[maryellen]

Well, its coming up on one year already this saturday.. my dad, my best friend, his heart gave out and he had to go... words can not describe the pain, the sorrow, the tears... i miss him so much.. it hurts to never hear his voice again, or to see him smiling.. he suffered for 26 years with heart problems, hep c, liver disease, diabetes. he did more in his life then anyone i knew... he didnt let anyone or anything stop him from doing what he loved.. he talked to everyone, stranger or friend, gave advise, listened, and joked around.. he would bring the nurses donuts and coffee when he had to go for tests, and they all grew to love him.. it was just the way he was, everyone loved my dad.. there wasnt anyone that didnt, you just couldnt.. he was a stubborn italian, who didnt listen to anyone and always gave advise, whether you wanted to hear it or not LOL..

jesse was his life, he adored her,and she adored him.. she was the dog he never had, and she listened to him like no other... they had a special bond those two. he loved sonny too, and rufus, rufus he called ugly all the time and gave him bear hugs.. he even went with me on adoption events ... we went to atlantic city a few times a year, gambled until we had no money, then came home.. him and my mom took me to vegas for 7 days for an awesome vacation, something i will never forget.. he did everything with a joy that was boundless.. i know he is in Heaven cooking for everyone, and talking to anyone who will listen.. I miss you Dad, and I love you very much..


June 21 1934- November 17 2006

http://www.vanderplaat.com/obituaries.php?id=404


My dad, my strength, my best friend.. passed away today .. it was unexpected.. he was my rock, my best friend, he hung out w/ my friends beating them at pool , and taking their money. he would do anything for me.. i was his number 1 daughter. . the apple of his eyes..

he stood by me when i was in rough times, never letting go, always there to love me thru it. for 4 years i drove him and my mom thru hell,. i was on a downward spiral of drug use.. they stuck by me for the 4 years, always telling me they loved me.. it was their love that helped me..

now, he is gone.. i miss him terribly.. i cant hear his voice anymore calling me up saying hey freddy whats doing.. his nickname for me was freddy.. my nickname for him was freddy also..... we were a team, and now i have no team...


he was petrified of pitbulls, yet rufus stole his heart.. jesse was his number one girl.. he let me bring him pitbulls to see how they were, he loved them all...

[Michele]

awww Maryellen. What a touching tribute to share with us. Very special.

[jennay2]

I'm so sorry ME....he sounded like a great person, one of the few who really belong in this world. It must be so hard to lose someone so important.

I hope your day was easy to go through.

[Madeleinemom]

I remember your post last year quite distinctly, and the pain of losing your Dad.

Hope that this sad anniversary finds you thinking of all the wonderful things you mentioned in your tribute, and that the pain has eased a bit.

[maryellen]

thanks everyone! the only thing that makes it easier, is that i know he isnt suffering anymore like he was... i only remember him my entire life as not being able to walk, hard time breathing, drs galore, pills galore, tests tests and more tests, surgeries, etc.... so knowing he is now healthy and able to walk,run, do whatever he wants made it easier to accept him passing..

[Maddie's Mom]

ME hugs to you.
Your tribute was beautiful. And yes, What a great Man!
I want to believe all the Italians up there get together to cook and play cards. Can you imagine the feast! I am willing to believe him and my mother have met up. And you helping Miss Maddie is no coincidence. Mom shared a recipe with him in exchange for him nudging you to helping Miss Maddie! Or maybe it's just because he raised such a giving beautiful daughter that you went above and beyond to Miss Maddie during her time of need.

[maryellen]

aw thanks!! yeah, i bet they are swapping recipes..... either that or he is telling your mom how she should make her meatballs LOL.. the last thing he made for me was meatballs for thanksgiving the day before he died.. i still have them in my freezer...

[Purple]

That's a beautiful tribute, MaryEllen.

[Maddie's Mom]

Originally Posted by maryellen last thing he made for me was meatballs for thanksgiving the day before he died.. i still have them in my freezer...

That brought tears to my eyes....