Stephanie Murphy (Dinsmoor)
Last year our family received the devastating news that Dad has cancer. Months to follow consisted of Surgery, Medications and/or chemo, all of which he handled like a “model patient” according to his oncologist. Throughout the therapy Dad remained optimistic always charming the nurses with his humorous, witty personality. His ability to get the staff or patients laughing out-loud was remarkable. Even after the discouraging news that the cancer has spread and chemo was over, Dad still remained confident & continued on to vacation in Washington D.C best friend Billy, visit the Maine seacoast with his love Otilia and then N.H for Christmas time with the whole family.
I am especially thankful for all the one on one time my Dad and i had this past year. Coffee and breakfast most mornings became routine, then shopping and lunch on Thursdays My most treasured memories are from our camping/ATV trip this past summer. Brian had taken the kids fishing one morning, so Dad an I set out to do some sight seeing. We didn’t have a plan or schedule or time restriction. We started off w. ice cream at the country store (sugar free of coarse) Then we walked the covered bridges, taking pictures along the way. Next we drove back mountain roads nowhere chatting & admiring the scenery. After we strolled through downtown ith our coffees popping in & out of gift shops. On the way back to camp we bought farm fresh smoked cheese and bacon for the next days breakfast. This trip was going to be my Dads 1st opportunity to view the state he loved so much from the back of an ATV, thanks to his grandson Brian for being such a good chauffeur. The smile on his face was priceless. I have been told to find something positive in every negative. My positive from Dads fight with cancer is how much time we were able to spend together this past year.
Each morning that i feed the horses i still look to his back deck to see if his curtain is open. That was the sign that coffee was on. It’s those simple everyday encounters that i miss the most. My dad was my best friend this past year.
I will forever love and miss my Daddy!
Your words are inspiring Steph, your father was a blessed man to have yourself and Steve as part of his journey. He is and always will be with you both in all that you do. Hugs xo
Reading your message about your Dad brings tears to my eyes…so beautifully stated. It proves that he is with you…still..and always will be right behind that curtain. Love with hugs and kisses.
I cry for Steve every day. I miss everything we did together. My life is not the same without him, from waking up each morning in his arms and falling asleep in them. I also miss the little man and the rest of the family! Miss our times together!
Stephanie, I am so glad that Steve had came in to Otilia’s life. We all enjoyed the time we got to spend with him. He was a great man who I know is with you everyday and watching over all of you.