Today was the Indianapolis 500..This was one of my Dad's favorite events! One year he even got to go see it in person! Unfortunately it was the shortest race in its history. RAIN..I can just imagine he got a real close up look today to watch the race.
I am struggling with grieving. I'm not sure why. I think it's partly because I'm still numb. I also think there has been so much loss in the last month that I can't process any of it. I was thinking that returning to my "normal" life would help, but I'm not sure. I was reading an article about a person in a tv show who recently lost her father and her comment was that she was recuperating from her father's death. I understand that. I talked to Debbie about it and she is feeling the same thing. She and I are both real tired!! Maybe when we scatter Dad's ashes we will feel whatever it is we are to feel..I don't know..I'm not looking forward to that..nervous...
Friday I visited my Mom. It is so hard to see her in her current condition. She fell again last week and has a huge bruise on her forehead. When Dad died, he didn't have time to become ravaged by his disease..Mom has..she is skin and bones.
We are looking forward to the holiday tomorrow. Reg will be trying out his new toy..I think it's called a BBQ pit..he'll be cooking a chuck roast..
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Coping
In the past 5 weeks, there have been 4 deaths in our lives. Another friend has just found he's got cancer throughout his body..we are struggling to cope. Our faith in the Lord says that we will get through this..I have no doubt about that..It's the getting through that's tough!!
My Dad's home phone was disconnected Monday. 253-588-5663..they had that number for nearly 35 years! Well, I think the area code started out as 206..back in the day when there was one area code for western Washington and one for eastern Washington..I called the number to make sure it was done..it was..I cried...Now, I'm in the process of disconnecting the cell phone. Then it's taking his name out of my speed dial..it's all so hard..next month Debbie and I will go through our first "first." Father's Day...The Hearn's will have their annual Museum of Flight trip and tailgate party..the rest will be different..
Life will slowly return to normal..I hope..hey, the American Idol final results were tonight..that was fun to watch! Either finalist winning was fine..it was David Cook, the rocker! Kristin is happy!!
My Dad's home phone was disconnected Monday. 253-588-5663..they had that number for nearly 35 years! Well, I think the area code started out as 206..back in the day when there was one area code for western Washington and one for eastern Washington..I called the number to make sure it was done..it was..I cried...Now, I'm in the process of disconnecting the cell phone. Then it's taking his name out of my speed dial..it's all so hard..next month Debbie and I will go through our first "first." Father's Day...The Hearn's will have their annual Museum of Flight trip and tailgate party..the rest will be different..
Life will slowly return to normal..I hope..hey, the American Idol final results were tonight..that was fun to watch! Either finalist winning was fine..it was David Cook, the rocker! Kristin is happy!!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
From my cousin, Paul
How strange to write an e-mail to an address whose owner has passed on. How nice to know his loving kin will read it.
My Uncle John had a significant influence on me.
The earliest memories are of a very lively figure, a boisterous tone, ready with a friendly challenge about something…sometimes, anything.
I came to always look forward to seeing John at family get-togethers because of these qualities. He was always ready with a joke, a humorous and counter-independent perspective, a rib or a jibe. He often kept me off balance, in a pleasant and challenging way. To this child, John seemed a different sort of adult.
We played ping pong, it seems like, a lot of ping pong for a period of a few years. He would have trouble moving around but not in beating me. I thought he was better than me, but he claimed it was because I was always talking. His most common remark to me during ping pong was, “SHUT UP!” I know now, of course, that I was constantly talking at that age (has anything changed?) but he was the only adult who ever confronted me about it, and I found it amusing and, again, pleasantly challenging.
My father and his father owned their own business and so by the time I was a teen-ager I was used to independent entrepreneurship. But it was during this period that I realized John made his living almost solo, leading strategic planning sessions. That also seemed remarkable to me at the time, and although there was no intention to emulate, it is ironic that my company today does much of its business the same way. Not emulation then, but perhaps more comfortable making that choice having seen a good example early on. Similarly, his departure from Deloitte made my decision much later to leave Xerox less unusual in my own mind.
Of course, John, Anne and Carolyn were kind enough to take me in upon my return from Africa and give me a chance to start an adult life in the Northwest. I am sure their patience was tried many times but ultimately the graft took and of course there I eventually met Shelia and many happy years have passed. I am forever grateful for their support in getting that start.
If I recall correctly, my last really personal, one on one interaction with John was around 1985 (so long ago!), as I was going through a tough patch. For some reason I can’t recall now, he and I were speaking on the phone. He asked me if I was having fun. I said, “No.” He said, “Good, then you must be learning something.”
