back into hospital, and that’s a blessing, but, he’d obviously hid just how ill he was from all of the family, as it was very sudden. Just ONE week before, I’d been visiting my parents, and although he was struggling with COPD and a chest infection, he was bright and witty, as usual, and he’d researched all the bus and train times for me for my journey back to London, where I was travelling to for a press trip. And, just FIVE weeks before he died, we (Hannah my daughter and her boyfriend Alex and me) met him and Mum at Burn Hall in York for a birthday weekend for Mum’s 83rd birthday – he’d driven there and back as well as enjoying two evening meals and two generous breakfasts. He also managed to walk down to the York Bird of Prey Centre with the rest of the family, to see the birds and enjoyed a couple of cups of coffee in the cafe there in-between flying displays.
Dad at the York Bird of Prey Centre, 2016
How do you cope with such grief? The loss of a parent is raw and hard, it steals some of your childhood away, it also brings your own mortality into question and leaves you with a gaping hole in your life; and then there’s the parent that’s left behind – in this case that’s my mum, she and dad had been married for fifty-nine years, being cruelly robbed of celebrating their Diamond Anniversary by only a few months. We, the family, now have to ensure she has all of our love as well as practical support, in order to help sustain her through the rocky months that lie ahead, and that seems hard right now, as we all try to deal with such a big bereavement, but we’ll get there together. And then there’s Christmas to deal with……what shall we do, cancel it or celebrate it? Well, we’ve all decided to celebrate it in a small and intimate way, as a celebration in memory of a beloved husband, wonderful dad and amazing granddad. There will be a tree and lots of candles to shine in his name, as dad LOVED this time of year and would be sad if we didn’t carry out some of the festive traditions, that he and mum observed.
Mum and Dad on their Wedding Day in 1957
As well as this post being a personal tribute to my dad today, I also want to share a few recipes that I WILL be preparing and serving this Christmas; they were favourites of dad and recipes that I grew up with; there won’t be Christmas crackers, silly games or lots of revelry, but we will set a place at the table for him and I will fill the house with candles and the Christmas music that he loved so much…..we will “Splice the Mainbrace” and “Up Spirits” to the most wonderful, charismatic, kind, warm, funny and intelligent person that I had the pleasure of calling my ‘DAD”. A BIG thanks for all of your on-line support and messages of sympathy, your kind messages have helped me through this very sad period – I’ll be back in a few days with some traveller’s tales and some new recipes for the season, I hope you all have a lovely weekend, Karen
Mum and Dad on Mum’s Birthday in October 2016 at Burn Hall, York
Festive Fare:
Dad LOVED Fruit Cake, so we will be eating Christmas Cake and all manner of fruit cakes during the festive period…..
Wee Whisky Doused Hogmanay Dundee Cakes
We always had a boiled ham or gammon at Christmas and it was a favourite of dad’s – with salad, in sandwiches or with pease pudding…..
We all love a good pickled onion, and these pickled shallots WILL be making an appearance on the Christmas Tea Time table, with a big chunk of Cheddar cheese, another favourite with dad……
Dad loved dumplings, and especially baked dumplings, so we will be enjoying this recipe at some time over the festive period…..
A Winter’s Walk Beef and Carrot Stew with Herb Crusted Dumplings
Dad had a VERY sweet tooth, and loved a GOOD home made trifle, so I’ll be making a big creamy concoction for Christmas Day Tea Time…..this recipe is a FABULOUS one….
