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A Tribute Run For Dad

Last October 30, 2008, my dearest Daddy went to sleep and never woke up again.  He passed away at 78 in his own bed with half of the family at home with him.  We are still grieving, but there is comfort in knowing that he left with peace in his heart and a gentle smile on his face.

How ironic that I found myself in the Happiest Place on Earth just a few days after his death.  I woke up at 5:30 a.m. in HK Disneyland’s Hollywood Hotel, laced up my shoes, and prepared for a run which would pay tribute to my Dad’s life; it wasn’t going to be a “grief run” but a celebration of his life and his legacy.  It was—in a spiritual kind of way—a kind of prayer as I offered this run to God and asked him to care for my father and welcome him with open arms.

IMG_0017

I stood at the start of my favorite jogging path, the same one I ran last summer, which faced the sea and offered a breathtaking view of Hong Kong.  I took in the cool breeze, switched my ipod on, and started with a slow jog.  

The first track that played was Mariah Carey’s “Bye Bye” and—with all the tiny hairs on my arms standing as well as a small shiver up my spine—I knew that this was not sheer coincidence.  Trying my best to keep the tears from falling, I took in the lyrics of the song and thought about Daddy:

…I never knew I could hurt like this
And everyday life goes on like
“I wish I could talk to you for awhile”
Miss you but I try not to cry
As time goes by
And soon as you reach a better place
Still I’d give the world to see your face
And I’m right here next to you
But it’s like you’re gone too soon
Now the hardest thing to do is say bye bye…

…This is for my peoples who just lost somebody
Your best friend, your baby, your man, or your lady
Put your hand way up high
We will never say bye (no, no, no)
Mamas, daddies, sisters, brothers, friends and cousins
This is for my peoples who lost their grandmothers
Lift your head to the sky ’cause we will never say bye

I ran like a madwoman thinking of nothing but my Dad through the run even as I reached Disneyland Park on one end and Inspiration Lake on the other.  I felt I could’ve gone on forever but decided to end at 12k to make it to my flight home.

It was the interment for my Dad yesterday morning.  I am the youngest of 7 children and I was asked to give the eulogy in behalf of the family.  It was the toughest talk I had ever given, but it was also a release of a multitude of emotions, and my last chance to tell Dad how much I loved him.  Somewhere in the lengthy speech I had stayed up all night to write, I told Dad that we loved him, we would miss him, and with my head lifted up to the heavens, I said to my dearest Daddy that we would never ever say goodbye.

Daddy

- Love you, Dad -

Thank you to all the runners who sent their condolences and offered prayers, especially those who took the time out to come to my Dad’s wake.  Truly appreciate it.

Posted on 11.06.08 to 01 Bullish Insights, Favorite Posts. Tags: . Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 56 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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56 Responses to “A Tribute Run For Dad”

  1. Jaymie again my deepest condolences. Like I told you the best medicine for a broken heart is a good long run. I’m sure every time you run your father is with you in spirit. I pray for you and your family. Your father is in a better place and I’m sure he is very proud of his little girl. Take care

    runningshield - patrick concepcion said on Nov 06 08 at 10:38 AM Reply

  2. my condolences, ms. tbr. i’m sure he’s in a much better place and watching over you :)

    cam said on Nov 06 08 at 10:44 AM Reply

  3. you have the same glow as your dad in this picture. my sincerest condolences to you and your family.

    moomba said on Nov 06 08 at 10:58 AM Reply

  4. I remember you wrote about someone being ill in the family but no one can ever be too prepared for this. My deepest condolences for your loss.

    Tina said on Nov 06 08 at 11:04 AM Reply

  5. Your Dad is fortunate to have a loving wife and 7 children, Jaymie. I’m sure he left this world with peace in his heart, as I gathered from your stories (in your e-mails and when we met at Arlington).

    God bless you and your family.

    See you at the VSO this Sunday.

    Nora, the golden girl said on Nov 06 08 at 11:30 AM Reply

  6. my sincerest condolences jaymie. my prayers go out to you and your family.

    bards said on Nov 06 08 at 1:34 PM Reply

  7. Being a Papa’s girl, I can’t help but cry while reading this post. Rouselle told me about your father’s demise last week. I said a prayer for him and for you. My Papa is still alive and when I read this one, I hope that I am as strong as you when it happens.

    He’s happy up there right now. Cheering you on in every run you take…

    Gigi said on Nov 06 08 at 1:36 PM Reply

  8. You can write his name on your Clark NB bib and do him proud. My tent mate’s will be on mine.

    miraclecello said on Nov 06 08 at 1:41 PM Reply

  9. I know how difficult this must be for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The running community is always with you.

    May God bless you and your family during this trial time and always,

    Jhamfrens

    ‘Hope to see you in VSO.

