Thoughts towards another angel

Hi guys

its with great sadness that our family said goodbye to our pa - Thomas Raymond Smith (or Ray as he was known to everyone!)...Pa passed away peacefully on 18 March 2011 and we celebrated his life last friday. I would like to acknowledge the brilliant service that my aunty jen and aunty michelle put together to celebrate pa's life...it was a great service for a very humble man. I would like to share one of the readings with you which i think reflect's pa's life beautifully.

That man is a success

That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and women and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others, and gave the best he had - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I was very lucky to have had pa in my life for 36 years. Pa wasnt just a pa, but rather a dad. Pa always made me feel like i was one of his own, and for that, i feel truly blessed. No judgements, just love.

Pete and i were married on my nan and pa's 55th wedding anniversary - coming up to our 6th year, so the 16 Sept every year we have even more to celebrate now.

One of the most comforting things is that pa is now with his 'porky', my nan who passed away nearly 3 years ago. Another wonderful thought is that Eli now has a wonderful opportunity to be with two people who are going to love him just as much as pete and i do...

With death brings life - one of those ironic things really...I certainly spoke at length to pa about our new bubs, with pa providing plenty of advice and support and comments like "geez, you look like nan when she had uncle john - all boobs and belly and nothing else!"...nothing like a pa to keep you grounded! LOL...

Pa, we are going to miss you every day. Your humility, integrity and grace will forever be a legacy in our lives. Big kisses to nan and melon for us (and go the dee's)...

luv and hugs

the simpsons

xoxox

Not the greatest pic, but one of a few we have with all three of our 'angels'...

and again...taken in early 2008

our pa...just as we all remember him...luv ya heaps pa...