REMEMBERING ZIGMUND FABIRKIEWICZ
December 15th, 2006 at 10:02am Regina
Fifteen days ago we suffered a great loss, but our memories of Dad will always keep him close in our hearts.
On October 20, 1945, Zigmund married Irene Oyzenski, and our branch of the Fabirkiewicz Family began.
This was a gentle man who worked hard to support his family, for a time holding two jobs. He shared stories of proudly serving his country during World War II while stationed in Italy. He also was very proud of his Polish heritage and of his ever growing family. We will remember the years he spent supporting the De La Salle Dads’ Club, and how much he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and a good pinochle game or poker at family gatherings.
I will always remember a special time I spent with Dad this past June. It was a perfect summer afternoon as we sat on the porch, chatting. Mother was in the hospital at the time, and Dad was asking about her health. We moved on to a variety of topics. I mentioned that my own Dad had been gone for almost 17 years. Dad was surprised that so much time had gone by. He told me how much he had always liked my Dad, and that especially touched my heart. He went on to tell me about his youngest sister, who had past away in her early teens. They had been very close and had a lot of fun growing up together.
Although dementia left him with virtually no short term memory, he had very vivid long term memories. While he spent those few days with us in June, he always asked if he was any trouble to us, not wanting to put us out in any way.
It is so hard to lose a loved one, especially at this holiday season, but of course, that is our own sorrow. We should turn our thoughts to the wonderful joy Dad is experiencing this Christmastime in Heaven. There is a poem that has been around a few years now, that many of you may have already read, but for those that haven’t, I’d like to include it here. (This program won’t let me tab down one line at a time, so to save space, I’m going to type each verse as one line.)
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN
I still hear the song, I still see the lights, I still feel your love on cold wintery nights.
I still share your hopes and all of your cares. I’ll even remind you to please say your prayers.
I just want to tell you, you still make me proud. You stand head and shoulders above all the crowd.
Keep trying each moment to stay in His grace. I came here before you to help set your place.
You don’t have to be perfect all of the time. He forgives you the slip, if you continue the climb.
To my family and friends, please be thankful today. I’m still close beside you in a new special way.
I love you all dearly. Now don’t shed a tear. I’m spending my Christmas with Jesus this year.
Entry Filed under: General
3 Comments Add your own
1. Brian | December 15th, 2006 at 12:02 pm
I have so many good memories that I would love to share but I will just stick to one of my biggest.
About 10 years ago I use to be a person who swore that I would never play the game of golf. But with oppurtunities to go on free golf outings with my dad and the chance to golf with grandpa turned me in the direction of giving it a try. Of course I loved the game and quickly found myself golfing on a semi regular basis with dad, Todd, and grandpa on the weekends.
I found myself wishing that I had starting playing sooner so I could have gotten more time playing with grandpa. But in the time that I did play with him a lot of good times came out of it. Todd and I would always laugh about who would have to carry grandpa’s bag to and from the car. He had more clubs and golf balls in his bag then the rest of us combined. But that wouldn’t stop grandpa from wandering off into the bushes and trees to find more golfballs that needed a home.
As grandpa neared his end of being able play golf he depended on us to help find his ball after just about every shot. Of course I had no issues with this because I knew my chances of golfing with him were coming to an end and I wanted to do whatever I could to extend his time.
The 11th hole at our favorite golf course (which the name escapes me) is where uncle Bill’s ashes were spread. On this particular hole I had many of my drives go relatively straight down the fairway that upon looking for my ball I could not find. No the first couple of times this happened I didn’t think much of it but as it became almost a given that I would lose my tee shot, I started telling grandpa that I think uncle Bill is toying with me.
That golf course and that particular hole will always be a special place for me and any chance I get to come back to Michigan and play there I think I will in grandpa and uncle Bill’s honor.
Thanks for the memories Grandpa
2. Angie | December 15th, 2006 at 5:56 pm
I know i have only been part of is family for a short period of time but i feel as close to anyone in this family as i do my own. I lost my own grandfather very very many years ago so since i have been part of the family i have thought about grandpa and grandma as my own, and dancing with him on my wedding day it felt like i was dancing with my own. I am sorry that he not be around to see Jordan grow up, and that she will truly not get to no him, but we always have pictures and stories!
3. Mary | December 16th, 2006 at 10:33 am
Thanks Reg for the lovely tribute to Dad. For me, I have known
him longer than my own dad and he always filled the void left by my dad who passed away when I was only 30. Ziggy was a gentle and great man. Everyone in my family thought highly of him and respected him. He will be missed.
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