Cassidy Gifford suffered a terrible blow on Sunday–along with brother Cody and mom Kathie Lee Gifford–when her father Frank Gifford died at home of natural causes at the age of 84. Just 22, she didn’t get to have her father for the better part of her life. He never had the opportunity to walk her down the aisle or to meet her future children.
On Monday, Cassidy Gifford honored her late father in an Instagram post. She thanked those who shared their love and support since learning of Frank Gifford’s passing.
Posting an old photo of herself with her dad, Cassidy Gifford was just a little girl, riding on her father’s shoulders.
“Very few people are blessed enough to call their father a legend, and an even smaller number are able to share that notion with the rest of the world. Today of all days I can genuinely say I am humbled by the outpour of love and support my family has received. Yesterday, I lost my best friend… His kindness was infectious, and his grace, beyond compare .. And despite the worldly passing of an incredible man, I undoubtedly know heaven gained one stud of an angel. Philippians 4:13 has never rung so true.. You were an unparalleled Giant in all sense of the word, Dad.. So keep doin’ you up there, because no one does it better, and no one ever will,” she captioned the precious shot.
Cassidy Gifford isn’t the only family member exuding a great deal of strength in the midst of so much pain. Her mom Kathie Lee Gifford is leaning on her strong Christian faith to get her through these painful days.
Hoda Kotb, who co-hosts the fourth hour of The Today Show each weekday alongside Kathie Lee, shared something Frank Gifford’s widow said just hours after he died on Sunday.
“Kath said something to me yesterday,” Kotb said during Monday’s segment. “She said, ‘This is not a tragedy.’ I was holding her hand, and she said, ‘A 4-year-old girl having cancer is a tragedy. Frank lived to be almost 85.’ She said, ‘He lived an incredible life, has an incredible family, had an incredible legacy.’ She said, ‘His life is a triumph.”
There’s no doubt Cassidy Gifford gets her strength from the example her mom has and is still setting for her.
Cassidy Gifford writes a touching tribute to her late father Frank, calling him her "best friend" http://t.co/I3YT9xy0Jr
— Page Six (@PageSix) August 11, 2015
How wonderful she understands the blessing of having had her father for her first 22 years. Cassidy Gifford will hopefully cling to that blessing rather than mourning the years they won’t get to spend together.
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