1 person called him husband.
1 daughter called him dad.
8 sons called him dad.
22 children called him Pa (Grand Pa).
9 people called him Father-in Law.
7 people called him Brother.
28 people called him Brother-in-law.
10 people considered him GodFather.
44 people called him Uncle and to another 30 plus he was Great Uncle.
7 or so people called him Business Partner.
Hundreds at one point called him coach.
And to Thousands and Thousands he was a Role Model.
My Dad, Skip, the man who coined the phrase "Poop and Boogies", died on Wednesday.
I could go on and on about him but that is pretty much what Poop and Boogies the blog is about. If you get a chance, go back and look through some post's about him and let me know which is your favorite one. I would list them but I don't have the time. Just do a blogger search.
As much as Poop and Boogies is a tribute/testament (I am not sure of the word) to my Dad, it is also as much as testament to my Mom (MomO9). Because for as much as anyone looked to my Dad to be their rock, their mentor, their Role Model, my Dad looked to my mom to be his.
Over the past week, from the time my dad went into the hospital, I got to witness some incredible acts of kindness, patience, strength, endurance and love from my brothers and sister and my Mom.
I also consider my self lucky and blessed to have been a part of that because there were moments of real sadness but there were also moments of absolute hilarity and laughter that only my siblings and Mom are capable of doing.
I don't think Skip would have wanted it any other way.
Posts
122 comments:
Once again, Bill, you have a beautiful way with words. Skip was loved by many, for good reason. I'm proud to have been able to call him my father-in-law, and I'm both thankful and proud (and sometimes pissed) that he passed on so many of his numerous qualities to you. I will miss him immensely.
I love you, Billy.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed reading about your father and the relationship you had with him. Thank you for sharing those stories and this small tribute to him.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.
William, you and your family have had more then your fair share of loss recently. I'm so sorry about your father. I am, however, happy that you are able to view his passing as just one moment in what was obviously an extrordinary life. Keep your humor, keep your faith, and remember him fondly.
And as always, thank you for letting us of the blogging world in on your thoughts during such a hard time. Peace and healing!
Delurking to tell you I am so sorry to hear your news. You and Lauren have had quite a rough time lately!
Your words are beautiful and how wonderful that you were able to spend the last few months at home.
You and you family will be in my thoughts.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and yours are in my thoughts.
Oh William, I am so sorry for your loss...truly. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to your family. So sorry you and Lauren have lost both dads recently. Your words of tribute to each of them are very touching. What a rich family you have.
My God...
I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are absolutely with you and all of your family.
...that was beautiful. It would seem that when he is missed most, you all need not look any further than each other to find him again, I will keep all of you in my prayers!
OMG William, I'm so incredibly sorry.
I feel like crying! All my prayers are with your family at the moment. I feel like I know all you guys from your stories.
(HUGS)
oh Bill I am so very very sorry.
Your dad sounds like he was a wonderful man who passed that greatness on to many.
my words are nowhere near enough to compensate for your (and your family's) loss... but in the soft quiet of the night with my children, know you will be in our prayers.
I'm very sorry for your loss.. :-(
Not coming up with words, so much, this morning. Sending love, hugs, prayers. His is a life well-lived, clearly. And it doesn't really end. All those people he touched, and those you don't even know about -- it ripples out.
Bill, I am terribly sorry for your loss. I hope you are able to retain such a positive perspective about his passing as time moves forward. Take care.
Bill, I am so sorry to hear this. My most sincere condolences to your family.
Oh, William! I am so sorry.
As you know, I've been nursing the grief for a few months myself. It's hard.
Thinking of you.
xo,
J
Oh no! I am so sorry! I wish there was something I could do or say to help you through this. know that we are thinking of you.
