As many of you already know, my dad passed away this afternoon after a long week of battling complications from bypass surgery. One of the most beautiful experiences in my life happened this morning as we were saying goodbye - dad happened to be awake for a few minutes and mom said "You need to go with God now", and he nodded his head and closed his eyes. I know that often when families experience a sudden loss, there is a lot of anger toward God and others - but I don't feel anything like that at all. I know that dad is where he belongs, and that he has touched so many lives that his memory will always live with us. On behalf of my entire family, I thank every one of you for the outpouring of love and support through this entire situation; I know it would have been unbearably harder without you.
I will let everyone know when we've made arrangements for visitation and services, which will most likely occur in Pittsburgh, PA this Friday/Saturday, and Binghamton, NY on Monday or Tuesday.
Much love -
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Since I heard this afternoon, I keep coming over to the computer, refreshing the page, reading comments and then getting up and walking away crying. I'm not sure what I'm expecting to see each time I come back. Maybe that I read something wrong? But after reading your post, Steph, I feel more at ease knowing he was ok with going to be with God. I really don't know what to say but that I love you guys so much and am thinking about all of you. We are a strong close family and we will all get through this. I am ending this as I don't even know if I'm making any sense.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses,
Cara (and Matt)
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that very personal moment with all of us. It is taking a little time for this all to sink in. Knowing that you had that time together as a family and that your dad was ready to be with our Lord is a great comfort. I can't read it without welling up in tears. What a beautiful moment. We send our love to you and our prayers that God may comfort you. Eugene and Vasie-Leigh
Dear Sedors,
ReplyDeleteWe are all saddened by the news of Fr. David's repose in the Lord. He was a good friend and inspiration and we will miss him dearly. May God grant him eternal rest.
Love,
The Worobey family
Steph,
ReplyDeleteI read this in awe of your words...they are truely inspirational. You are wise beyond your years. I have never felt so far away from family and yet this blog has made me feel closer to everyone. This year I certainly feel the 'true' meaning of Christmas. My deepest sympathy to everyone there.
Love,
Claudine
Eileen, Steph, Charissa, Tami, Aunt Jo and Uncle Ed,
ReplyDelete"The true worth of success lies not in where we come to be at journey's end but in the lives we touch along the way."
I think as you can see from this blog, David touched so many of us. I must have always known he was a special person as they tell me when I was a baby, I always favored him. He has always had a special place in my heart. I've been thinking about all my memories with him - all the Holidays, my wedding, all the Ocean City trips, this past Thanksgiving. I know these memories are what we will cherish but for right now I am just profoundly sad. "Grief is the purest evidence that we have loved and loved well."
Pres. and Girls,
ReplyDelete"Blessed is the way in which you walk today. For there is prepared for you a place of everlasting rest" (Funeral Service)
There are no words which can explain the pain that you all are feeling and how sorry I am for your loss... but I hope that these words from the funeral service will help you and give you the strength you need during this hard time.
Fr. David committed his life to God and to you, his family. He served our Lord with all of his heart and his love and work shines brightly in those who he touched and in you all.
May God grant His beloved servant rest and may Fr. David's work and love for God's people live on everyday in your lives and in all of our lives.
All of my Love and Sympathy,
George Athanasiou
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family..It appears that God has bigger and better plans for David up in heaven with him. I'm sure he's watching down on every single one of you! After reading christi's comment, david obviously got his "baby magnet" charm from his father..as we ALL know...ALL babies gravitate to Uncle Ed..he has that special personality! Love to all ... ps yes that is the time I posted this..NOW I know why Santa brings the paccio family christmas presents in those festive GIANT food market bags!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know your father well - he was the security guard at the building where I began working in May, but my day here always started with his greeting and I've missed his presence here these past weeks. I'm sorry to hear his absence is permanent but it sounds like he will be long-loved and remembered.
ReplyDeleteWe wish you and your family solace,
Emily (and no doubt others) of RAND
Dear Eileen - Fr Jim and I express to you and your family our heart-felt sympathy. We kinda feel gipped because we only just met you both a little over a month ago here in Cleveland and thought that these are AWESOME people. We looked forward to many opportunities to get together in the future at Church 'functions.' So many people have spoken of Fr. David and his wonderful ministry and that by his side was his wonderful Pani and family. He was so blessed and I'm sure you feel the same way. May the feast of the Nativity give you strength and comfort. May His Memory Be Eternal!
ReplyDeleteFr. Jim and Prez Goldie Doukas, Rocky River, OH
Presvytera and family,
ReplyDeleteWe were extremely saddened by the news of Father's Falling Asleep in the Lord. You are a very special family and we thank you for sharing yourselves with us.
Father touched so many people, especially the youth as he brought so many close to Our Lord and our Orthodox faith. He is a true example and image of Our Lord. He served tirelessly with such kindness and humbleness.
May his memory be eternal,
Stamoolis Family
Dear Sedor Family,
ReplyDeletePlease know that I will miss Dave very much. I worked with him at RAND and really enjoyed his presence. He was a real renaissance man with many interests. He was my crossword go to guy. I knew him about 6 months before I knew he was a priest. I closely followed your updates and was extremely touched (cried) by the description of his final moments. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Harvey