On July 7, I woke up to a phone call from my brother that Dad had a heart attack and died in hospital overnight. I couldn't believe it - I was floored.
What followed was a whirlwind as we tried to piece together how a 64-year-old had died so suddenly,听with what we felt was without warning.
It transpired that Dad had been unwell for a couple of days but not told anyone, typical of him and his generation. By the time he went to the GP, despite being immediately rushed to hospital, and with the best efforts of everyone involved, it was too late.
The sudden loss is something we will have to learn to live with.
My father never wanted me to go into farming. When I told him I had bought two pigs with my student loan in my final year of university, he was not pleased.
The pressure not to farm is probably the reverse of what many farmers put on their sons and daughters to farm. An irony which didn't escape us.
When my dad visited me at my first farmer's market with my hog roast machine, I think he finally understood the joy of growing something and feeding people.
After that, he became incredibly supportive. We couldn't have achieved half of what we have without his support in reading business plans, being on the end of the phone, and even being practical, helping move sheep, check cows and looking after the dogs.
My father spent 45 years in the oil industry, working right up to his final morning. When I was younger he would travel a lot, which meant I did not see him as much as I would have liked.
It is why I treasure most the last three years that he spent as a kind, caring and adoring grandfather. If you met him he would likely talk to you about Arthur and George's latest antics.
It is these memories I will remember the most fondly.
If you are reading this and are concerned about your health, do not wait. If you have chest pains and shortness of breath, dial 999. Don't put your children through what we have been through; make the time for a health check.
Your GP surgery can signpost you to the most appropriate place to do that. Life is too short and too precious to leave it up to chance.