Bill, so sorry to hear about your father.
bill & lauren & family,
i am so so sorry for your loss... i have read your blog for a couple years now, and mostly it is because i am an only child and i love your stories of growing up in a big family. thank you for sharing your family with me.
i remember when my mom's mother died, [she was the mom of 9, too] and i recall those moments of sadness and also laughter in the midst of everything. if i get up the muster, i may make a post, in your dad's honour, about my Mema.
you are in my thoughts and prayers. you will miss your dad more than you can imagine and at the weirdest times, but he will always be with you... in the wonderful (and crazy) family that surrounds you and deep in your heart.
much love and sympathy,
gypsygrrl
I am so sorry--it's so much for you and Lauren to go through this so close together. But after reading you for a few years, if there's anything I have seen it is that you are a family that is capable of celebrating the life of someone you love, even when they've gone on to the next stage of their own life. Your parents' influence on you as a parent, and as a person, shows. No doubt your dad is smiling on you right now.
Your family has my prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I have been reading your blog for quite a while and think that your family is amazing.
Well-said, my friend. Right purty, in fact.
PS,
We made a donation in your dad's memory. I think my hubby knew your brother, as Matt was in the band at HH. Again, we are so sorry for your loss.
William & Lauren - my condolenses & prayers for you in your loss of Ray and Skip. I know how difficult it is to lose parents, I have lost all of them over the years, most recent was my maternal grandfather.
But you are blessed by such a close family to lean on through this time. God bless.
I'm so very sorry. Loss isn't easy, especially when it's someone that's inspired and touched as many people as your dad has.
I believe the "Poop and Boogies" definition, itself, is my favorite about your dad.
keeping you and Lauren, and your families in my prayers
I am sorry for your loss.wv
You just can't go wrong with a guy named Skip.
((hugs))
I could barely make it to the end of this post--the final paragraphs were awfully blurry through my tears.
I don't have to go back and read the posts that were specifically about your dad. The everyday stories you tell here speak volumes about him, your mom, and your family in general. Who among us readers hasn't felt envious of your family's relationships and good times together?
I'm so sorry for your loss. Take care of each other, and especially take care of MomO9. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
A lurker, delurking to say I'm so sorry. My eyes filled with tears as I read this. What a legacy your Dad has left for generations to come.
What a wonderful man your dad must have been! Peace to you and your family ~ ~ ~
i am truly very sorry to hear about your father passing away. You and your family are remembered in my thoughts and prayers.
-nadia
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I read the post Susie put up for you at her place and was hoping you would poke your head in here so I could pass my condolences on personally. I have been thinking about you a lot and sending prayers your way to help you and Lauren through this time.
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts
I'm sorry for your loss. I don't think I ever got to meet your dad but through the stories that I've heard (and read!) I know that he was a great guy. From what I see through your website, you honor his memory every day by being a great dad & husband. I know 2 of your brothers & they do the same with their wonderful children. I'm sure you all made your Dad proud. You'll be in my thoughts as your family goes through this tough time.
William and Lauren and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss....If your dad was anything like you, he was a witty lovable man....My thoughts are with your mom too.....I know what it's like to loose a husband.....God Bless you all.....judy
Bill,
My condolences to to you and your family on the loss of a good man. They are few in this world. You have been privileged to be a son to two of them.
I never met your Dad but through Poop and Boogies I knew him. At time like this, as I'm sure you have already discovered, a river of tears can disappear in a single bubble of laughter. It's the laughter, and the love that remains, and will keep him in your hearts, and everyone elses for ever.
Love, Jim
In all your stories I always had a picture in my head of your dad, sitting at the head of the table, telling you to shut up and eat your poop and boogies. I think that table sounded like a wonderful place to be.
I loved the stories about your dad taking apart the brand new oven and teaching you to drive in his old van.
everyone commenting is expressing sorrow for you loss.
and i completely get this sentiment.
I, on the other hand, am going to express joy and gratitude on your behalf that you had such a wonderful man as your father.
Not everyone can say they were raised by wonderful fathers and mothers.
you can.
and I am happy for you.
delurking to say i am sorry for your loss. even tho for not knowing you, it seems that he had some great kids and should have been proud of you all and the job he did.
