Remembering my dad
This is not a blog post that I was prepared to write, but here we go …
Last weekend, we lost my dad, Larry Craig Pinder. This is my first experience with losing an immediate family member or someone close to me. And I don’t know if I’m doing it right. I haven’t wanted to tell anyone — waiting days even to tell my closest friends. Because talking about it makes it so much more real, and telling people makes it so much more permanent.
Truthfully, I didn’t want to say anything on the blog, and my initial instinct was to just keep going on as I normally do, keeping occupied and pretending that nothing happened. I like to stay busy, and I like to carry on. But I also know that because I share so many parts of my life with you, this couldn’t be left out. And I also know that I want to spend some space honoring my dad, because he deserves it.
As of now, nearly a week later, I’m doing somewhat okay. While the immediate grief was really hard to take, I feel like I’ve been managing reasonably well, falling into sadness, and coming out of it into almost normalcy each day — with a little bit of a blur around me at all times. If I sit still, I feel pain, so I like to keep moving.
My dad’s passing didn’t come out of nowhere. He had been having health issues with his lungs and heart on and off for the last three years or so. He would make a little progress, then lose a lot of ground. And he was definitely beginning to suffer toward the end. My sweet mom was taking care of him the best she could, but I know it was hard for both of them. Very hard. And I never mentioned any of this going on publicly, but I did allude to the fact that there are tough things taking place in my world that are ever present. We all have struggles, and my dad’s struggle is over, and for that, I’m truly grateful.
The truth is: I don’t really know how other people handle losing a parent, and I don’t really care how they do it either. I’m handling my pain and mourning, while also carrying on and trying my best. But then you add in the complication of COVID in our current world, and everything is a little bit harder. I made the decision to not go see my mom right after his death out of an abundance of safety. And this is a decision that has haunted me, even though it’s a decision both she and my brother and I agreed on together. But I’ve been able to support my mom from here in many ways and handle some things for her too. She’s holding up okay, and my mom is also lucky to have an incredibly supportive group of friends around her, who are there for her on the ground, while my brother and I support her from afar.
A little bit about my dad, Larry Craig Pinder …
He was born in West Palm Beach, Florida; he was the oldest of four kids (one of whom passed as a young child in an accident); and he was one of the most hard-working people I’ve ever known in my life. He served in the United States Navy on a submarine, and he eventually became an instructor in the Navy too. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University, and he eventually moved our family over from the East Coast of Florida (where my brother, Matthew, and I were born) to the West Coast of Florida (where we grew up), so he could open a business — the American dream. He owned and operated a successful auto repair shop for more than 25 years. And seeing my dad working with customers and running his business was my favorite way to see him. He took such pride in his work, and he was so good at it. He worked six days a week for 25 years when his store was open, and he never complained about it. It was his honor to work hard.
My dad was literally the original “MacGyver,” and he was known to be the most efficient problem solver of all things in the world. One year, during our annual family vacation to Islamorada in the Florida Keys, we were out on our boat, when the motor stopped working. It was just Matthew, my dad and me, and there was a thunderstorm coming at a rapid rate in the distance. My dad came up with a way to jump-start the motor with fishing line and a rope (true MacGyver style), and he got us back to the dock safely. It’s something we always remember. If you ever broke anything, or if you ever needed to figure out something that seemed hard to do, Larry Pinder was your guy.
My dad was also the best Scrabble player ever. And oftentimes we would make fun of him, because he didn’t seem like he would be good — sometimes flubbing his speech and questioning the use of words in the language. But, oh how he was good. Some of my favorite memories of my family will forever be our Scrabble nights, where we would laugh, laugh and laugh. My dad would try to cheat and put down the worst words, we would challenge them, and then he would still end up winning with proper words. We invited Dave and my brother’s wife, Stephanie, into our family Scrabble bubble, and they will remember those times too. We had our last Scrabble night all together last Thanksgiving in Atlanta at Matthew’s house, and I’m pretty sure my dad won that night too.
My dad told the best ghost and horror stories. And growing up, my friends would request his stories, because he had such a deep voice and told them so well. He had always told stories about a scary large dog called “Louie,” and to this day, part of me thinks the stories, and the “Louie,” are both true. He knew how to tell a story. And he knew how to comfort you too, if it ended up being too scary. He had a soft heart, that’s for sure.