“Whim Wham” – A Scottish Regency Trifle
When a Royal Naval person passes away, it’s known as “Shipmate Across the Bar” and this is the poem that is associated with the passing of a sailor, when they’ve “Crossed the Bar”……
Crossing the Bar
(Alfred, Lord Tennyson)
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
‘Crossing the Bar’ is a term generally used by the military/ex-military and more specifically the Royal Navy to politely inform and advise of a person that has died. The term is taken from a poem by Lord Alfred Tennyson as meaning to cross the “sandbar” between the tide or river of life, with its outgoing “flood,” and the ocean that lies beyond death, the “boundless deep,” to which we return. The “Pilot” being God. He wrote the poem after a serious illness while at sea, crossing the Solent from Aldworth to Farringford on the Isle of Wight
Royal Naval Writer’s Association
Dad opening his Christmas presents in 2014
Danielle says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Of course it is inevitable, but nevertheless a sad time when a beloved parent dies. Hopefully, you as a family will be there for each other and to help your poor mum who is now on her own. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much Danielle, your kind comments are much appreciated, Karen
Binny says
Awww Karen it must have been so hard to write this post but I am so glad you did as I learned so much about your dad and your family and absolutely think he would have wanted u to have a small initimate celebration of his life as well as Christmas. Thinking of u always xx
Karen Burns-Booth says
I wrote this tribute with tears in my eyes Binny, but I wanted to write something on L & L, as my dad was so very proud of what I did and I wanted to let my readers know of his passing and why I had been absent for a week…..thank you so much again, Karen
Liz Thomas says
Dearest Karen,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Obviously such a much loved father with so many wonderful experiences which he shared with you and you family.
I lost my own father just before Christmas (many years ago now), the worst one of my life. and I do know how much stress and strain in causes.
Be happy in your memories and know that somewhere he is looking down and loving you all.
My most sincere condolences.
Much love
Liz
xxx
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much Liz,
It has been a bleak and sad week, but we have all dad’s funeral arrangements in order now and we will be saying our final goodbyes to him on the 15th December at 12 Noon.
I hope we get to meet in 2017, let’s try hard to make it happen.
Thanks once again,
Karen
Alida says
So sorry about your loss Karen. It is always hard to loose a parent. You are suddenly taken back to your childhood, to all those beautiful memories with dad which you will cherish forever.
My thoughts are with you x
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much Alida, for popping over here to leave such a lovely message, Karen
Barbara Steward says
Wow….such a handsome man on his wedding day! Enjoyed reading about your parents, they have had an interesting and good life and he must have been proud of your achievements.
Amazing activity and enjoyment the preceding five weeks, he looks very happy with the huge birdie!
Very tough just now and it certainly takes time but he would want you all to be happy at Christmas and make him part of your celebrations.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Barbara, yes, it’s a tough time but we will remember him with everlasting love and affection this Christmas and forever onwards too……Karen
Camilla says
A lovely tribute Karen, so sorry for your loss. xx
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Camilla, Karen xx
Janice says
A beautiful tribute to your Dad. Courage mon brave xxx
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Janice, and a huge thanks for your lovely card too – the words you wrote comforted me so such, Karen
sally says
I’m so sorry to read of your family’s loss, I think you’re right though, having a light shining in memory of those missing faces is a lovely tribute. I hope you and your family have a peaceful Christmas and New Year x
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much Sally for popping over to leave this message, I really appreciate your condolences, Karen
Sue Lau says
So sorry he had to pass during this time of year. I hope the joyful memories you have of him help to sustain you through the darkness of his passing. His memories and his love will be a light to shine the way through.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you for your wonderful message Sue – that is exactly what I intend to do, let his memories shine bright and long in my heart and mind, and they will in time help me to adjust to life without dad. Karen
Anita-Clare Field says
My heart goes out to you. The sudden death of anyone is Shocking but your Dad ? It’s mind-numbing.and it took many years to come to terms with the totally unexpected death of mine.
My parents died just before and just after Christmas respectively and as a result Christmas is pretty much one of the saddest times of the year for my immediate family. I admire you so much for having ‘Christmas’ this year. I just couldn’t bear it last year. I regret it now. This year, like you, we’re going do the very small intimate Christmas. Every year we toast our loved ones and especially our beautiful parents. We’ll be raising a glass to you and your family and especially to your gorgeous Dad.
