My Dad died suddenly on a Monday at 10:17 am at his country
residence in Wisconsin.
I live in Texas, a sister in Kansas and 2 in Michigan. By 2:00 pm our families were
packed, loaded and Wisconsin bound from our respective homes.
By 1:30 pm on Tuesday the pull, tug and drag
through the acquired items of his life, the grieving of my Mother, our grieving,
notifying friends, receiving condolences and planning a memorial were well
under way.
I have been extended family bringing food, guiding guests at the funeral home or providing muscle for the disbursement of belongings.
I have been the friend notified, sending
condolences, offering “if there is anything I can do” to the grieving family.
This week I was the daughter dealing with the personal and
private details concerning the passing of MY Dad.
As his grandchildren began to arrive the happy noise of
great grand children bounced through the sadness.
The squeal of laughter from a 3-year old, the chubby arms of a 2-year old hugging your neck, the sweet gurgle
and smile of an infant has the strength to lift heavy hearts.
Dad’s legacy was apparent
and alive in in the candid chatter, running and playing of his youngest
descendants.
We planned a memorial for the living on the wishes of the
dead.
A social event at the Legion; reciting his obituary, prayers of hope and
healing, the Marine Honor Guard, playing of taps, presentation of the flag to
Mom.
A spread of cookies and punch allowed an unexpected and impressive number of
attendees the opportunity to honor my Dad with the sharing of their memories
and sentiments.
Mountains can be moved with an agreed upon plan and many
hands. My parents were 2 days into reducing their life of 20+ years in this location in order to
sell their property and move.
It was in his beloved, 2000 sq ft garage cleaning
and sorting that a cardiac event ended his life.
What was slated to take 1
month was achieved in 1 week.
By the time the last daughter and family were heading home the garage and house were cleaned out and ready for showing.
Mom is continuing with their plans only in a different
reality.
Life goes on, a new normal will develop and the memory of my Dad will
live on in our hearts and the smiles of his future generations.