I sent my dad texts and pictures a lot throughout the years, and a lot of “Brady movies” as he would call them. And for a very long time, he signed his texts “Love, Dad” which I always thought was the cutest, because you know, you don’t have to actually sign a text. He also called me his “Grill” instead of “Girl,” and I don’t even remember how or why that started, but it was just always that way.
I will never forget the day of my wedding to Dave in May 2012, when my dad not only walked me down the aisle, but also gave the greatest father-of-the-bride speech I’ve heard to date. He took his job as the father-of-the-bride so seriously, he was so heart-felt and he was basically the host of our entire wedding, breaking it down on the dance-floor all night with all of our friends too.
I’m comforted by the fact that I know my dad was so proud of my brother and me. I know he knew that we have both created good lives for ourselves and we are going to be okay. He loved us all so much, and he cared deeply. And I also know that my mom will be okay too, because she is strong. Once things are a little bit better with COVID, I plan to be spending a lot more time with my mom, and we both look forward to that.
We are not having any services for my dad immediately, due to the way things are right now, but we plan to take a family trip to Islamorada in the Florida Keys to spread his ashes in the spring. The Keys were his happy place, and we want him to remain there, living out his best days for eternity in the deep blue Florida Straits.
As I write this post, I know that I cannot possibly summarize a full life in a matter of words. But I do know that sharing some of this with you, even just the process of typing it out, has been therapeutic for me. I will carry on, and I will handle my grief as it comes, keeping a little bit of my dad with me always.
Rest in peace, Daddy. We love you. From, your “Grill.”
I’m so sorry to hear this Ashley. My heart goes out to you. Sending you love and hugs.
I am very sorry for your loss. I lost 10 people in a row so I understand grief. It’s very deeply personal and I do know that it last a lifetime and is a private precious reflection of the deep abiding love you shared. My heart goes out to you and your family. Your tribute is lovely and he was a amazing Dad.
Thank you for reading, Laura!
I really appreciate that, Alie!
So sorry for your loss Ashley. I’m thinking about you and your family. XOXO
Thank you, Sue!
Ashley, I am so sorry for your loss and sending you and your family thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed reading about your dad and I know this must have been hard to share but your readers appreciate you sharing your life, both the good things and the hard things. I can’t imagine losing someone in the current state of our country with the pandemic as I’m sure it makes it that much harder. Take care of yourself!
Hi Erica, thank you for reading and for these sweet words. I appreciate it!
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. By sharing this post is one of the best ways to channel your grief. We can all relate with the loss of a loved one, especially a parent. I lost both of mine and it was so hard. Just know we are always here for you even just to listen. You give so much to this community. My best way of honoring a loved one is to continue to be the person they wanted me to be. The memories never fade and they are always with you in your heart and spirit. HUGS!!!
This is the sweetest comment, Wendy. Thank you so much for this.
Ashley I love you and your family so much this news breaks my heart. I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all.
Hello, my friend. Thank you for this! We need your prayers right now!
Ashley, my heart breaks for you. I know how strong both you and Annie P. are so I know you’ll be ok. But this is hard stuff. I loved hearing all the stories about your Dad and I know those memories will be a comfort for you during moments of sadness. I wish I could hug you. Sending lots of love, prayers, and peace to you and your family.
Xoxo.
Hi, my friend. Thank you for being here, for reading, and for checking in on me and my family. I appreciate you so much!
What a wonderful remembrance of your dad. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how painful it is but I think that writing this and sharing your memories will be helpful. It gives you a chance to laugh and to cry and to remember all the things you loved about your dad and to feel again how much he loved you.
It was actually really good for me to write this out. Thank you for reading, Debbie!
Ashley, I’m so sorry for your loss. I love this tribute to your dad and getting to hear about him.
Sending you and your family so much love.
Thanks, Kayla! We appreciate it!
Oh Ashley, I’m so sorry. This post is such an amazing tribute to your dad and brought me to tears. He sounds like an amazing man, and I will be praying for you and your family. Sending you so many hugs. xo
You are the sweetest, Heather! Thank you for reaching out and for your sweet texts! 🙂
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute you wrote to him. He was clearly a special person.
Thank you for reading, Jamie!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Ashley. Losing a loved one is always difficult no matter the circumstances, but it’s especially hard during this pandemic. Thanks for sharing stories about your dad; it’s a lovely tribute. And know that we’re here for you and happy to listen if you ever want to share more. Sending you all the love and hugs.
