It was Saturday the 26th February, i was 3 months pregnant with my second child and i was invited to a night out with my friend, i accepted only knowing that my partner was also in town too, i remember getting sorted around 6.30pm and being picked up around 7.30 by my friend.We had a good night with me drinking non-alcholic drinks and after contacting my partner we arranged to meet sooner rather than later, We met and started to walk home, couldn't get a taxi (typical Glasgow City Centre) we took the easiest route, via Glasgow Royal Infirmary, we got home around 1.30am, we tucked up in bed and dozed off. I was woken by the knocking on my front door, i nudged my partner Jamie and asked him to anwser it. Through a dazed/dreamy way i heard a mans voice asking for me, I remember my Jamie asking what the problem was and getting the reply "we must speak to Yvonne Brady". Jamie escorted the police into the living room and came to fetch me, When i entered the living room the police confirmed my name and asked me the whereabouts of my dad ! I replied that he was at work (he'd taken on a part-time job over the christmas holidays) and i told them where he was based for his nightshift, The police man confirmed my dads name and told me he was in hospital, he'd had a heart attack. I was still half sleeping and didn't take in what he was saying to me, i thought he was ok but still in hospital. The police asked if we wanted an escort to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary(where i passed and didn't know he was already there) we accepted because Jamie had been drinking alcohol and i haven't got a licence, I was lead through corridors and up lifts and through corridors and doors, up lifts and through corridors and up stairs and through corridors. It felt like never ending. We were led to a small room where we sat for what seemed like hours and then the police returned with a set of house keys and a rucksack, They asked me if they belonged to my dad, i took the keys from the officer and recognised a familiar photo, It was the little girl he sponsored Jamina from Ghana, I also identified his rucksack as his too.At that point the officer showed me to the room where he was lying, It was my dad, he was breathing by himself but was not concious, I didn't know what to think, i'd never been in this position before, was he ok ? , how serious was he ?Then i decided that i should call my sisters and brother to inform them that dads had some sort of heart attack!!They arrived within no time, we concentrated on the little flashing heart on the monitor as well as talking to him, The heart was getting lower by the number, we thought this was a good sign. It was early morning by this time and we decided that some of us should go home to rest or sort out the kids, I tried to lie down and rest with being 3 months pregnant, It was hard but i think i got about half an hour. The phone rang about 9.30am and it was my sister telling us to get to the hospital dad was deteriorating, When we got there he had totally changed, his appearance had changed. The doctor called round and asked the immediate family to gather in the family room, It was there they told us the news that broke our hearts, There was nothing they could do to help him, his brain had given up due to lack of oxygen. We sat for five-six hours with him, all his close friends and family were by his side, he shed 1 last tear which my sister caught in a tissue(she's still got that precious tissue). It was 5.05pm on sunday the 27th feburary 2000. The most precious man in my life was gone, to another place, driving the angels around in his special bus, I know he's happy where he is, spending time with his mum and dad.The next few days went in a blur, the amount of people who came round to my sisters house to pay their respects was comforting. Still not coming to terms to what had just happened, My next memory was the day dad came home for the wake, Dad was in the bedroom with candles burning, well wishers and friends paid their respects to the man we loved so much, the man they couldn't believe was gone.The day of his final mass we walked behind him to his place of prayer, we bypassed celtic football ground and stood for a minutes silence, his beloved football team.When we arrived at the chapel of rest i remember seeing lots of strangers just looking at us, who were they ? why were they staring at us ? i don't know !! When the service was finished i went home to get ready for my final farewell, The next morning was his cremation, Saturdy 4th of march 2000, the limos picked us up and drove us to Daldowie crematoriam, the song when entering was Patsy Cline's heartaches, That was it he was gone, from then on all i have is my memories of tears and joy !!, Patsy Cline also lead us out of the crematorium knowing i was leaving him behind,With tears flowing im praying to see him , peck his cheek, give him a cuddle one last time, i would have gave my life for one last glimpse. I pulled myself together for the sake of my unborn child and my 3 yr old girl Chloe, I knew from that day my baby would be James Francis Brady( McGowan Jnr), I got my wish, a little boy 7 months after dad passed. The saturday Dad left for his nightshift, he rode my nephew Paul's bike to work, During his journey he had a massive heartattack and collapsed in the street, where people were driving passed him thinking he was drunk or using drugs, eventually a taxi driver stopped and called an ambulance, he waited till they came. The paramedics used electric shock to bring Dad back into this world, they were succesful, only for about 24hrs, Dad's brain had given up, it only takes 6 minutes for the brain to be starved of oxygen, We can only guess how long he was lying there for, in the street with nobody willing to help, GOD, if only someone had stopped he may have been here today, But no-one can turn back time, Dad knows one day we all can be tog
ether again, till that day comes he will be loved and cherished always. Rest in peace Dad .

