See you later Dad ... I LOVE YOU!
My Dad passed away early Sunday morning at 7:16 am at home with my brothers - Jon and David, my mom and two of my sisters - Sherry and Judy. A last breath of life on earth. I'm certain he is rejoicing on the exit from a tired weary body and the passing to the other side. I was thinking about the reunion that took place as He was welcomed by those he loved and missed. His mother, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, nephews, friends, etc.
It is a hard thing to let go of those you love. I have some regrets, some hurt, memories and good stuff. I try to concentrate on the good and give credit for the good intentions and memories that could have been. Thank you Dad for having a good sense of humor when I was stressed out by farm experiences, thank you for showing me the beauty of nature, sowing and reaping. Thank you for the hard work that taught me that I can do anything that is required.
My favorites were... knowing that you came home for breakfast after early chores to have a meal with us and start our day with family prayer. The language of love that I felt when you drove us to school on a cold winter day so we wouldn't have to walk. Thank you for the words you kept to yourself when you ate a meal prepared by a young cook who didn't use spices sparingly. Thank you for the memories of hearing you sing in the car or the truck on the way to the farm... or on the way to visit relatives -one of my favorites is 'Edelweiss' . Thank you for the soft serve cones I loved from the Drive In. Thank you for the first chocolate bar and first soda pop I remember having from the store in Del Bonita. (Yes - snack bar and orange crush) Thank you for the dogs and horses and kittens I was able to love and remember fondly. Thank you for the words of wisdom as I've struggled with the heartache as a parent - 'Shelly, we all make mistakes, it's just that sometimes we think our childrens mistakes are worse than our own.. but they are not - they are only different than the mistakes we make. Work on your own and let them work on theirs.'
Dad, You did a good job. I'll see you later.
Luv ya, Shelly
Shelly, thanks for the post. We are going to fly up tomorrow night. We look forward to seeing you. Amber and I appreciate your blog and staying updated with your family.
ReplyDeleteBrent
We look forward to seeing you guys. We will be staying overnight Thursday & Friday in Barnwell at Todd's parents home (they are here visiting us right now - so we'll have their van to drive while we are there)
ReplyDeleteTheir Phone # is 403.223.1423 . Or you can reach us on Todd's cell at 985.201.2901
(Matt's cell is 985.788.8899.) He arrives in Great Falls tomorrow at 12;41 PM from SLC. Marm is going to pick him up. He departs on Tuesday from Great Falls at 1:06 PM. We are so excited to see everyone.
Shelly, I was in Raymond on Friday doing a little work on the "project" and I saw your Dad's obituary in the paper. Our thoughts are with you this weekend as you remember the wonderful experiences that your family has shared.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to all.
love Stan and Gerry.