You are so sweet, Liz. I appreciate your kind words!
I’m really sorry to read this new, Ashley. My heart is aching for you. I’ll pray for you and your family tonight. Thank you for sharing some memories of your father with your readers. He sounds like one of those big softies which reminds me of my own dad. Sending you lots of love and healing.
Yes, he was! 🙂 Thank you, Kelli!
I’m really sorry to hear this news, Ms. Ashley. From the brief time I met you at 24 in Walnut Creek, you always seemed to be in good spirits. Please know your family, Dave, Rudy, Brady, and you are in my thoughts as you navigate your loss. I too lost so many relatives in my brief years in existence.
Thank you for saying this, Ben. I appreciate you!
Ashley, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. You did a beautiful job of honoring him in this post. I wish comfort and healing to you and your family.
And we appreciate that, Catherine!
I am so sorry for your loss Ashley. Thank you for sharing what a wonderful man your dad was. My dad is also the scrabble champ in the fam. That part made me smile through tears reading the rest. Take care of yourself and your sweet mom.
Thank you, Leanne! We really appreciate it!
Oh my gosh Ashley I’m so so sorry to read this, and truly sorry for your loss. Thank you for telling us about your Dad – he sounds absolutely wonderful and I’m sure you will keep those sweet memories close.
Again so sorry and sending you all my love and best wishes, and to all your family. xxx
Thank you, Iona! We will take those best wishes and love from you!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll be keeping your family in my thoughts.
Thank you, Jennifer! We appreciate that!
I am so sorry, Ashley.
I have no words that make things better or make the pain any less.
You wrote a beautiful tribute that made me smile and tear up.
Virtual hugs to you and your family. I am so so so sorry for your loss.
Sincerest Condolences.
Thank you, Sabrina! I appreciate you reading and saying this!
Sending comfort, love, and light to you and your family <3. It sounds like he was an AMAZING person and father! You were all so lucky to have each other and great memories to look back on as time goes forward.
Yes, Jessie, we will always have those memories. Thank you!
So sorry for your loss,,,
Thank you!
What a heartfelt and beautiful tribute. You and your whole family are in my heart and thoughts. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Thanks, Amanda. We appreciate it!
So very sorry for your loss, Ashley. The tribute of your father brought tears to my eyes. Marianne from Lake Mary
Hi Marianne. Thank you so much for reading it.
My heart goes out to you and your family. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man. Losing a parent is so devastating. My dad passed away one year ago this month, he was amazing too. I received a framed saying after he passed away with the phrase “Be the things you loved most about the ones you lost”. I appreciated you sharing so openly.
Hi Kara! I’m so sorry for your loss as well, and what a beautiful saying you have framed. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so sad to read this. Your tribute was absolutely beautiful and I think so many of us can see our own fathers in yours. Sending loving thoughts your way.
Thank you so much, Molly!
Ashley, I am so sorry for your loss and sending you lots of strength. Reading your words made me so emotional, so beautifully written… It sounds like your dad lived a beautiful and fulfilled life and you will always have those great memories to cherish. Lots of love to all your family, take care!
We do have those memories! Thank you, Andrea!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Ashley, and for the loss of a fellow FAU alum. Sending comforting thoughts to you and your family.
Thank you, Beth. I appreciate it!
So sorry for your loss, Ashley – sending love and hugs and strength 🧡.
Thank you so much, Jamie. I appreciate it!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Ashley! And in such a time as this, when you can’t be with your mom and brother. Your dad sounds like one of a kind. Keep the memories and stories close to your heart forever. Thinking of you and your family during this time!
Thank you, Morgan. We appreciate your thoughts!
this was a beautiful and thoughtful post, and thank you for sharing. he was an amazing man it seems and i’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. lots of hugs and prayers and love to you all <3
Thank you, Adriana. I really appreciate your sweet words!
Oh Ashley, I am so so sorry about the loss of your Dad, he sounds like he was the most wonderful man and what a beautiful post you wrote about him. Thinking of you during this sad and difficult time for you and your family x
Ashley, I can’t begin to imagine the grief you and your family are experiencing. Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful words. It’s nice for all of us to get to know your dad a little. He sounds like a great man! Sending you, your mom, and your brother love x
I really appreciate you reading, Catherine!