One Year Ago... Dad's Moment

It was, Monday last, one year ago that Dad left us physically. This week has been filled with the normal "stuff" of life... and even a special gift from Life... and through it all there has been the ever-present awareness of Dad. So, I share with you my recollections as written on that day... one year ago.

There have been many ‘false alarms’ over the course of the past week or so. ‘False’ to our limited awareness… but right on task in the controlled scheme of the I AM. We all (the attending family members keeping the vigil with Dad) were very much in need of the dissolution of the ominous presence of the ‘Unknowns’ associated with Dad’s departure. With each occurrence of “This is THE MOMENT” we all became more confident of and comfortable with our individual abilities to respond to life’s ultimate “Farewell.” Touching… weeping… singing… embracing… all became beautifully orchestrated to the theme of a common affection, devotion, and consummate love that found its expression gradually woven into a soft and comfortable fabric of shared intimacy in this … life’s moment of summary.

Thus, when the HOSPICE nurse gently summoned us into the family room in which Dad has spent his final days of earth occupation… we were able to respond with an ease and peace that gave freedom to realize the genuine quality of our individual relationships with Dad. With my sister Linda on the right side of Dad’s face, Mom on his left, myself and Dad’s twin brother, Uncle Joe next to Linda and Dad’s elder brother, Uncle Charlie next to Mom we ushered Dad to his next adventure to the sound of Mom’s gentle tears and Linda, Uncle Joe, and me singing the lovingly sweet and tender song written by Linda just for Dad’s Moment. To this accompaniment… Dad let go of his tired, ill, and weary body at 3:05 PM, Sunday, 05 March 2006.

My brothers Steven (who at Dad’s Moment was airborne on his way back to his wife and children in Missouri) and Tracy (who was in transit from attending to his responsibilities with his wife and daughter), with Mom, Linda, myself, Uncles Charlie and Joe… all would have each of you who have cared, loved, expressed, and demonstrated your support in these past days, to know that each of you is appreciated, loved in return, and not in any way forgotten in our hearts. I can assure you… each of you… that the theme of this moment is expressed in the old hymn “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in This Place.”