At the time, my reaction to that was not positive, tough I kept it to myself. But a few hours later I grudgingly realized that comment was a reason for hope, and I took to figuring out what it was I was learning. Which, of course, was the path out that he sought to illuminate.
Much later, recollection of that comment brings a wry smile and an appreciation for a man who could not only see through the immediate situation to the truth of it but was also unafraid to upbraid you, in a loving way and insightfully for your own good, to bring the real picture to your attention.
All good people have soul, of course. Most people conduct their lives in such a way that the soul is kept in the background, on duty as a guide and a lens, but kept out of the trivial day to day dealings of life. A few people, however, have their soul in their driver’s seat. John was a such a person, and he was authentic to his soul every time I dealt with him.
I will miss John, but I am quite confident he continues in Heaven, playing ping pong with someone who needs a life lesson, saying to them, “Shut Up!” in a way that also makes them laugh.
My Uncle John had a significant influence on me.
The earliest memories are of a very lively figure, a boisterous tone, ready with a friendly challenge about something…sometimes, anything.
I came to always look forward to seeing John at family get-togethers because of these qualities. He was always ready with a joke, a humorous and counter-independent perspective, a rib or a jibe. He often kept me off balance, in a pleasant and challenging way. To this child, John seemed a different sort of adult.
We played ping pong, it seems like, a lot of ping pong for a period of a few years. He would have trouble moving around but not in beating me. I thought he was better than me, but he claimed it was because I was always talking. His most common remark to me during ping pong was, “SHUT UP!” I know now, of course, that I was constantly talking at that age (has anything changed?) but he was the only adult who ever confronted me about it, and I found it amusing and, again, pleasantly challenging.
My father and his father owned their own business and so by the time I was a teen-ager I was used to independent entrepreneurship. But it was during this period that I realized John made his living almost solo, leading strategic planning sessions. That also seemed remarkable to me at the time, and although there was no intention to emulate, it is ironic that my company today does much of its business the same way. Not emulation then, but perhaps more comfortable making that choice having seen a good example early on. Similarly, his departure from Deloitte made my decision much later to leave Xerox less unusual in my own mind.
Of course, John, Anne and Carolyn were kind enough to take me in upon my return from Africa and give me a chance to start an adult life in the Northwest. I am sure their patience was tried many times but ultimately the graft took and of course there I eventually met Shelia and many happy years have passed. I am forever grateful for their support in getting that start.
If I recall correctly, my last really personal, one on one interaction with John was around 1985 (so long ago!), as I was going through a tough patch. For some reason I can’t recall now, he and I were speaking on the phone. He asked me if I was having fun. I said, “No.” He said, “Good, then you must be learning something.”
At the time, my reaction to that was not positive, tough I kept it to myself. But a few hours later I grudgingly realized that comment was a reason for hope, and I took to figuring out what it was I was learning. Which, of course, was the path out that he sought to illuminate.
Much later, recollection of that comment brings a wry smile and an appreciation for a man who could not only see through the immediate situation to the truth of it but was also unafraid to upbraid you, in a loving way and insightfully for your own good, to bring the real picture to your attention.
All good people have soul, of course. Most people conduct their lives in such a way that the soul is kept in the background, on duty as a guide and a lens, but kept out of the trivial day to day dealings of life. A few people, however, have their soul in their driver’s seat. John was a such a person, and he was authentic to his soul every time I dealt with him.
I will miss John, but I am quite confident he continues in Heaven, playing ping pong with someone who needs a life lesson, saying to them, “Shut Up!” in a way that also makes them laugh.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Hats and Pants
Here are some pictures from the reception..well, the pictures of the Hagopian grandkids modeling their Grandpa's hats....oh, and the pants too!!
The Hearn contingent
My Mother, Anne Hagopian
My Mom is an incredible woman. I could go years back and give you lots of boring details, but I won't. Most of you know my Mom's health is precarious at best and is in a nursing home. Mom has never been one to show us a lot of emotion. As I grew older, she would share with me some details about her relationship with my Dad..The good times and the bad . I know she loved him and took her marriage vows seriously.
She really hasn't cried much around Debbie and me. I feel it's her way of being in her Mom role for us. She was at the service with her (and ours) favorite aide, Tami. They were both picked up by Hospice. Before the service she was trying to get me to sit down..after Emily sang I heard her say how beautiful she did. I'm not sure how she responded to the recording of her and Dad..I was almost afraid she would be thinking of the past. Many people came up to her at the reception to greet her and love on her. My Mom's disease is robbing her of her sight too, so you have to be in front of her and tell her who you are.