William, Lauren and all the family, I feel your pain and offer you prayer and sympathy. The family that he and MomO9 raised are a testament to what a great parents they were/are.
My favorite story without looking through the archives is the one about the spanking that wasn't a spanking. And if that isn't on this blog, it should be...LOL...and also offering to take a MomO9 for a walk because Lauren hadn't had a "hard one" for awhile (taco shell).
Your family...all of your family...cracks me up!!!
Love to you all!!!! Melissa
I am so sorry for your loss Bill. The love (somewhat needling at times) that your siblings have for each other is a true testament of what your parents did right.
I know your entire family is going to be there for each other and especially for your Mom.
My thoughts are with your entire family.
I am very sorry for the loss of your father. He obviously was a wonderful man and even though I did not know him, or your family, I have enjoyed reading about him over the past year or so. Hugs to Momo9 as well!
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad, he sounds like a wonderful man! (((HUGS)))
Poop and Boogies has made me laugh so many times and I have cried twice in the last month, with both Ray and Skip passing away. I am so sorry for your loss...and glad to know your family is such an amazing one who can lean on one another in times like this and even laugh under the most trying of times. Bless you all.
Bill,
I'm sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I cannot imagine your loss but with all those many number of individuals you listed, it's good to know there is a lot of love and support.
My condolences.
So sorry to read this. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear you've lost you dad. It's great that our memories are forever. My favorite 'Skip' posting was the Monday, November 26, 2007 one called "Thanksgiving story". He sure tried :)
William. I have just read through a handful of posts about your dad. This one is my favorite, but all of them gave me a smile, and all were evidence of why he was so well-respected. As I said in my email, I know, through your stories and your own parenting, what a great man your father was. And I know how much he is missed. You were each so lucky to have had his guidance and humor. And he was lucky to have lived a life surrounded by love.
I am SO sorry to hear about your dad. I have lurked here for a little while now and have always loved your sense of humor and honesty. By the sounds of things - you must be a lot like him. May God bring you and your family grace, comfort and peace that only He can.
With our greatest sympathy,
David and Heidi Freeberg
I'm so sorry about your dad. Hang in there.
Just wanted to add my voice to the condolences. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Oh, I am so, so, so sorry for your loss. Please know you and your entire family are in my heart and prayers. His memory will live on through your words here. Thank you for "sharing" him with us.
My condolences on the loss of your loved father mate.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family have been on my mind since I heard over at Susie's. Hold each other and remember the laughter. Peace.
Coming out of lurkdom to send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. And to Lauren and her family on the recent loss of her dad. Sounds like you both had great fathers, which is such a blessing - I'm sure you guys know that.
You got the best part of him, so I can understand it if you feel blessed.
I'm terribly sorry for your loss. You've made me smile and laugh w/ your stories of your Daddy. I'm particularly fond of the tales you told about his van and the bike riding lessons. Praying for peace and comfort for your family.
Wow,oh gosh, I am so sorry. I am praying for your whole family. I am just shocked. I hope you all are ok. I have always enjoyed your stories about your dad and your upbringing. Please keep sharing.
I have enjoyed your blog for a long time without leaving a comment. Your stories about your parents in particular have always made me smile and laugh. Blessings to you all during this time.
Your family (and Lauren's, too) is in my prayers. You have some big shoes to fill, from the sound of it.
Wow. I am just in shock. I am SO SORRY. You guys have really been through it lately! It goes without saying that I am praying for all of you. I can't stand this kind of thing!
You guys are blessed to be part of such a wonderful, close and loving family. All the memories will certainly be cherished forever. I am very glad that you moved back close to home. As I am sure you are. I am sure you have all thought of all of the great bonds that Max and Wyatt formed with their grandpa since you have moved back and were living there for those months.