A million times we've needed you,
a million times we've cried,
if love could have saved you Dad,
you never would have died,
things we feel most deeply,
are the hardest things to say,
our dearest Dad, we love you,
in a very special way,
if we could have one lifetime wish,
one dream that could come true,
we'd pray to god with all our hearts,
for yesterday and for you.

We wrote your name in the sky,
but the wind blew it away,
We wrote your name in the sand,
but the waves wasted it away,
We wrote your name in our hearts,
and forever it will stay.




Loving you still Dad, always and forever, your chlidren xx

Granda Jimmy your a star and so special x

                              
When Tomrrow Starts Without Me





When tomorrow starts without me,
And Im not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
Than an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that i'd have to leave behind
All those i dearly love.

But as i turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From his great golden throne,
He said "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today for life on earth is past,
But here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same day
There's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand
And share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart. 

         

We love and miss you so much Dad x

Huggs from the sky






When the last rays have faded,
And the color falls from the sky,
When the pain starts to hit harder,
And when it gets tougher not to cry,

When your heart is barely beating,
And your world has fallen down,
When your mouth refuses to smile,
And only bears a frown,

Just remember that I see you,
And I'm holding you close to me,
That I'm kissing away the tears,
I want your smile to be set free.

I'm whispering that I love you,
And saying softly in your ear,
"One day you'll come meet me,
We'll stand together forever here."

But it is just not time yet,
For you to join me in the sky,
You have so much more to give,
Before it's your turn to fly high.

So when the sun has set at night,
And the pain grows in your heart,
When you replay all the memories,
Of us before we had to part,

When you miss hearing my voice,
And you feel like screaming "why?!"
Just remember I'm always with you-
And I'm sending hugs from the sky.

Rest in peace

Hey ! Granda Jimmy, We love and miss you lots xx

Dad



Dad...so many images come to mind
whenever I speak your name;
It seems without you in my life
things have never been the same.

What happened to those lazy days
when I was just a child;
When my life was consumed in you
in your love, and in your smile.

What happened to all those times
when I always looked to you;
No matter what happened in my life
you could make my gray skies blue.

Dad, some days I hear your voice
and turn to see your face;
Yet in my turning...it seems
the sound has been erased.

Dad, who will I turn to for answers
when life does not make sense;
Who will be there to hold me close
when the pieces just don't fit.

Oh, Dad, if I could turn back time
and once more hear your voice;
I'd tell you that out of all the dads
you would still be my choice.

Please always know I love you
and no one can take your place;
Years may come and go
but your memory will never be erased.

Today, Jesus, as You are listening
in your home above;
Would you go and find my dad
and give him all my love.

In My Paradise

----------------------------

Although i'm gone it's not goodbye
So try to smile and don't you cry
I've found my heaven in the skies
I'm a Celtic fan in paradise,

With golden skies and fields of green
A heaven that's beyond your dreams
Where Celtic fans can call their own
A place you'll never walk alone,

Everyday i meet new freinds
In a paradise that never ends
Where smiling faces beam with pride
In our colours side by side,

So live your life and please don't dwell
And be at peace i'm safe and well
In fields of green and golden skies
I wait for you in paradise.

Tommy deep in thought at Celtic park
(is he thinking of his Granda ?)