Love from our family to yours and sending you strength for the coming weeks and months ahead xxx
Karen Burns-Booth says
I remember when your mum died last year Anita-Clare, and I felt so sad for you…….I now know just how you felt, and even though my heart is breaking, your warm and kind messages here and on Face Book have comforted me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for them……thank you, Karen
Heather says
My dad passed away in March of this year and losing him does put a different slant on our Christmas too ….sorry for your loss
Karen Burns-Booth says
I am sorry for your loss too Heather, thanks so much for leaving a message here, Karen
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
My heart goes out to you and your family. Courage during this hard time. Hopefully your Christmas can be a beautiful tribute to him and everything he loved about the season.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much Sarah, we will try our best to celebrate his life this Christmas, it won’t be the same but we will remember him, always. Karen
Rachel Gillon says
A beautiful and poignant tribute to your wonderful dad, Karen. You have such lovely memories to embrace and I hope they will in some way help ease the pain of your loss. Love and best wishes to you and all your family. Rachel x
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so such Rachel, your kind words have really helped me to cope with the loss……everyone has been so kind and supportive. Karen
Glamorous Glutton says
A beautifully written post Karen. It must have been so hard to write but is full of love and hope. Although I’ve never met your parents I feel as if I have from your wonderful stories. Please give your mother my condolences. We wish you well and send our love at this very sad time. Amanda xxx
Karen Burns-Booth says
It was the hardest piece I have ever had to write Amanda, but it was also strangely comforting to share my wonderful dad with all my readers, so he may never be forgotten, thanks again, Karen
Janet H says
So sorry to read about the sad loss of your dear Dad, but how wonderful that you spent such quality time with him so recently. You will find the strength you need to support your Mum through a difficult Christmas time, and your cherished memories will help you through.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Janet – it will be the cherished memories that will sustain us all through the months ahead I think, Karen
Kim says
I’m very sorry for your loss, Karen! I miss my parents very much but I do know they live on inside of me. Wishing you all the best.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Such a lovely sentiment Kim, yes, I believe our parents do live on inside us too……thank you! Karen
Dom says
darling, so lovely to catch up with you yesterday… I’m so sorry for your loss. This post is a glorious tribute to an amazing man and clearly a wonderful, loving father. Love to you from me and The Viking xx
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much for your kind phone call Dom, it was MUCH appreciated and I love you for it, Karen
Brenda Jacobs says
Karen, my tears are flowing for you. I have lost my brother to cancer, also a wonderful friend. It somehow seems worse at such a festive time. Stay strong lovely lady, you had such a wonderful dad. Loving thoughts, Brenda J.
Karen Burns-Booth says
I know you lost your brother and I am so sad and sorry for your loss Brenda, thank you SO much for popping by here to leave such a wonderful message, Karen
Penny says
Doesn’t matter how long we have our parents, we always want them longer.
My late dad was also in the Navy – how handsome your own dad looked in his uniform on his wedding day. He looks like a film star!
You will look back at this time and wonder how you all coped and got through it – but you will.
P
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much Penny – and you are right, I just wanted dad to be with us just a little bit longer……..we have organised a Naval funeral, as he loved his time in the RN so much, Karen
SallyBR says
What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to your Dad…
mine has been gone for over 10 years, and I will never forget that phone call, which I got being 6 thousand miles away from all my family
I don’t think we are ever prepared, even if the parent is sick and deteriorating in health – but that is the path of life, we are supposed to say goodbye to them at some point.
It will be tough to go through the holiday season so close to his loss, but I hope you all can find comfort in beautiful memories….
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Sally, and yes I agree, we are never truly prepared for when we lose a much loved parent and things will be tough, but we will all soldier on and through the terrible grief and sadness, Karen
Claire Fitzsimons says
Dear Karen,
so sorry to hear your sad news, but well done for writing such a moving tribute. I lost both my parents around Christmas time which makes it rather more poignant. My advice is celebrate Christmas and honour a very special life that was well lived! If your Dad loved Christmas as much as mine did, then raise a glass to him and cherish all those lovely memories you have of him.
