A Father's Tribute [Archive] - Ceramic Tile Advice Forums - John Bridge Ceramic Tile

PDA

View Full Version : A Father's Tribute


Grunt
03-13-2009, 10:03 AM
I have just returned from attending my daughter's funeral in Omaha, Nebraska and I feel compelled to write this tribute.
You folks did not know Dawn as she always walked in the shadows of this forum. She used to tell me that she did not feel knowledgeable enough to contribute as (in her words) "they all seem to do perfect work". She did explore the site and references to gain more knowledge.
Dawn and her husband Steve were a two person company who installed tile in and around the Omaha area.
Unfortunately I never visited her to see her work, my failing, although she did come to Washington to help me on projects from time to time.
The service was held in the Ambassador Worship Center and was attended by over 400 people, which made me so proud that Dawn was loved and respected by so many.
The "Center" is a converted Wal-Mart. Dawn set all of the tile in the church while realizing no compensation for her work. She said the blessings were enough.
One component of the project was her favorite. A 13 stall women's bathroom. I am sure the women of the forum will realize what a "blessing" that would be, especially if they have ever stood in line. Dawn felt like the bathroom was so large that it required it's own zip code. Thus, she created a mosaic, which would make Trask proud, so designating "Women's Town" with an imaginary zip code. This will be mounted in the bathroom with a dedicatory brass plaque.
Dawn's legacy will continue in Omaha through the church and the many private residences and commercial tile projects which she and Steve installed.
I want you to know that the brother/sisterhood of tile installers has lost a person with "Mad Skills". I wish that each of you could have known her personally.
I could fill pages and pages with my favorite stories about Dawn, but that is not what this tribute is about. As tile setting was her profession and passion I felt that her passing should be acknowledged in a forum of her brothers and sisters.
I just wanted each of you to know a little about Dawn and hope that you will remember her husband in your thoughts and prayers.

Farewell Dawnie, you will be missed terribly!!!!

Thank you for taking a moment to remember my daughter.

Mike Madsen

Sponsored Links


Tilehelperdan
03-13-2009, 10:09 AM
Mike, you have my deepest condolences. Your daughter sounds like she was a wonderful woman and talented setter. And tiling a church free of charge shows what kind of person she was. The world is a less beautiful place each time someone like this is lost.

Your family have my prayers.

SK Builders
03-13-2009, 10:24 AM
Sorry for your loss, she is no doubt designing a room in heaven for a tile job:tup1:

davem
03-13-2009, 10:43 AM
Mike,

So sorry for your loss. I choked up reading your post, it sounds like your Dawn was a wonderful person, and you're right to be so proud of her. All the best and again my condolences.

cx
03-13-2009, 10:51 AM
That's a tough one, Mike. May your grief be short and your memories long.

customceramicsllc
03-13-2009, 11:43 AM
so sad mike,condolences,how old was she?

tilerite
03-13-2009, 11:44 AM
Mike
I just got home from work (setting tile, of course) and before jumping in the shower, I wanted to take a five minute breather and look through the forums that I regularly take part in. Your post was the first one I read. It might as well be the last, as I doubt I will find another that will move me as yours did.
It took a lot of courage to post your thoughts on the forum after losing your daughter. I can only offer you my deepest heartfelt sympathies and say "thank you" for sharing such a personal story. I did not know your daughter but I bet she would be awful proud to hear your powerful words about her. God Bless!!!!

java
03-13-2009, 12:03 PM
Mike - My sincere condolences.

Your tribute was very touching. I'm sure Dawn would have been a friend and inspiration to all of us here as she was to all who knew her.

Old World Tile and Marble
03-13-2009, 06:18 PM
mike me and my wife grew very frustrated in trying to have children .we have an 11 year old daughter.
been so stressed about work and some other things that you kinda forget about things.

thank you for posting this

Oldrem
03-13-2009, 06:23 PM
My condolences Mike, it sounds like you raised her well and had every right to be proud. Maybe she's tiling heaven now.

gueuzeman
03-13-2009, 06:39 PM
Parents aren't supposed to bury their children, that stinks.

Peace.

gueuze

Mountain Tile
03-13-2009, 08:55 PM
Nice tribute Mike, sorry for your loss.

Davestone
03-13-2009, 09:08 PM
:o

Theold--scottyb
03-13-2009, 09:11 PM
Very sad.. Prayers are with you and yours.

Brian in San Diego
03-13-2009, 10:53 PM
Mike,

I am very sorry for your loss and thank you for posting your tribute to your lovely daughter. My condolences and thoughts are with you.

Brian

crete51
03-13-2009, 11:23 PM
You are living my only fear mike.. words could never be enough

HS345
03-14-2009, 12:09 AM
Mike,
Heartfelt condolences to you and yours.

Thank you for sharing that very moving tribute with all of us, I got choked up as well.

I wish we could have gotten to know Dawn.

Her husband, you, and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

SSM
03-14-2009, 12:23 AM
Mike, thank you for sharing this and posting such a wonderful tribute. The story about the lady's room at the Worship Center that needed its own zip code is very inspirational. She was extraordinary, that is for sure. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Swimmer Steve
03-14-2009, 07:21 AM
So sorry about your loss Mike.

I hope to be a better Dad because of your inspiring tribute.

Bugman
03-14-2009, 08:31 AM
Mike, I can't imagine what it must be like for you to go through this. Thanks for sharing a most wonderful tribute to a wonderful person. All of you are in our prayers.

Lazarus
03-14-2009, 09:10 AM
As was said, Mike...parents aren't supposed to outlive their children, and it's truly tragic when that happens. I regret that we didn't know her here on the Forum as I'm sure she would have had much to contribute.

All you can do, my friend is to take each day as it comes. Don't count the breaths she took; count the times she took your breath away.

kate42
03-23-2009, 09:32 PM
As was said, Mike...parents aren't supposed to outlive their children, and it's truly tragic when that happens.

I can't say it any better. My condolences to you and your family.

Grunt
03-28-2009, 04:52 PM
It has been a while since I have visited the forum. Just wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and prayers. The days are getting a little easier. I find that I am gradually beginning to think more about the things I did right as a father and less about the things I did wrong.
Time heals, just a little slower when the wound is so deep.
Thank you to all who care.
Mike Madsen

John Bridge
03-28-2009, 06:00 PM
Hey Mike,

Very sorry to hear that. We'll be heading up your way the end of May, mabye the first of June. Maybe we can get together.

justin savage
03-29-2009, 05:33 AM
My condolences to you and your family. justin

mossypath
03-29-2009, 08:21 AM
The service was held in the Ambassador Worship Center and was attended by over 400 people,

You know she has touched the lives of many. May we all be inspired by her example and live a life of love and service to others.

irish tileguy in michigan
03-29-2009, 09:16 AM
Mike , my heartfelt condolences to you and your family