Back in Lynbrook. Overjoyed to see my girls. Ella is a little under the weather. My heart is heavy but it is whole. I am home after a difficult few days but they were also great days. We toasted the life of a man who has left us grieving but has also left the most indelible of marks on our souls. And judging by the amount of times I heard the phrase True Gentleman uttered about my dad, I might have to call a few dictionary publishers and insert a photo of him. Overwhelmed would not even begin to describe my feelings about the turnout at Dads wake and funeral. Thank you to everyone who showed to pay their respects. To those who could not make it, thank you for your kind messages of sympathy. The Carroll family is extraordinarily grateful for the outpouring of love that made saying goodbye to this wonderful man a little bit easier. Although it was a somber occasion, seeing the faces of so many people that I had not seen in years was an experience that will remain with me all the days of my life. Over the course of the next few weeks, I will attempt to personally thank all of you. There are far too many people to thank so I will try and keep it short (sarcasm). Thanks to Staffords Funeral Home for a lovely setting for the wake. Thank you to my godfather and uncle Father Joe OCarroll for presiding over the funeral mass. Cannot have been easy saying the mass and also saying goodbye to your brother but you handled it with the eloquence, class and dignity that has become your hallmark. Thank you to my dear Aunt Ella or Sister Aquin as some people would know her. One of the kindest and most caring souls I have ever known. So easy to see why my Dad and you are brother and sister. Thanks to my brother Des for one of the most amazing eulogies ever. Did not think Moms could be topped but Des really nailed it. Thanks to the gang from Superquinn who stopped by the wake and funeral. Superquinn was a very important part of my fathers life and the friendships that he forged as well as my own were a wonderful reminder of why it was more than just a place to work. I would also like to give a shout out to the staff of the Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links who treated us so well this week. Guido is DA MAN. You made us feel so welcome during a long few days and all the staff were so helpful. Finally, I would like to send my thanks to the rest of my friends and family who came from far and wide to send my Dad on his final journey. Too many to name and I will try and reach out in the coming weeks to most of you. The Cosgrove family who are not only the greatest neighbors anyone could ever ask for but also the finest friends around. The Egan family who opened their doors and their hearts to me yet again. All of the OCarrolls who came from England, America and elsewhere to celebrate with us. The Dillons who represented my Moms Leitrim roots as well as ever. I know I have missed some people but I will be in touch with most of you soon. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy lives to unite with us as we cried, laughed and sang while celebrating the life of a simple yet amazing man who will never be forgotten. It was mentioned a couple of times in passing this week that with the passing of my father that my connection to Portmarnock was somehow broken. Well the only thing I can say is that my bond with Portmarnock is now stronger than ever. Will be back soon with Tricia and the kids to the place where I grew up and where a large part of my heart will always remain. I walked on the beach yesterday and thought about the past few weeks. It was a whirlwind but when the dust settled, I was reminded again how truly fortunate I am to have had a man like this that I call my father. He was one of a kind. A wise and compassionate soul who was a faithful friend, a shoulder to lean on, a sympathetic ear and a source of amazing strength. Rest in peace Dad. I hope we have made you as proud of us as we are to have known you. I know we will meet again one day but until then, rest well and give Mom a huge hug from all of us. Your long journey is over. A life well lived and a rich legacy that lives on in us and your grandchildren. We will grieve but we will also smile at the memories that you have given us. You are a great man and a great example in so many ways.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 21:00:21 +0000
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