Claire
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so such Claire for popping by and leaving such a lovely message……such a sad time for you too; as you say, I will honour and remember dad this Christmas, and there will be dozens of candles lit in his name too, Karen
Julie says
We are going through the same thing Karen – my mother died last week and her funeral is next Friday. She also was very well until recently – we were walking around Chatsworth House at the beginning of October. The only difference is that my father died 4 years ago on Christmas Day – just a few months before their 60th wedding anniversary. I have no words of comfort other than to say I know exactly how you feel. It will be a quiet Christmas for both our families this year.
Karen Burns-Booth says
I am TRULY so sad and sorry to read this Julie – I did pop over to your blog as soon as I read your wonderful if very sad message here; it will be a quiet Christmas for both of us, but we must look to the New Year for hope and happiness, charged by happy and cherished memories of our parents, Karen
Phil says
What a lovely dedication to your dear Dad. It’s tough but he had such a full and lovely life with your Mum and in his work that a graceful and peaceful passing is to be thankful for. Your fantastic work will have given him so much pleasure and fatherly joy. God speed and RIP.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Phil – dad was immensely proud of what I did here and in all my writing and travelling, and that has been a comfort to me, and was the reason I decided to write a tribute to him here too…….thanks once again for your lovely message, Karen
Maria says
What a lovely tribute to your dad. And he had beautiful eyes that didn’t change throughout his life! I’m wishing you lots of strength and courage in this so difficult time, and the wisdom to decide to have a good cry when needed too.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Maria – my dad had gorgeous sparkling deep blue eyes and I will miss seeing them…….there have been many tears and there will be many more, but I’ve had so many kind messages, and they have all helped me so much. Karen
Jennifer says
I am so sorry for your loss, especially at this time of the year. 🙁
My thoughts are with you and your family. God bless!
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so very much Jennifer, Karen
Richard says
Dear Karen
Sorry indeed to hear about your Dad. He must have been very proud of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Richard, he was very proud of me and that makes me feel happy and less sad, thanks again, Karen
Susan Scott says
Thank you for sharing. Your words shine with your love for your Dad. Sounds like he had a wonderful life and enjoyed your recent visit with him.
Karen Burns-Booth says
He was an easy person to love Susan, such a wonderful father, thanks so much for your lovely words, Karen
Catherine says
I am so sorry for your loss. This will undoubtably be the most difficult Christmas and I send my love and prayers to you and your family
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks for your lovely message Catherine, Karen
Baking addict says
Hi Karen
I’ve been offline for more than 6 months but this popped into my inbox and I had to log in to express my deepest sympathy. This is such a beautifully written post, so eloquent and heartfelt. Your dad sounds like an amazing person and I am sure he will be deeply missed. Do enjoy your family Christmas however difficult it may be. My thoughts and well wishes are with you and your family.. Ros xxx
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much Ros – I had missed you online lately, so thanks for thinking of me and leaving such a lovely message for me here, it is much appreciated, Karen xx
Tanzynia says
Bless you and your family at this terribly sad time. Take strength from each other and from all those who wish you well. Take comfort from knowing you were all loved and that love will always be with you.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much Tanzynia, we are all supporting each other as best we can, Karen
Gerry says
Karen I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man. Your tribute was lovely and very heart felt. I hope that you and your family will be able to enjoy the holidays in his memory. Sending you hugs, love, prayers and positive energy and strength to help you thru the holidays. You are in my heart and thoughts.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much Gerry – this tribute was very hard to write but I wanted to share my wonderful dad with everyone, so his memory will never fade, Karen
Merle says
Karen, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Celebrating Christmas is not going to be easy. At times like these, I like to remind myself that although we think we love people for their physical selves, it is actually the spiritual in them we love, their kindness, their love of family and friends, their love of nature, their courage, their sense of fun. All these, by their very nature, are purely spiritual and can never die but continue to live with us in the continuity of life and, of course, death is just another horizon.