The Hospice workers who brought Mom to the service were the same ones who took her to see Dad the day before he died. They shared with us their last moments. There were lots of I love yous..my Dad told my Mom how beautiful she was..there was lots of touch..the Hospice workers said it was almost a holy moment..and very sweet.
The service and reception wore her out, but what a trooper! I LOVE MY MOM!!
She really hasn't cried much around Debbie and me. I feel it's her way of being in her Mom role for us. She was at the service with her (and ours) favorite aide, Tami. They were both picked up by Hospice. Before the service she was trying to get me to sit down..after Emily sang I heard her say how beautiful she did. I'm not sure how she responded to the recording of her and Dad..I was almost afraid she would be thinking of the past. Many people came up to her at the reception to greet her and love on her. My Mom's disease is robbing her of her sight too, so you have to be in front of her and tell her who you are.
The Hospice workers who brought Mom to the service were the same ones who took her to see Dad the day before he died. They shared with us their last moments. There were lots of I love yous..my Dad told my Mom how beautiful she was..there was lots of touch..the Hospice workers said it was almost a holy moment..and very sweet.
The service and reception wore her out, but what a trooper! I LOVE MY MOM!!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Service
Dad's service this past Saturday went very well. My brother-in-law, Lenard, officiated at the service. Emily sang the Lord's Prayer, we had a recording of my parents singing and a slide show that played to "I Can Only Imagine." We also had someone from Hospice sing "You'll Never Walk Alone." It all went well.. The reception was very nice too..we went as easy as we could and had it catered by whoever the funeral home uses..
There were about 60 or so people there, based on who signed the guest book. One surprise was a man who came into our lives back in 1973..I haven't seen him in who knows how long. He saw the obituary and came to the service. Another person there was Martie's vet. I didn't know until last night when I read her note she left. How cool is that?!! I have some pictures from the reception with all the grandkids that were there. My dad has a lot of hats. On several of the hats are pins from all over the world. He would collect them from their travels. We invited our guests to take a look at the pins and if they saw one they liked to go ahead and take it as a memory of Dad. It was sooo cool..people were gathered around the hats. The pictures are of the grandkids wearing the hats. My Dad was also known for his rather loud wardrobe. Especially his pants. Well, he didn't the wildest ones from the past, but he had one pair. The kids are holding those in the pictures too..I'll try to post those in the next couple of days.
A lot of people have asked "What about Martie??" (my Dad's dog) Well, Yesterday, Martie flew to Montana to be with Minnie Key. Minnie used to work at Laurel House (the assisted living place where my Dad lived.) She was my Dad's favorite nurse there and she really loved Martie. Late last year, or early this year, Minnie moved to Montana..It was Debbie's desire that Minnie would take Martie. When Minnie found out, her first question was, "What about Martie??" She wanted Martie, so the details were worked out and yesterday Martie left. That was so hard..She was a HUGE part of my Dad's life. When Martie arrived, Minnie said she was pretty scared, but when Minnie started talking to her, Martie recognized her and settled down.
Today we finished clearing out Dad's apartment. It's really final! I'm having a hard time talking in past tense. When it was time for Debbie and me to leave to our homes, we were bawling..
I know death is not unique. It happens all the time..But this experience is unique to me. I'm having to re-learn how to live this part of my life. My relationship with my Dad has been a big part of my life.
Thursday I go back to work. Part of me is looking forward to it, but there's a huge part that's not. I have a feeling that the grieving process is really just beginning. There is so much work to do when someone close dies. Last week was spent getting geared up for the service, picking up death certificates, etc..also starting the cleaning out of Dad's apartment. Now that the work is finished...all that's left is memories.
Debbie and I both feel that Mom isn't that far behind Dad..I don't even want to think about that, but it's going to be a reality. She has touched a lot of lives. In her present state, she has touched a lot of the people at the nursing home where she lives. She wonders what her purpose is now that her husband is gone. Time will tell. I only hope we have time to catch our breath.
This a rambling post..I'm tired...the pictures will be up soon..