    Jhamfrens said on Nov 06 08 at 1:54 PM Reply

  10. So sorry to hear that, TBR.

    Let your run in Singapore be your ultimate tribute to your father. Or let your first marathon – whenever that shall be – be in honor of him.

    Wency said on Nov 06 08 at 2:40 PM Reply

  11. you got your strength in character from your dad. that’s how he lives on… through you. :)

    carry on, dear. :)

    marga said on Nov 06 08 at 2:42 PM Reply

  12. That was quite a poignant post there Jaymie. When I saw the video tribute during the wake, I can really sense the love of the Crisostomo family have for each other. Love never dies.

    Ate Virgie said on Nov 06 08 at 2:43 PM Reply

  13. my condolences and prayers go to you and your loved ones.be comforted by the thought that your dad is in rest and peace now.

    bugobugo said on Nov 06 08 at 3:05 PM Reply

  14. In behalf of my family, our condolences for your loss. May the Lord give your family peace and comfort at this time. God bless you!

    broj said on Nov 06 08 at 3:09 PM Reply

  15. my deepest sympathies, br. your dad was 78 years you say? that’s amazing.

    roadrat said on Nov 06 08 at 3:10 PM Reply

  16. I know how it feels because it happened to me seven years ago. My dad left us when he was only 52 years old due to hypertension and parkinson’s disease. But thinking that he is already at peace with the lord, lessens the pain we are feeling.

    My prayers for you and your family.

    mae said on Nov 06 08 at 3:38 PM Reply

  17. i know the feeling as my mom (she should had been 82 yrs old last april)also died last 20 january after i finished the subic half-marathon. since then, i always make it a point to pray for her and ask her to be always at my side during my runs and road races. my deepest sympathy and condolence to the family. keep on running and see you soon at the road races…

    Bald Runner

    kingofpots said on Nov 06 08 at 3:39 PM Reply

  18. My condolences and prayers to you and your family.

    jinoe said on Nov 06 08 at 4:17 PM Reply

  19. My deepest condolences again. It is good you had that run and offered it to him. I am sure you diidn’t even feel tired. So sorry could not visit.

    Mayi said on Nov 06 08 at 4:50 PM Reply

  20. my deepest condolences to you TBR and to your whole family. my tears just kept falling while reading your entry and typing my comment. it’s just that i really love my father, i idolize him and respected him wholeheartedly. i cannot say how hurt you might feel, but knowing that you are comforted that he left in peace. i could just share this bible verse to you and your family knowing that we could take refuge in God. God bless you indeed TBR.

    Psalm 23:4
    Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

    Let said on Nov 06 08 at 5:05 PM Reply

  21. My condolences to you and your family. God bless, TBR.

    lonerunner said on Nov 06 08 at 6:08 PM Reply

  22. my condolences to you and your family. fathers will always be a part of their children’s lives thru the wisdom and strength he gave them

    diospyross said on Nov 06 08 at 6:42 PM Reply

  23. Your dad is now in a place where he could watch over you where ever you run.

    You are blessed.

    Idnod said on Nov 06 08 at 7:43 PM Reply

  24. Dearest Jaymie, my sincerest condolences from Ever and me …. Daddies will always have a special place in our hearts and will always be our source of strength, love, courage and inspiration. Our prayers are with you and your family in this time of deep loss and grief. Do find strength in each other and in Him.

    allyn said on Nov 06 08 at 10:41 PM Reply

  25. oh, jaymie. i also lost my dad over a decade ago and its still as if he’s just there. surely you may feel the same way too. he’ll still live in all of you, his family. Our condolences to you and your family.

    kulitrunner said on Nov 06 08 at 10:55 PM Reply

  26. Deepest sympathies to you and your family on your loss, Jaymie. Lost my dad four years ago and i remember just being glad he was in a better place after leaving behind a well-lived life on earth. Take heart and be well.

    bobby said on Nov 06 08 at 11:56 PM Reply

  27. condolences TBR. my prayers.
    God Bless.

    omar said on Nov 07 08 at 12:20 AM Reply

  28. sincerest condolences Jaymie. God bless you and your family.

    ibetlacbay said on Nov 07 08 at 12:30 AM Reply

  29. Your dad ran his race very well..God Bless you

    carl said on Nov 07 08 at 12:36 AM Reply

  30. Hi Jaymie,
    Sending our condolences to you and your family.

    Armand said on Nov 07 08 at 1:31 AM Reply

  31. Sorry to hear. My condolences.

    rick said on Nov 07 08 at 4:27 AM Reply

  32. My sincerest condolences!

    Ricecooker said on Nov 07 08 at 9:44 AM Reply

  33. Sorry about your loss, hope the family keeps its strength in this challenging, difficult time. Its been 20 years since my father died. The grieving may stop, but missing him wont. I never fail to shed tears every year.