God bless
Karen Burns-Booth says
So well said Merle – I also believe the same thing, and dad’s spirit will shine in and around us all this Christmas, and for eternity……thank you so much for your kind and supportive words, Karen
Johanna GGG says
So sorry to hear of your loss, Karen and wishing you and your family all the best for getting through Christmas without your dad. It sounds like he will be sadly missed. Re bereavement, I think the first year is the hardest with so many annual traditions to pass for the first time without a loved one. (My father in law died in February and I know we are all keenly aware of this Christmas without him). It is great that you have so much lovely food to remember your father by. I hope it will make Christmas easier.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Johanna, I know the first tar will be the hardest and I am preparing myself for a year of sad anniversaries and “this time last year” sentiments and memories……I am so sorry for your loss too, 2016 has been a cruel year for people passing away, thanks so much for your kind words here, Karen
Melanie Bolland says
Dear Karen,
I had just made mince stars to my Mum’s recipe and had been thinking of her. I’m always close to her when I cook. She passed away 33 years ago. Then I read your post. I am so sorry to hear of your lovely Dad’s departure. I am so glad that you have decided to spend Christmas together and celebrate his life sharing the foods and rituals that he so loved. It will bring you all close at this painful time.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes year round. They always make me feel closer to home in England while I am away in Malaysia.
Thinking of you and your family, always bonded in love by the food and meals you have shared since childhood.
Loving thoughts,
Melanie
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much Melanie,
Your kind words have really helped me and I am so pleased that my recipes make you feel closer to England and home, that is such a lovely thing to read and I am delighted that you enjoy what I do here……
I agree, food and time honoured rituals help in the grieving process, thanks again, Karen
Amy says
I’m very sorry for your loss. Your heartfelt memories shared with us are a grand tribute to your Father. God’s Speed.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much Amy, Karen
ALI WIGDOR says
Dear Karen, My condolences to you and all your family. I saw on you IG account about your father’s sudden death. The shock always knocks us sideways. I don’t think it is how about how old or young the person is, who has died but about how much we have loved and cared for that person. During the next 3 weeks, just go with the flow and each member of the family will react differently. Your mother’s life will change, the good thing is she is surrounded by neighbours, friends and family. I know this is of no consolation now, but how fortunate they were to spend most of their long lives together. Yours ALI.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much for your supportive and kind word Ali, I truly appreciate you popping by here to leave me a message. All of our lives have changed, but hopefully we will learn to adjust and keep dad’s memories safe in our hearts and minds, Karen
Elizabeth says
Dearest Karen,
What a wonderful and poignant tribute to you Dad, and so beautifully written from the bottom of your heart.
Doing what you do best, and what you love in writing and through food. It was lovely to read all about him and his life.
Be brave at this very difficult time and enjoy your family time, safe in the knowledge that he’d be immensely proud of you.
Love to you all
Elizabeth x
Karen Burns-Booth says
Dear Elizabeth,
Many thanks for your warm, kind and lovely message……..dad was my biggest fan here and on my travels too, he used to “track” wherever I was in the world!
It will be hard this Christmas, but we will keep him close to us in our hearts and minds through happy and cherished memories.
THANK YOU again,
Karen
Jean says
So sorry to hear this, Karen. The loss of a parent is so awful but when it’s at a time of year when everyone else is celebrating it makes it that much harder.
My mum died only four days before Christmas, many years ago, and we got through it in shock by simply closing in on ourselves, propping each other up in our grief and ignoring Christmas altogether. Trying to pretend we were having a nice time “because that’s what she would have wanted” seemed just wrong. We had to allow ourselves and each other to be sad and upset and to grieve which was hard when we were surrounded by Christmas jolity and commercialism.
I feel for you. Whatever you do to get through it will be right and I can guarantee that although next Christmas you will still feel sad, it will be a lot better.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Jean – and what a sad time for you to lose your mum too, just 4 days before Christmas……..such a sad time of the year to lose a loved one.
Thanks for your kind words once again…….Karen xx
Gilly Osborn says
I was so sorry to read of the loss of your Dad, especially at Christmas time. Our thoughts will be with you throughout the season.
