Sitting here at Mom's, listening to the sounds - the furnace kicking on and off, hearing the ice maker filling up with water and then dispensing the ice, the alarm system indicating which door is being opened - all were the same sounds we as a family were listening to four years ago tonight. But those sounds back then sounded as if a B24 Bomber was flying over the roof of the house! Each noise was so loud, but as I listen to them tonight, they really weren't as loud as we thought they were.
Four years ago tonight we knew that Dad was about to leave us and go to his heavenly home and be with God and all those who had gone before him. To let go was not easy, but when Dad said he was ready to go home, and seeing the strength that Mom had, told all four of us - Dink, John, Mike, and myself - it was time to say good-bye. I have never liked saying good-bye because it always sounded too final to me. I will say, "I'll see you later, or I love you," and I will try and steer away from saying good-bye. Occasionally, I will say "bye" which doesn't sound as final to me!
Not only were the four of us here, but so were Rhonda, Debbie, Billy, Todd. Bobby, Meghan, and Bill were coming and going. David even was able to come to the house before Dec 2 and spend the afernoon. Dad loved not only Mom, his four children, but he loved his in-laws, and oh those precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I know this will make some of you cry and wonder how I can write this. It's not easy by any means because not only does Mom miss Dad everyday, so do the rest of us. Everywhere I look, I see Dad. There is something he made or fixed; or it's the place he always sat; and it's the smell of the wood where he had been working in the wood shop. Dad may be gone from our presence, but his memory is with us always.
The one thing I really regret was that I was not here when Dad left. I was on my way to get some relief from a sciatica nerve problem which had caused me to be almost doubled over. For a week I had put off going because I wanted to spend all the time I could with Mom and the rest of the family as Dad was about to begin his journey Home. The pain took over, and I did leave. It was also the time Dad left for his heavenly home. Before going out the door that morning, I kissed my dad; told him I loved him; and told him good-bye. I think I knew in my heart that my daddy was going to a far better place before I returned back to the house.
I do feel comfort in that I know that my brothers, sisters-in-law, and nephews were here with Mom as she said good-bye to Dad. They held his hands and assured him that we would take care of Mom - his one concern was always about Mom - he was her protector and provider for 59 years, and he didn't want her to worry about anything. Dad knew deep down that we would all be there for Mom. Mom told Dad it was okay and that she would be fine. A gentle peace seemed to go over Dad and he knew in his heart that all would be well - God was in control.
Much has happened in the past four years. Mom had a stroke/heart attack and recovered. Her eye-sight is getting worse, but she is still plugging along doing almost anything she wants. She will be turning 90 years old in February - so let's have a party!!!!! She is very active with the activities at church and loves every moment of it - even though she tires quicker now than she use to!
Dink suffered a stroke and heart attack back in February. He is progressing and we are so thankful for him and his progress. Rhonda has been support, cheer leader, and coach - and for that we love her that much more!!!!! Dink, I know Rhonda reads the blog to you, so I am telling you that your "favorite" sister LOVES YOU!!!!! and we are all so proud of you!!!!
We've had three weddings - David and Jeni; Bobby and Shanda; and Todd and Cassie. There have been two great grand-daughters born - Brooke Irene and Cora Ann; plus we have another baby on the way (Dawn) - due to be here in May.
With the many happy things that have happened, we have also had many more who we have had to say good-bye to which included many aunts and cousins; and then our precious brother John. I know that my twin was greeted by Dad and the rejoicing that has been going up there has brightened the heavens to the highest. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about both Dad and John. I would love to be able to pick up the phone and call each one of them and say one more time, "I love you." Dad would say, "I love you too;" while John would say, "Ditto, Sis!"
When leaving your family and close friends, don't just say "good-bye" - tell them you will see them soon and that you love them, because you never know if you'll get another chance to say that!
This post is for you Dad! We are trying our best to take care of Mom and watch over her. You would be so proud that she has been honored for being a Rosie the Riveter. I'm sure you hear her when she is talking about something you did years ago - many times it was something that could get you in trouble with her! :):) Her love for you has never wained, and she knows that you are waiting on her - it's just not time for us to say good-bye to her yet! We love you Dad and miss you so very much!
2 comments:
What a beautiful post. I love that picture, it's from our vacation at Nag's Head. We had so much fun. Dink and I were just discussing how long he's been gone. I called Grandma to let her know I remembered. The fact that God called John and Papaw first proves he loves a jokester.
This is one of my favorite pictures of Dad. He and Mom both talked about that vacation. I good time was had by all!!! I'm sure Dad, Uncle Pak, Uncle Pete, and my Pappaw are having a great time pulling one over on John. THey all loved to tease him!! And he loved then doing it!!!
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