Some of the ghirls at Celtic park





                   Graphics by Kate @ Precious Memorials                           

MISSING YOU VERY MUCH GRANDA,
YOU'VE BEEN GONE 7YEARS NOW,
LOVE YOU ALWAYS X
27/02/2007

Thinking of you Dad on your seventh
anniversary, love you always x
27/02/2007
                                          

Time speeds on, 7 years have passed,
Since death its gloom, its shadow cast,
Within our home, where all seemed bright,
And took from us a shining light,
We miss that light, and ever will,
His vacant place there is none can fill,
Down here we mourn, but not in vain,
For up in Heaven we will meet again.

Love you always

They say there is a reason,
They say that time will heal,
But neither time nor reason,
Will change the way we feel,
For no-one knows the heartache,
That lies behind our smiles,
No-one knows how many times,
We have broken down and cried,
We want to tell you something,
So there won't be any doubt,
You're so wonderful to think of,
But so hard to be without






Sophie and Erin praying for Granda Jimmy

Dad as a handsome twenty something !





This is where Dad's ashes are in a memorial garden in Dublin

Losing A Loved One

Although your heart is hurting,
And you feel you can't go on
Know in that very moment
Your loved one wasn't alone

For God was there beside them
Holding onto their hand
As the time drew nearer
For them to leave this land

He held them close and whispered
"My child, your time is now"
"But how will my loved ones go on?"
He whispered, "I will show them how"

"I will give them strength and love
And comfort in the night,
I will fill their hearts with peace
Knowing you had wings as you took flight

You no longer walk amongst them
For now you fly above
With all my Heavenly angels
Spreading ever lasting and eternal love"

If I had one last day
to tell you what's inside
I'd tell you that I'm sorry
For all the times I've cried
I'd tell you that I need you
To hold my hand today
I'd tell you that I love you
I'd ask you, please, to stay
You'd look at me and smile
The way you always would
And say "I'd love to stay,
If only I really could"
Then you'd laugh the way you did
Whenever I was blue
You'd wipe my tears and whisper softely,
"Don't cry, I love you too"
If I had one last day
I'd love you from the start
I'd stop hiding how I feel
I'd say what's in my heart
If I had one last day,
I'd say my last good-bye
and that even though you are far away,
In my heart, you'll never die.

He has gone across the river,
To the shore of evergreen,
And we long to see his smiling face,
But the river flows between,
Someday, sometime we shall see,                     
The face we love so well,
Someday we'll clasp his hands,
And never say farewell.

We think of you in silence,
We often speak your name,
But all we have is memories,
And your picture in a frame,
Your resting place we visit,
And put flowers there with care,
But know one knows the heartache,
As we turn and leave you there.

We sit and wonder
how it would be,
if you were here now
just to be with me,
 
How would it feel
if god anwsered our prayer,
and let you hold us
so we know you care,

How would it sound
if your voice ran through our ears,
thinking we could talk to you
brings us straight to tears,

How would it look
to our kids on your lap,
or laying on your chest
while you took a nap,

All of these things
we would love to know,
if just for a moment
then we'd let you go,

But we will never find out
and it hurts so bad,
our kids have no Granda
and we have no Dad.





We go through life so often
not stopping to enjoy the day,
and we take each one for granted
as we travel on our way.

we never stop to measure
anything we just might miss, but
 if the wind should blow by softly
you'll feel an angels kiss.


A kiss thats sent from heaven
a kiss from up above,
a kiss thats very special
from someone that you love.


For in your pain and sorrow
an angel kiss will help you through,
this kiss is very private
for its only meant for you.


So when your hearts are heavy
and filled with tears and pain,
and no-one can console you
remember once again..........


About the ones that you grieve for
because you sadly miss,
and the gentle breeze you took for granted
was just...........An angels kiss.








I found a penny today
just lying on the ground,
but its not just a penny
its a little coin i've found.


Found pennies come form heaven
thats what my dad told me,
he said "Angels toss them down"
oh' how i love that story told.


He said when an angel misses you
they toss a penny down,
sometimes its just to cheer you up
 to make a smile from your frown.


So don't bypass that penny
when your feeling blue,
it may be a penny from heaven
that an angel tossed for you.

Hi Granda, I was in my mum's tummy when you went away x

*I've Only Gone To Rest A While*

Fill not your heart with pain and sorrow,

but remember me in every tomorrow.

Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles.

I've only gone to rest awhile.

Although my leaving causes pain and grief,

my going has eased my hurt and given me relief.

So dry your eyes and remember me,

not as I am but as I used to be.

I will remember you all and look on with a smile.

Understand, in your hearts I've only gone to rest

a little while.

As long as I have the love of each of you,

I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.







10.6.2007

              10th June 2007                  

62nd birthday today, 10.06.2007

               
                                               
Happy Birthday Dad, Love you loads x



               We would like to thank all 
          
                the precious memorials 

                members for all their kind
               
                words when lighting candles

                and writing condolences, its

                 comforting to know that our

                 Dad is thought of by others

                 all around the world, he was

                 an amazing, kind Dad and 

                 loving Granda too, so thanks

                 again everyone xxxx 

                  LOVE YOU ALWYS DAD                   

                              

To My Dearest Family:
Some things I'd like to say
but first of all to let you know
that I arrived okay
I'm writing this from Heaven
where I dwell with God above
where there's no more tears
or sadness there
is just eternal love
Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight
remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night
That day I had to leave you
when my life on Earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said I welcome you
It's good to have you back again
you were missed while you were gone
as for your dearest family
they'll be here later on
I need you here so badly
as part of My big plan
there's so much that we have to do
to help our mortal man
Then God gave me a list of things
He wished for me to do
and foremost on that list of mine
is to watch and care for you
And I will be beside you
every day and week and year
and when you're sad
I'm standing there
to wipe away the tear
And when you lie in bed at night
the days chores put to flight
God and I are closest to you
in the middle of the night
When you think of my life on Earth
and all those loving years
because you're only human
they are bound to bring you tears
But do not be afraid to cry
it does relieve the pain
remember there would be no flowers
unless there was some rain
I wish that I could tell you
of all that God has planned
but if I were to tell you
you wouldn't understand
But one thing is for certain
though my life on Earth is o're
I am closer to you now
than I ever was before
And to my very many friends
trust God knows what is best
I'm still not far away from you
I'm just beyond the crest
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb
but together we can do it
taking one day at a time
It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too
that as you give unto the World
so the World will give to you
If you can help somebody
who is in sorrow or in pain
then you can say to God at night
my day was not in vain
And now I am contented
that my life it was worthwhile
knowing as I passed along the way
I made somebody smile
So if you meet somebody
who is down and feeling low
just lend a hand to pick him up
as on your way you go
When you are walking
down the street
and you've got me on your mind
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind
And when you feel the gentle breeze
or the wind upon your face
that's me giving you a great big hug
or just a soft embrace
And when it's time for you to go
from that body to be free
remember you're not going
you are coming here to me
And I will always love you
from that land way up above
Will be in touch again soon
P.S. God sends His Love
--Author Unknown

I have not turned my back on you,
so there is no need to cry.
I'm watching you from heaven,
just beyond the morning sky.
I've seen you almost fall apart,
when you could barely stand.
I asked the Lord to comfort you,
and watched him take your hand.
He told me you are in more pain,
then I could ever be.
He wiped his eyes and swallowed hard,
then gave your hand to me.
Although you may not feel my touch,
or see me by your side.
I've whispered that I love you,
while I wiped each tear you cried.
So please try not to ache for me,
we'll meet again one day,
beyond the dark and stormy sky,
a Rainbow lights the way.

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,
The sun will rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too,
Life at times will catch you unawares but please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand.
He said my place was ready, in heaven way up above,
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly loved.
As I turned to walk away, the tears fell from my eyes,
For all my life I'd always thought I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do,
It seemed so very cruel to me that I was leaving you.
Thoughts of all our yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
Are remembered for all the love we shared especially the fun we had.
If I could relive just yesterday, even for a short while,
I'd say my goodbyes and kiss you, and hopefully see you smile.
As the days pass into weeks, don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me, I'll be there in your heart

Dad...
I do not need a special day to bring you to my mind.
The days I do not think of you are very hard to find.
Each morning when I awake I know that you are gone.
And no one knows the heartache as I try to carry on.
My heart still aches with sadness and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you no one will ever know.
My thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill.
In life I loved you dearly; in death I love you still.