There were about 60 or so people there, based on who signed the guest book. One surprise was a man who came into our lives back in 1973..I haven't seen him in who knows how long. He saw the obituary and came to the service. Another person there was Martie's vet. I didn't know until last night when I read her note she left. How cool is that?!! I have some pictures from the reception with all the grandkids that were there. My dad has a lot of hats. On several of the hats are pins from all over the world. He would collect them from their travels. We invited our guests to take a look at the pins and if they saw one they liked to go ahead and take it as a memory of Dad. It was sooo cool..people were gathered around the hats. The pictures are of the grandkids wearing the hats. My Dad was also known for his rather loud wardrobe. Especially his pants. Well, he didn't the wildest ones from the past, but he had one pair. The kids are holding those in the pictures too..I'll try to post those in the next couple of days.
A lot of people have asked "What about Martie??" (my Dad's dog) Well, Yesterday, Martie flew to Montana to be with Minnie Key. Minnie used to work at Laurel House (the assisted living place where my Dad lived.) She was my Dad's favorite nurse there and she really loved Martie. Late last year, or early this year, Minnie moved to Montana..It was Debbie's desire that Minnie would take Martie. When Minnie found out, her first question was, "What about Martie??" She wanted Martie, so the details were worked out and yesterday Martie left. That was so hard..She was a HUGE part of my Dad's life. When Martie arrived, Minnie said she was pretty scared, but when Minnie started talking to her, Martie recognized her and settled down.
Today we finished clearing out Dad's apartment. It's really final! I'm having a hard time talking in past tense. When it was time for Debbie and me to leave to our homes, we were bawling..
I know death is not unique. It happens all the time..But this experience is unique to me. I'm having to re-learn how to live this part of my life. My relationship with my Dad has been a big part of my life.
Thursday I go back to work. Part of me is looking forward to it, but there's a huge part that's not. I have a feeling that the grieving process is really just beginning. There is so much work to do when someone close dies. Last week was spent getting geared up for the service, picking up death certificates, etc..also starting the cleaning out of Dad's apartment. Now that the work is finished...all that's left is memories.
Debbie and I both feel that Mom isn't that far behind Dad..I don't even want to think about that, but it's going to be a reality. She has touched a lot of lives. In her present state, she has touched a lot of the people at the nursing home where she lives. She wonders what her purpose is now that her husband is gone. Time will tell. I only hope we have time to catch our breath.
This a rambling post..I'm tired...the pictures will be up soon..
Friday, May 9, 2008
Preparing
We are in the final preparations for tomorrow's service. I'm praying that all the picky little details will work out. I'm kind of bummed one of my uncle's won't be here..oh well..We have on cd my Dad singing "Let Us Break Bread Together On My Knees." Also, my folks and me singing "The Gift of Love." Both are from 1980.
My Dad's sister, Aunt Jeanette and her husband Cutler are arriving today from Carmel. We have no real clue as to who might come to the service. It's up to the Lord on that one..on all of it..
Here's something Emily has written..
I don't want to see you leave, but I know it hurts to stay. I love you too much to let you go, but I'm at peace 'cause I know you are with God. The time we had, the love we shared, I can let it go away.
I want to be with you, in the Heaven that you've found. I want to be near you, hold your hand and say, "I love you."
This world is an empty shell, compared to where you are. A shining light, free of pain, where darkness has no hold. A place of lasting love with Jesus by your side.
You held fast to the truth in your heart, loving us all as Christ loved you. Sing there for me with Him, keeping a place for me close to you. I can only pray, only hope, I live a life as full as you have.
My Dad's sister, Aunt Jeanette and her husband Cutler are arriving today from Carmel. We have no real clue as to who might come to the service. It's up to the Lord on that one..on all of it..
Here's something Emily has written..
I don't want to see you leave, but I know it hurts to stay. I love you too much to let you go, but I'm at peace 'cause I know you are with God. The time we had, the love we shared, I can let it go away.
I want to be with you, in the Heaven that you've found. I want to be near you, hold your hand and say, "I love you."
This world is an empty shell, compared to where you are. A shining light, free of pain, where darkness has no hold. A place of lasting love with Jesus by your side.
You held fast to the truth in your heart, loving us all as Christ loved you. Sing there for me with Him, keeping a place for me close to you. I can only pray, only hope, I live a life as full as you have.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Busy, crying, laughing, busy, crying laughing.....
When someone close to you dies, life becomes very busy. Planning services, cleaning out apartments...laughing...crying...you get the picture.
