Saturday, July 6, 2013

Gone But Not Completely

As I'm writing this, tears are running down my face.



If you haven't heard, yesterday our corner of Blogland got a little darker. I say a little because although Bas has left us, his words of wisdom and his legacy are still with us. So while we are definitely grieving, at least we know he isn't truly gone, not completely.



I didn't have the privilege to know him that well. But like most of you, that didn't mean he didn't touch my life.


This is kind of weird to say but Bas kind of reminded me of my dad. Not the DD part LOL. But they had the same wit, and the same way of encouraging, even the same way of talking, or so I could imagine through his writing. Definitely the same personality. Even the last post he wrote, I was smiling through my tears reading it. If my dad had had a chance to say goodbye, he would've started it in exactly the same way. To the point LOL. And to not be sad, realize that death is just a part of life, and focus on the positive. 


Still it's hard to think that way when you lose someone who is so amazing. I had so much respect for Bas, I think it was impossible not to. He was one of those rare people in the world who could make you laugh, encourage you, and yet also get you to think, all at the same time. He made everyone feel important. He validated feelings always, but still always spoke the truth. He had such love for his wife Lisa and it showed through everything he wrote. He was genuine. He was the kind of man that I hope and pray my son grows up to be someday. A man among men.


Rest in peace Bas.


Thank you for the precious gift that you have been, to me, and to us, and for everything you have taught us.


We will never forget you. We'll continue to make this community the place you saw it to be, and hoped it to be. We'll continue to keep the torch burning as you've asked us to. And we will continue to learn from your words that stay with us, and the example you set for us.



20 comments:

  1. He will not be forgotten. Crying again

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    1. Never. Me too, even though no doubt he'd tell us to stop lol.

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  2. Lovely tribute, Kay. Thanks for posting. God bless you and yours, Belle L.

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    1. He deserves it, Belle and more. God's blessings back on you too!

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  3. Beautiful post, Kay. I don't think I have any tears left.

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  4. Oh my what a beautiful post Kay :)

    I'm sure he's still watching over Blogland. He wants us all to carry on blogging, and help those who are new. I will carry on, he taught us much, support and love and care for this community. This is his legacy and we shall honour it :)

    Hugs x

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    1. Yes exactly Missy. And I'm really glad you're staying around to help us with that, you add a lot to our community too :)

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  5. Thank you for this beautiful tribute Kay.

    Bas was a very special friend who touched and enriched our lives and who will be sorely missed. However, as you say, we have the legacy of his words of basdom and will continue to keep the torch burning.

    Hugs,
    Roz

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  6. It's true, we have lost him, but everything he taught us still remains. We will however, miss seeing his little puppy dog popping up to tell us he wrote new words, or new comments. But we have been so blessed to have him while we could.

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    1. Es May, I'll miss that so much! But yes, we have been very blessed.

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  8. lovey tribute :) thank you for sharing Kay. He will be missed but not forgotten. he will still inspire us with his words from basdom.A very special man and a very sad loss for this world.

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  9. Hugs, Kay. Our Bas was indeed a man among men. I love your description of him. He did seem rather fatherly, certainly protective, kind and forthright. Definitely funny and compassionate. Absolutely enduring. I truly hope we keep that torch lit and his spirit active among us.

    Irishey

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    1. Yes Irishey. Well my dad was the same way and I miss him so much that it was actually kind of a comfort to have someone like that around again, even if I didn't know him well. It's just that it's rare to find.
      Btw I loved what you wrote on Bas' last post. It was beautiful, and echoed so well what was in my heart :)

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    2. I know, Kay. More hugs, and a smile.

      Bas' words are still here in his posts, replies, and comments on other blogs (thankfully, most other blogs he frequented are still visible). I'm hanging onto the thought that I still can access his wisdom, compassion and humor by revisiting the very things that connected us. I'm trying not to be overcome with sadness, but celebrate and be thankful that we still have what he gave us - not only his words, of course, but the feelings. I think he helped bring a lot of us closer, more into the open about our thoughts and feelings.

      I'm glad you liked and identified with what I wrote. Thank you. :-)

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  10. Beautifully said. I loved to see Unique there too...we shall miss that little face.

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  11. Such a nice tribute. Unfortunately, I never got to know him, but from his posts and from the love i've seen for him around here, seems like an amazing man!

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