My father, a deeply religious man, just passed away.
He was a Quaker and a Gideon There are two very great ironies here.
First, he was a very intelligent man and a science teacher. In the end, he was no longer able to read or understand the Bible. He KNEW what he had lost, but was unable to understand why he could no longer understand the world around him. Think "Flowers for Algernon", if you have read it.
Second, as a science teacher he always taught me to question everything. One of my favorites, "does Listerine REALLY kill the germs that cause bad breath?" He taught evolution and the scientific method to his students. As a direct result, I am now an agnostic atheist, which would cause him great distress if I had ever told him.
I will miss him.
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I understand. My Father is a retired science teacher and is deeply religious also. He taught science in public school and still teaches his faith in Sunday school. The irony is his love of the wonder of science and inquiry helped me move away from religion. Like you, I have never told him (or my Mother) about my leaving religion.
So sorry for your loss. He sounded like a wonderful man.
My own father was more dear to me than anyone on earth and I remember all too well what it was like when he died.
Hugs and encouragement to you my dear. It sounds like you had a very good relationship and this will be a great source of comfort to you for many years to come.
But for the immediate future...
Julie
My father died in 1995 at 89 years old. I miss him still very much. He was a man of faith and reason but he knew I could never reconcile those two opposing concepts and never quite wanted to broach the idea that I was atheist. He was my greatest supporter and He was my hero... none the less.
Your father sounds like a wonderful person. Hold on to the good memories, pass them on to others and his legacy will live on.
My Grandmother passed away in 2009 we buried her the day Obama was inaugurated
since that time, I have found great comfort in remembering the important things she taught me.
Like "Always look before you sit"
Or
"Always back in park" etc
As time moves on from the day you lost your father, whenever a memory of something he taught you pops into your head. Smile and say, "thanks dad"". because he knew one day you would have to soldier on without him, I am sure he filled you with many pearls of wisdom to help you continue on your Journey.
