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!
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