[219] How to Celebrate Life – an Ode to My Dad

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A week ago today I never thought I’d walk into Room 3, Ward 4 at Kenepuru Hospital to see that Dad had passed away and left us.

At that very moment, in between complete shock and disbelief I had this conflicting moment of calm as I realized he was right where he wanted to be. He was standing right beside me, in spirit and finally free.

Every day since December 1st when he left us, I see him everywhere. In every flower in Mum’s garden, singing in every bird call I hear. In the sunshine filtering through the trees…

Which is so typical of Peter, my Dad, because how could one ever forget this man. He’s unforgettable.

He grabbed life by the horns and made the most of every single day.

Jumping on his Triumph Tiger motorbike (when it was working) and going down to Oriental Bay for a quick dip in his sexy speedos before going off to enjoy a free lunchtime jazz concert.

This man knew more about what was going on in Wellington then the events website!

Every holiday we went on he’d be the first out the door to go and explore the surroundings and come back to report on everything that we must do in the morning, and how close we were to the local shops, bay, museum etc.

He was the perfect tourist – always keen to see or experience something new and drink in the culture.

His motto in life was simply this: To be happy and bring happiness unto others.

He certainly achieved that on a daily basis and that’s likely why around 350 people come to the Celebration of his Life on December 8th where we sang, we cried, we laughed and we danced. Yes that’s right we got everyone to stand up and dance in his honor, since my Dad adored dancing

Below is a snippet of when we had everyone stand up at his service to dance to the Glen Miller Big Band!

So Dad’s Celebration of life was beautiful, touching and filled with laughter and stories. The remembrance speeches were a perfect summary of all the facets and areas of life Dad was involved in. Debs and I chose not to sing as she thought she might lose it and I said then we shall have a dance session! And that was quite simply the best way of honoring Dad’s memory – I’m pretty sure he was right there dancing with us! People said it was the best service they’d been too and I think that’s so fitting for the way Dad lived and loved life to the full. It really was a celebration. Thank you everyone for being there and sharing in the memories. Love your forever Dad.

A video posted by nataliesisson (@nataliesisson) on Dec 7, 2015 at 6:10pm PST

He danced through life with a huge grin and a wonderful attitude. This podcast is in honor of Peter Douglas Sisson, who I wish was still here in person because I miss you Dad, but your spirit shines on in all of us.

In this Fresh in Fifteen episode I share the lessons learned from celebrating Dad’s life.

Listen to my Podcast : Subscribe in iTunes | Play in Browser | Download

Key Resources:

• Why It’s Important to have a Freedom Lifestyle Business – a podcast where I talk about coming home to be with my Dad and why I am so grateful to have set up my business to be able to do this – this looks at why freedom is very personal to you.
• Come to my workshop on How to Plan Out Your Ideal Freedom Year in 2016 on December 17th – because as Dad proved, life is too short to not live life how you want to.

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Inspiring, informative and fun!

in iTunes Laura Trotta from Australia

My fav business podcast by a mile. Natalie shares such valuable information to help listeners create a freedom-based business and presents in a clear, fun and super inspiring way. So easy to listen to!

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