My sister and I started this journey the very next day, Saturday May 3rd. We met at the funeral home where my Dad had "plans" made. We walked in and this lady, a short lady, in a very distinguished tweed suit and very sensible shoes asked if she could help us. We had told her that our Dad's body had been brought there. She asked if we had an appointment and I told her we had no clue what we were doing! Our first stop was to their "sales" room. As a blogger I wish I had my camera, but perhaps that might be a bit irreverent! Debbie and I got the giggles several times! We then met Chris Steward who is a funeral director???? Anyway, he was great..no high pressure sales as my Dad's wishes are quite simple.
We got the service set for Saturday, May 10th at 3PM at Mountain View Funeral Home in the Celebration of Life Building. My brother-in-law, Lenard, will be officiating the service.
On Sunday we both took the day off. Monday I headed back up to Tacoma. My sister has been staying in my Dad's apartment and I am too. Monday was spent writing our Dad's obituary. That was hard....we did some packing...crying..laughing...you get the idea. It's a cycle.
Grief has many faces. And all of them are ok. I want my kids to know that..we all handle grief in various ways and we go through the various stages at different times.
Tuesday, today, was spent mostly packing things up. We took a break to run a few errands and have dinner. We keep hearing from different people how much our Dad touched their lives. It's so good to hear that.
Tomorrow we will do some more work, but then we are both going home. We will be back up on Friday. We have a care conference for our Mom in the afternoon. My beautiful Mom is handling this as best she can. Yesterday she had a good cry with her favorite CNA, Tami. We are hoping that Tami will be able to come with Mom to the service to attend to any need she may have. We are including her in some of the service plans and she told Debbie thank you for including her.
The journey continues. Thanks for all your prayers!
My sister and I started this journey the very next day, Saturday May 3rd. We met at the funeral home where my Dad had "plans" made. We walked in and this lady, a short lady, in a very distinguished tweed suit and very sensible shoes asked if she could help us. We had told her that our Dad's body had been brought there. She asked if we had an appointment and I told her we had no clue what we were doing! Our first stop was to their "sales" room. As a blogger I wish I had my camera, but perhaps that might be a bit irreverent! Debbie and I got the giggles several times! We then met Chris Steward who is a funeral director???? Anyway, he was great..no high pressure sales as my Dad's wishes are quite simple.
We got the service set for Saturday, May 10th at 3PM at Mountain View Funeral Home in the Celebration of Life Building. My brother-in-law, Lenard, will be officiating the service.
On Sunday we both took the day off. Monday I headed back up to Tacoma. My sister has been staying in my Dad's apartment and I am too. Monday was spent writing our Dad's obituary. That was hard....we did some packing...crying..laughing...you get the idea. It's a cycle.
Grief has many faces. And all of them are ok. I want my kids to know that..we all handle grief in various ways and we go through the various stages at different times.
Tuesday, today, was spent mostly packing things up. We took a break to run a few errands and have dinner. We keep hearing from different people how much our Dad touched their lives. It's so good to hear that.
Tomorrow we will do some more work, but then we are both going home. We will be back up on Friday. We have a care conference for our Mom in the afternoon. My beautiful Mom is handling this as best she can. Yesterday she had a good cry with her favorite CNA, Tami. We are hoping that Tami will be able to come with Mom to the service to attend to any need she may have. We are including her in some of the service plans and she told Debbie thank you for including her.
The journey continues. Thanks for all your prayers!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
A New Chapter
Today at 8:05AM, my Dad's journey on earth ended and a whole new journey with the Lord began. I got the call around 8:20AM saying my Dad just died. I think I cried out, because it wasn't expected this quick. It surprised even the Hospice people.
I called Debbie right away. She stayed at Dad's apartment last night. I called Reg and he headed home. I didn't think I could handle the drive to Tacoma.
Debbie, Lenard (who arrived in the afternoon,) David, Emily, Anthony, my cousin Bob and his wife Andi spent time in my Dad's room at Hospice House. We were able to laugh, cry, share stories..God's timing is awesome..On Thursday, Hospice arranged to have my Mom visit my Dad. They were able to tell each other how much they loved the other. Emily, Tillie and I got up there after 3 and Debbie arrived around 5ish..the Lord impressed on her to come up earlier that morning. Originally she was going to come up today (Friday). I know David is hurting because he wasn't able to come up. He planned to visit his Grandpa today. He had a real hard time going into the room today, but he did ok.
Hospice has been WONDERFUL!! Something they do for the families is to bring in sparking cider and offer a toast to their loved one. It's only if the family wants to do it and Debbie and I did. We waited for Lenard to arrive from Salem. The Chaplain explained that it is designed to help start the grieving process. He offered a prayer and those of us who wanted to offer up our own prayers did. Then we started sharing some memories. It was good! Toward the end as Bob and Andi were getting ready to leave, Andi commented that Dad was probably already sparring in heaven with his sister, Marie-Louise! It was hilarious..You would have to know the relationship between the siblings. Then she said and it would even be better because it was an election year! I commented that I could hear her saying "Rush is right..Rush is right!!"