Thank you for sharing all your wonderful recipies
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Gilly and I am so pleased you like my recipes too! Karen
Clive says
Karen the tears were running down my face as I read your tribute to your Father. It was very brave of you to share your grief and loss with us all. Please accept my sympathy nand prayers.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much Clive – it was hard to write but it did help in the grieving process…….I just want my dad to be remembered for always, Karen
Galina V says
Oh Karen, my condolences to you and your family.. This is a beautiful tribute to your Dad, and the recipes look so wonderful. Losing a much loved parent is always a tragedy.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Galina, we are in for a rough ride, but together we will all get through the pain and grief and adjust to a different life without dad…….thanks again, Karen
Ellen Shook says
I am so sorry the loss of your beloved father. It is a very hard thing. I hope the holidays with your family and the lovely quit celebration you have planned will give you comfort.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much for your kind words of condolence Ellen, they are much appreciated, Karen
Donna Oliphint says
My deepest condolences for you and your family. I lost my dad. September a year ago. I was fortunate enough to be by his side when he passed away, so I saw when his spirit left his body to be with his Savior.. We actually saw him reach up with the arm that had been paralyzed for over a year by a stroke! Because of that my mom (they were married for over 64 years) and I have not had a hard grief. I do hope you will celebrate with the joy your dad would certainly want for you. Praying for Christmas blessings and God’s richest grace…
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much for your kind and spiritual message of condolence, and I’m so sorry to hear of your loss too, Karen
Sophie says
This is a beautiful post, I’m so sorry to hear your news. My condolences to you and your family. With love, Sophie
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much Sophie, that is very kind of your to leave such a lovely message. Karen
Brian says
I am so sorry to read of your father’s passing, especially at this time of the year. I know how difficult this will be for you; the last time I saw my mother was on Christmas Day, 2012, when she was in a nursing home. I hope the love that you have for your father and mother will help you through the Christmas season. Thank you for sharing your situation, and the recipes.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you so much for your kind message here Brian….it is always hard when you lose a parent, but even harder at this time of the year, as you know too. I appreciate your comments so much and once again, thanks, Karen
Patricia says
What an amazing tribute to your Dad, I feel Warmth and sadness for you and your Mum and family.
The spiritual side will always be there with you, and he will always be watching over you.
Thank you for your recipes and travel blogs, I am glad I found you . I too live in France.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Patricia, I also feel that dad’s spirit will always be in and around me too……whereabouts in France are you? Karen
Patricia says
We live in the Correze,north of Brive la Gaillade, permanently, since 2001.
Found your blog when I did the 5:2 regime.
Bonne Annee
Patricia
Karen Burns-Booth says
Ah! I am just 2hrs away in the Charente Maritime and I have been in Correze and Brive three times this year, I love it down there.
Michelle Rolfe says
What a lovely tribute to your Dad. It must have been so sad to write for you and thoughts are with you and your family for this holiday season. Take comfort in each other at this time. All the best Karen.
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Michelle, it was hard to write but also very cathartic too…..Karen
Sandra says
Karen, I’m so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family. Your beautiful post brought me comfort for which I am very grateful – we lost our wonderful Mum three weeks ago and facing Christmas is proving particularly hard.
All the very best wishes at this tough time,
Sandra x
Karen Burns-Booth says
I am so sorry to hear this Sandra – it will be three weeks ago that we lost dad this Thursday the 22nd December and I know just how you are feeling; but, I am so pleased that this post comforted you……thanks for stopping by to leave your message here, Karen
Kate - gluten free alchemist says
Just catching up with all the blogs I follow and realise this comment is now very overdue, but wanted to leave it anyway.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father, especially so close to Christmas. Losing a parent at any time is incredibly difficult. Whether you see them often or not, it sort of feels like they should always be there and when that is no longer the case, the pain is deep.
I hope that you were able to take some enjoyment with Christmas. I am sure your father was with you in your thoughts and in spirit. All the best for 2017 xx
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thank you Kate – I’m still very shocked and sad, but am trying to adjust to life with no father…..thanks for stopping by to comment and a very happy new year to you! Karen