    We may have lost a father but our mother lost a husband, the lifetime partner. Take care of her well, give reason for her to soldier on. To live for the family on this new chapter of her life.

    Trust that he is now in a better place and we will all be reunited when its time. God Bless you and your family.

    markfb said on Nov 07 08 at 10:14 AM Reply

  34. my sincerest condolences to you and your whole family…

    schlagger said on Nov 07 08 at 10:41 AM Reply

  35. My condolences to you and your family. As painful as it is to lost someone dear to you, take comfort that your dad is happier and at peace and watching over all of you, all the time.

    Gene said on Nov 07 08 at 10:54 AM Reply

  36. TBR, nakikiramay kami sa pagyao ng inyong ama.

    Lito said on Nov 07 08 at 11:10 AM Reply

  37. Sorry to hear you lost, God bless tbr.

    Gene said on Nov 07 08 at 1:01 PM Reply

  38. i’m sure he crossed the finish line victorious and accomplished.

    mikey said on Nov 07 08 at 2:34 PM Reply

  39. condolence to you tbr…
    sometimes we really wish to be forever strong…

    team PFi said on Nov 07 08 at 2:50 PM Reply

  40. My deepest condolences.

    x59 said on Nov 07 08 at 7:28 PM Reply

  41. condolence to you and your family.

    loonyrunner said on Nov 07 08 at 7:32 PM Reply

  42. Your Dad may be gone but he will always be watching you. Atleast he will never loose any of your races. He will be there to guide you.

    angelaze said on Nov 07 08 at 8:45 PM Reply

  43. hi jaymie, didnt know about it and wasnt able to go to the wake of your dear Dad…our condolonces…we’ll silently offer a prayer before our run at VSO for him…the Father of Jaymie, for which without him, there wont be , the bullrunner…Thank you Sir for raising a wonderful inspiration to the running community, and to our life as well.

    mond said on Nov 07 08 at 11:40 PM Reply

  44. Our deepest condolences to you and the whole family!
    *hugs*

    Benz Rana said on Nov 08 08 at 12:27 AM Reply

  45. Our heartfelt condolences to you and the whole family Jaymie.I know how it feels as my Dad passed away just last July 20 (on my birthday pa) but it’s comforting to know that he’s now in peace with our Creator..

    sundaywarrior said on Nov 08 08 at 2:09 AM Reply

  46. hi jamie… my condololences… God bless!

    glenn said on Nov 08 08 at 10:17 AM Reply

  47. To everyone above, thank you very much.

    thebullrunner said on Nov 08 08 at 11:11 AM Reply

  48. It saddened me to know and though its late please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.

    alfred said on Nov 08 08 at 7:48 PM Reply

  49. My deepest condolences. I can identify with the grief that you and your family are going through. My father died of old age two years ago. We in the family thought then that we were prepared for the inevitable. We never were. I also prepared and recited the eulogy on the last night of his wake.

    The long runs that I did shortly after his death had a healing effect on my soul. I was able to move on sooner despite the lingering pain.

    May you experience God’s comfort and peace as you move on.

    Paeng said on Nov 09 08 at 12:17 AM Reply

  50. my deepest condolences and sincerest prayers to you and your family.

    japs said on Nov 10 08 at 10:46 AM Reply

  51. hey…my deepest condolences to you and your family. I’m sure your Dad lived a full and happy life and he’s in a better place now.

    Mary715 said on Nov 10 08 at 1:10 PM Reply

  52. Dear Jaymie,

    Whatever a “condolence” is, you can have mine. Seeing as you have many already, have a hug and a virtual chocolate chip cookie, too. *hands over* Strrummed my heartstrings, TBR.Your Dad must have been, no, is a great man. He’ll forever be with you in your heart no matter what. He would want you to have a great life too, and would like you to know that nothing can truly break the invinsible chain of love you two have with each other. I’m sure he’s right beside you at this very moment–just look in your heart.

    Love,
    Cougcat

    P.S. Have another cookie.

    Cougcat said on Nov 10 08 at 3:04 PM Reply

  53. hi TBR, I also lost my father this year and I can feel how you feel. you can find strength in his sweet memories. and with his current state, he can be with you ANYWHERE.

    we have not met yet but i am an avid reader of your blog. fellow happy feeter. z

    Zimm said on Nov 11 08 at 8:31 AM Reply

  54. our deepest condolences to you and your family for your lost.

    Ado said on Nov 11 08 at 12:38 PM Reply

  55. Thanks again, guys.

    thebullrunner said on Nov 12 08 at 12:47 PM Reply

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