 x  No.1 Granda  x    

I know my time has ended,
Its time for me to leave.
I want you all to know,
You mean so much to me.
Why I had to go,
Was a mystery to me.
All I heard was God,
Saying “ Please come home to me.”
So I left my friends and family,
I didn’t say goodbye.
All I got to see,
Were the tears in their eyes.
But as I saw them crying,
I asked them not to grieve.
Knowing how much we care,
That our love will never cease.
You can look up at the sky,
And look over to the sea.
When you feel that gentle breeze,
You always think of me.
Now your time has come,
To join me up above.
So now were reunited,
And still, we have our love.

                                                
                                  

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below

with tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away that tear,

for I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,

but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,

for it's beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,

but I am not so far away. We really aren't apart.

So, be happy for me dear ones, for you know I'm spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above:

"My undying love!"

After all, "love" is the gift more precious than pure gold.

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do,

for I can't count the many blessings or love He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.

Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus this year.

                                   Merry Christmas 2007                                 

NATURE'S WONDERS

Have you ever wondered what makes the wind blow?
Could it be our loved ones blowing us a kiss?

Have you ever wondered what makes the stars shine?
Is it our loved ones keeping watch over us while we sleep?

Have you ever wondered what makes the skies cry?
Could it be our loved ones missing us?

Have you ever wondered what makes the sun shine?
Is it our loved ones giving us a warm hug?

Have you ever wondered what makes the ocean waves come pounding to shore?
Could it be our loved ones wanting to touch us once more?

There are so many of natures wonders and do we really know why?
Is there a higher power making sure we always remember the loved one we’ve lost and shall never forget.

                        Happy Valentine's Day Dad

DAD..

GOT A PICTURE OF YOU I CARRY IN MY HEART,
CLOSE MY EYES TO SEE IT WHEN THE WORLD GETS DARK,

GOT A MEMORY OF YOU I CARRY IN MY SOUL,
I WRAP IT UP CLOSE AROUND ME WHEN THE
NIGHTS GET COLD,

IF YOU'D ASK ME HOW I'M DOING, I'D SAY JUST
FINE,
BUT THE TRUTH IS, IF YOU COULD READ MY
MIND,
NOT A DAY GOES BY, THAT I DON'T THINK OF
YOU,
AFTER ALL THIS TIME, YOUR WITH ME ITS TRUE,
SOMEHOW YOU REMAIN LOCKED SO DEEP INSIDE,
NOT A DAY GOES BY.......

8 Years gone Dad, still missed and loved by all your family xx

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too,
I think of you in silence I often speak your name
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame
Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part
God has you in His keeping I have you in my heart

When someone you love becomes a memory,
the memory becomes a treasure.

Happy Birthday Granda Jimmy, 63 Today xx

Happy 63rd Birthday Dad, 2008, Miss you loads xx

 2008

2008

Light a candle for those we mourn.

Into a new life they will be born.

Do not look for them at the gravesite.

They are somewhere else radiating their beautiful light.

They have gone to a new world where there is no darkness, no pain.

Their light and essence will always remain.

Light a candle for those who have left this mortal place.

They are free to travel through time and space.

When we think of them, they are near.

When we sit in a beautiful garden. Their voices we hear.

When we listen to a divine symphony,

We close our eyes, their faces we see.

Light a candle for they have not really gone.

With each flickering flame, in your hearts they will always belong.

 YOUR 9TH YEAR IN HEAVEN DAD

Love and miss you Granda Jimmy everyday

To Those Whom I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You must not tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that I have had so many years

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness
I think you for the love each have shown
But now it is time I traveled on alone

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It is only for a while that we must part
So bless the memoriss in your heart

I will not be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can not see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear
All of my love around you soft and clear

Then, when you must come this way alone
I will greet you with a smile and a
"Welcome Home"

Happy Birthday Dad, 64 today 10.6.45

Love you always

Happy Birthday Granda Jimmy, love and miss you so much x

10th June 2009

Happy Father's Day Dad 2009

Love and miss you always