My dad lost his father last Saturday. He had been battling bone cancer for the past 10 months and although his passing wasn't unexpected, it was still hard on the family. I'm happy to say that he passed peacefully at home and under his own terms. He never went to the hospital, hospice came to him so he never had to leave his home. My dad was able to spend the last week with him and I know that meant a lot to them both.
The funeral was Tuesday afternoon so I flew to Texarkana on Monday and then returned home Wednesday. I'm happy that I was able to be there for my family. My dad was and probably still is exhausted. I'm praying for him daily.
This is the first close family member of mine to pass away. I feel as if I'm in a fog still and I know I haven't quite gripped everything yet. We didn't necessarily have a close relationship but it wasn't strained either. Just a lot of miles and generational/personal differences. The littlest things are the ones that get me emotional. Seeing my dad upset, watching my niece hug his neck so hard, thinking about what I might feel like if it was my parents, blah-blah.
I learned a bunch about my grandfather during those two days there for his services. He was a deacon for the church, went all the time. I had no idea! He also retired from the military and worked with the missile defense program which ironically, so does my husband. He was a very strong man; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Bone cancer isn't easy to deal with, it's extremely painful. He lived a modest lifestyle but was a very wealthy man. (Unfortunately, wealth makes death become very nasty among those left behind.)
Anyway, in his last ten months of his life he was able to see another litter of Jack Russell Terrier puppies be born, he loved them so much. He also was able to enjoy another gardening season in which he sold/gave most of his produce away. (Thanks to my dad who slaved away every Sunday on that garden!) He also visited with all of his family. Here's a picture from our visit at Christmas:
Bye Peepaw, love ya!
5 comments:
shea, that was beautifully written
and it made me cry.
love you
mom
I love you too mom!
I've wanted to write this all week but didn't have the time.
Hope that you and dad are doing okay. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Talk to you this weekend.
You made me cry again! It amazes me how you and Shelly both say this is the first person close to pass. I've had so many friends of of course Wanda, my mother-in-law, pass but it never gets any easier. Love you.
You know Caeli said the most touching thing the other day. "It's okay Mom, Peepaw just turned the page." How awesome is that! And I totally believe that! Not an ending at all, just another chapter in his book. It really hit home with me. Love you!
I am so sorry, Shea. Praying for your family.
Post a Comment