Raise your glass's please.

[gindygoo]

Yesterday my old Dad passed away. It was sudden and although he was 81 it was unexpected. He died whilst out and about in town, doing what he loved. He was adamant that he'd carry on going to the seafront to watch the water and get new idea's for his amazing artwork.

I'd like to ask you all to raise a glass/cup of tea to him.

The universe lost a beautiful soul.

Cheers Dad 🥂

[gindygoo]

---

@jonsie wrote:

---

@gindygoo wrote:
@Anonymous yes, his name was Royston Hawley.

---

That could be a name to remember in years to come. 

---

It would be Dad's dream to become known as an artist. He went to uni late in life and got his BA (with hons) and spent a good 50yrs honing his technique. His seascapes in oil on canvas are (yes I'm biased) to me amazing. So 🤞 that his wish comes true.

Thank you to everyone for leaving condolences and offering support. It's very kind of you all. Xx

[gindygoo]

---

@Martin-O2 wrote:

Really sorry for your loss @gindygoo Please let me know if there is anything I, or the rest of the community team can do. 

---

Thanks @Martin-O2 that's really kind. I did promise to write a review on my new iPhone 8, which I will but obvs it won't be as soon as I'd initially planned.

[Glory1]

---

@gindygoo wrote:

---

@jonsie wrote:

---

@gindygoo wrote:
@Anonymous yes, his name was Royston Hawley.

---

That could be a name to remember in years to come. 

---

It would be Dad's dream to become known as an artist. He went to uni late in life and got his BA (with hons) and spent a good 50yrs honing his technique. His seascapes in oil on canvas are (yes I'm biased) to me amazing. So 🤞 that his wish comes true.

@Well @gindygoo if his seascapes in oil on canvas are as stunning as the painting you shared with us then they are certainly amazing. 

What a legacy if his wish did indeed come true and I hope it comes true for your sake.

---

[Martin-O2]

No worries @gindygoo just let us know if you need anything during this difficult time. 

[Marjo]

Very sorry for your loss @gindygoo.  Raising a cup! 

[Anonymous]

Raising a glass to Royston Hawley RIP

[gindygoo]

Thanks again guys. Today is a better day and although I'm still very sad, I've progressed past utterly crushed and at times finding it hard to breathe.

This is the closest family I've ever lost, and is the one I've always dreaded. Grief, it's a many headed beast. I know I've yet to deal with the funeral and that'll be hard, but I'm going to try to be strong. 🤞

[gindygoo]

Here's another of Dad's paintings, this one hangs in my living room.

And this is a painting of the town up north I grew up in. An unusual one as it's not a seascape, but still uses water. Can you see the double decker bus?  

[Cleoriff]

It will get easier Charlie...but not yet. You have many steps to go through but you will get there.

I will just share something which may help (although we all cope and deal with grief in different ways). When I lost my dad, I went to pieces. However, I was perceived as a strong woman and as such I tried to live up to other peoples expectations of me. I taught student nurses about bereavement and therefore thought I knew about it and as such I could deal with it. 

Bottom line I couldn't deal with it on my own. I was afraid to show the outside world that I couldnt cope.

Eventually (and reluctantly) I went for bereavement counselling after 18 months. The first question she asked me was 'Why are you trying to pretend you are fine? Once I realised I had to cope for ME and not others, I started to heal and felt better

Not everyone needs counselling...but I thought I would share that with you.

[Cleoriff]

PS Your dad's painting are absolutely superb ....