They are still young, but will certainly have a faint memory of the wonderful man, which I know the rest of you will always keep alive for them by laughing, crying and sharing your stories with the boys and any other kids you and Lauren have in the future.
I will stop rambling but wanted to tell you how sad I am for all of you, since you will miss him so much. It is always harder for us who are left behind, than it is for the loved ones who go on ahead.
Without a doubt, the best Skip blog entry is the excuse-note writing about Senior Cut Day at our glorious alma mater...I crack up just at the thought of it. (it's in october 2006 - i looked back & found it)
I could hear that story again and again. It is perfect just in so many ways.
Lots and lots of love to you and your family. We're thinking of you.
He must have been so pleased and proud of you. I'm terribly sorry you have lost him, but incredibly happy to know that he knew he was loved, and made sure that the ones he loved knew it too.
Please give MomO9 a giant hug from me? Thanks.
delurking to say: oh, Bill, I am so sorry to hear about your dad, and a belated same to Lauren, as well. my father and I were not very close, and it still shook me to my core when he died, so I can only imagine how you are feeling. the closeness of your family will help all of you through.
poopandboogies is both a tribute and a testament...
Just wanted to come out of the woodwork to say that I'm so very sorry.
i am delurking to comment that i am so sorry for your loss (as well as lauren's) your love for your father is evident in the words that you write about him..you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers
So sorry for your loss - I've been reading for some time and have found your writing about your dad quite profoundly moving at times and at other times quite funny.
well, gosh darn it, this totally blind-sided me. i am sorry beyond typed-written words to hear about your family's and your loss, and so close after lauren's dad's passing too. :( i wonder what they're doing up there together in Heaven with God? maybe your dad is teaching someone how to drive? or perhaps he's fixing an unbroken rotisserie oven? i'm sure the two of them are full of love and light up there, watching over you all with joy and proudness at their many accomplishments. my deepest sympathies to your mom, though, who's loved him the longest. i will pray for her strength and peace, and for all of your hearts to heal and celebrate his life. love you.
p.s. i'm so glad that you, lauren, and the boys got a chance to live with them for six months or so last year and soak up as much of him as you could during your time together.
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. My Mom passes away a little over two years ago and I still cannot believe it. Just know that he is at peace. You are fortunate to have a loving family and friends. Stay strong. I will keep your Dad and family in my thoughts and prayers.
I'll keep all of you in my prayers. So sorry on the loss of your Dad.
I am so sorry.
I'll be looking at your past posts about your dad. He sounds awesome.
Just an fan of your blog, very sorry for your loss!
My heart broke when I read this post. I am so sorry for your loss. Remember to take care of yourself through out all of this. My fav. post without looking is the one where your mom had asked him to repair something for her for the holidays(something to bake an extra ham or turkey in I think)Anyway he never got around to until he saw it sitting by the back door and thought he better fix it sincs she was about to need it. Turned out it was the new one. This one my husband and I laughed & laughed about. Your dad sounded like a great man just know that you don't have to look far to find him. He is right there in you & your boys I am sure. Hugs & Prayers!
Sorry to read about your loss. Your Blog is a great tribute to him.
showing my face to let you know how you and your family are in mu thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I hope all the prayers sent from cyberspace envelope your family in love, peace and comfort. know your father's heart will always be with you.
PS I use you fathers phrase poop and boogies ALL the time...shuts kids right up :)))
becky..
I'm so sorry for your loss. But your life was blessed because of him. And I'm sure he is proud of you!
Saddened by your loss. Your family will be in my prayers in the coming days.
wow. i don't even know what to say.
my heart goes out to all of you kids, but mom09 man...i just don't know what to say. i'm just really sorry.
i didn't know your pops was sick. i'm just really sorry for your families loss.
My sympathy for your loss. Your dad, and Lauren's too, were surely great guys surrounded by beloved family.
Husband and I lost both our dads during the month of January, so I well know how bleak the winter ahead will be.
My favorite tale about your dad was driving lessons.