My Dad was a wonderful man. He modeled unconditional love to his family. One of the stories I shared was the time he and my Mom had company over and after dinner Debbie and I were sent to bed. We didn't stay put and got spanked. After the company left, I remember Dad coming upstairs with 7-UP! There are so many stories to tell. He and my Mom have given us a heritage full of music. Great camping trips, the Alaska adventure, trips to Sun Valley for banker's conventions..
It's going to be weird not to call on my Dad just to say hi. I have been a Daddy's girl most of my life. He nicknamed me Charlee when I was about 5. I had come home from the beauty salon with a butch haircut. He called my horsey, baby, Charlee Horse...I remember when we both worked for Boeing, he was in my building and when he saw me he said "Hi Horsey." So much for making it in the adult world!! :)
Around 5, Debbie and I went to talk with Mom at the nursing home. They had heard the news. I had gotten a call from Anna, the Hospice nurse there, and she told us Mom wanted to talk to Dad. Once we got there, we were only there for about a half an hour as Mom said she wanted to be alone. Debbie and Lenard went back a little later. I'll see her tomorrow too.
We now start the task of planning a memorial for our Dad. Then we get to jump through all the legal hoops. I believe I am the executor of their estates. Reg just went through this last year with his friend, John. So, I'll be counting on his help.
Lord, receive my Dad now! Hold him in Your loving arms! I can't wait for the reunion!
I called Debbie right away. She stayed at Dad's apartment last night. I called Reg and he headed home. I didn't think I could handle the drive to Tacoma.
Debbie, Lenard (who arrived in the afternoon,) David, Emily, Anthony, my cousin Bob and his wife Andi spent time in my Dad's room at Hospice House. We were able to laugh, cry, share stories..God's timing is awesome..On Thursday, Hospice arranged to have my Mom visit my Dad. They were able to tell each other how much they loved the other. Emily, Tillie and I got up there after 3 and Debbie arrived around 5ish..the Lord impressed on her to come up earlier that morning. Originally she was going to come up today (Friday). I know David is hurting because he wasn't able to come up. He planned to visit his Grandpa today. He had a real hard time going into the room today, but he did ok.
Hospice has been WONDERFUL!! Something they do for the families is to bring in sparking cider and offer a toast to their loved one. It's only if the family wants to do it and Debbie and I did. We waited for Lenard to arrive from Salem. The Chaplain explained that it is designed to help start the grieving process. He offered a prayer and those of us who wanted to offer up our own prayers did. Then we started sharing some memories. It was good! Toward the end as Bob and Andi were getting ready to leave, Andi commented that Dad was probably already sparring in heaven with his sister, Marie-Louise! It was hilarious..You would have to know the relationship between the siblings. Then she said and it would even be better because it was an election year! I commented that I could hear her saying "Rush is right..Rush is right!!"
My Dad was a wonderful man. He modeled unconditional love to his family. One of the stories I shared was the time he and my Mom had company over and after dinner Debbie and I were sent to bed. We didn't stay put and got spanked. After the company left, I remember Dad coming upstairs with 7-UP! There are so many stories to tell. He and my Mom have given us a heritage full of music. Great camping trips, the Alaska adventure, trips to Sun Valley for banker's conventions..
It's going to be weird not to call on my Dad just to say hi. I have been a Daddy's girl most of my life. He nicknamed me Charlee when I was about 5. I had come home from the beauty salon with a butch haircut. He called my horsey, baby, Charlee Horse...I remember when we both worked for Boeing, he was in my building and when he saw me he said "Hi Horsey." So much for making it in the adult world!! :)
Around 5, Debbie and I went to talk with Mom at the nursing home. They had heard the news. I had gotten a call from Anna, the Hospice nurse there, and she told us Mom wanted to talk to Dad. Once we got there, we were only there for about a half an hour as Mom said she wanted to be alone. Debbie and Lenard went back a little later. I'll see her tomorrow too.
We now start the task of planning a memorial for our Dad. Then we get to jump through all the legal hoops. I believe I am the executor of their estates. Reg just went through this last year with his friend, John. So, I'll be counting on his help.
Lord, receive my Dad now! Hold him in Your loving arms! I can't wait for the reunion!
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