Tuesday, August 25, 2009

lose ends

   The loss of a parent is a deeply personal, yet strangely communal event. Dad passed on August 2nd early in the morning, before the sun rose. My sister, husband and I had the honor of witnessing his journey and I will never forget this unique and graceful experience. Many of the things our society believes about death have finally been put to rest. I will look at the end of life very differently from now on. Less fear and more peace.
Indulge me for a moment if you will. My father was a wonderful, kind man. He had a ready smile and loved his family without reservation. Dad worked hard all his life; played hard and loved greatly.  My mother was the great love of his life and he cared for her and cherished her in a gentle and warm way. His only regret was having to leave her behind. I know that he will watch over all of us and especially Mom. 
Grief is a selfish thing for all of us. We will miss Dad every day and struggle to hold on to the knowledge that he has no more pain. A better place they call it. I hope this is so for he deserved it more than many people I know. I am missing him all the time and have not quite gotten over the fact that I can't pick up the phone and call him or take the dog for a visit. I get weepy more times than I would care to admit and find that my mind wanders often.
I have spent a lot of time with my knitting and stick to simple projects as I find that I have been more easily frustrated. 
Dad got in the right line up there as the afternoon of the day he left us, the sun came out and after many days of rain, we were graced with more than a week of lovely summer weather. Thanks Dad....now about those lottery numbers....
I miss you Dad. Love Missy