MrsDoF
Here's to Ray & Skip!
Bill, I'm a frequent reader and am so sorry for your family's loss, my best to all. Take care,
-Karina
Delurking here to say how very sorry I am to read about the loss of Skip. Thank you for sharing this with us. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I'm so sorry, Bill.
I am so sorry for your loss.
How very lucky you and your family were to have a father (uncle, brother, husband, etc...) such as Skip.
I am, of course, so sorry for your family's loss. I have been very touched both by this tribute and by reading back through some of the posts about your Dad. What a great way to honor him.
Please know that my heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time, and so close on the heels of your other losses. Your dad was obviously a very loved man, and a blessing to many, many people. May the memories of all your good times together help tide you over.
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Oh Bill I'm so very sorry. For both of you to lose your dads in such a short time is just awful. Your poor mother, give her lots and lots of hugs, including one from me. I'm also very sorry that Max and Wyatt will grow up with out grandfathers. I know I am really missing my dad these days, and especially the fact that my kids didn't know him. Hugs to you as well. *sigh*
I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. Anyone who could raise that many kids and have that kind of sense of humor would be someone I would have enjoyed knowing in real life. I pray that you and your family members will be comforted as you experience this loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.
I am really sorry William. Really sorry. You guys will be in my thoughts. I hope that counts for something.
I am so very, very sorry.
It's so telling that you can as a family still have laughs during such a sorrowful time.
Hats off to Skip.
Sounds like a fantastic man....
Hallie
http://wonderfulworldofweiners.blogspot.com/
I'm sorry to read about your father, Bill. Many prayers to you and your family.
I'm from Ohio, so this blog appeals to me because of its familiar midwest sensibility. It's so darn funny, but every now and then I read something that makes me cry. I'm very sorry to hear about your double loss. What a rough start to 2008!
Bill, I am so sorry!
I am so sorry to hear about your father, Bill. After reading your blog for awhile, it feels like a shock to me to hear this news. Is that weird?
I have been reading your blog for some time, lurking. But I had to come out to say how sorry I am, for you and your whole family. For your family to have to go through two such large losses so close together, I am deeply sorry. Wishing you all nothing but good things.
Carrie
Bless you and your family. This was lovely lovely post. I am sorry for your loss.
William, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that I am thinking good thoughts out to you, your family, and to your father.
My sympathies on the loss of your dad.
I lost my father a little over two years ago, and I still think of him every day.
It sounds like your dad and my dad will get along great in the Pearly Gates Community.
Bill,
I'm so sorry for your loss, but what a testament to you family that you can still laugh during this time, as well.
Denise
So terribly sorry for your loss.
Bill I am so very sorry.
Hugs to you and your family.
Bill and Family,
Skip was an amazing person. One thing that always sticks in my mind was his love for teaching the fundimentals of basketball. Being left handed he would always tell me to switch my dribble from left to right hand inorder to get passed the point guard.
He was right almost eveytime it worked
I am so very sorry. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
He sounds like he was a wonderful man.
sorry to hear about your dad.
Thanks for the link back here after the exchange from Max. I completely get it.
Very best wishes to you and yours
Bill, Lauren, Max, Wyatt and Momo9
My heart goes out to you all--I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing...
We're thinking of you and praying for you...
Effie, Hubby, Katrina and little one #2
Oh I am SO sad to hear this....I hope you are all well. I hope you are all well. As well as can be.
Oh Geez, William. *hug*
I'm so sorry. There are no right words. Daddies are our hearts, Mommies our souls. :(
Sending my best to you and your WHOLE family.
I'm so sorry. My dad died three years ago (seems like yesterday) and my step-dad died just this past Christmas Day, 2007. We've also lost two grandmothers this past year and these recent days I often just want to go to bed and stay there. I loved your post about your dad .... the "statistics" of his life said so much in such little space. Thanks for sharing that and bringing many memories of my dad back to me.
I'm so sorry.
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