I have even dispensed with the TV Theme titles for this week’s Gallery (Had anyone even noticed?)
This week’s Gallery subject is Joy.
This is my lovely Dad – He became a Master of the British Empire in 2001 for services to the Employment Service. This is a true case of the right person receiving credit where credit is due. My Dad was a quiet, gentle and wonderful person who never craved attention and appreciated everything he had.
The couple of days we spent in London when Dad met the Queen were simply joyful. 6 of us went down (Mum, Dad, the 3 daughters and my husband). We were only allocated 3 tickets into Buckingham Palace which my Mum amazingly gave to us 3 daughters. I have never felt as nervous as when Dad’s ‘turn’ was coming up – I really didn’t want him to trip or break any of the millions of rules – He didn’t – it was just wonderful! (I broke a rule by taking a piece of Buckingham Palace toilet roll home but we won’t say anymore about how classy I am!) I have probably committed treason or similar by copying the official photo too!
An added bonus was always going to be which celebrity received their honours during the same ceremony – We got Jeremy Beadle MBE! Oh well!
After Buckingham Palace, we met up with Mum and my husband and had a trip on the then new London Eye and a sightseeing tour around London followed by a show.
The next day was Dad’s 60th and the day he officially retired and time for home – We were upgraded to 1st class when the driver heard about what we were celebrating.
All in all, a wonderful time to be together and see the most wonderful man get some of the attention he deserved.
My Dad passed away a year ago next week – We are all still devastated and will always miss and love you. x
A true Gentleman, and a joy to be around!
Love you, X
Oh wow, that's incredible (not the Jezza Beadle bit!)
What a fabulous memory to have of your dad – and a fabulous photo. x
What wonderful occasion and such fantastic memories.
Gosh, you must have been so proud. What an amazing thing for your mum to do, though. She should have been awarded something too.
Thanks everyone – We were so lucky to have our Dad and this weekend topped it off! x
What a wonderful experience. Just lovely.
What a great experience. I'm sure your Dad was very much more deserving than Jeremy Beadle too!
What a wonderful memory to have.
how amazing xx
A great memory and photo. x
lovely post xxx
What a great story 🙂 It's good that the right people are being rewarded
Oh that is such a lovely photo!
I lost my dad three years ago, so I can imagine how you feel. xxx
Thank you everyone for your lovely comments – I never thought I would post something so personel but hey I guess thats the beauty of The Gallery! x
So sorry for your loss but what a beautiful story and as you say you will most likely be slung into the deepest, darkest, murkiest cells at the Tower of London now having not only stolen some BP bog roll but reprinting HM without consent tut tut tut 🙂
Great photo, and great story behind the photo, too. What I'd really like to know is whether you've still got the loo paper?!
What a lovely memory of your dad, sorry for your loss xx