Dad

Ever since my mom died almost 12 years ago, I've been part of the team that cared for my dad. He lived alone and was able to be by himself most of that time but he still needed to be cared for...first because of his grief, then because he needed the companionship, gradually because he needed help with everyday tasks. I didn't do anywhere near as much as Beth and Amy but spending time with him was part of the rhythm of my week.

He was very sick when he died two weeks ago. Thank God he was only sick for about three weeks at the very end. It was so hard to see him in such pain and I said more than once that I hoped he would die. Then he did. I was expecting relief and there is relief but I have been surprised by the depth of my sorrow.

I'm glad that he is at rest. I even think that in some way I don't understand, he is with his Peggy and all of his family who have died. But I'm sad for me. And I'm sad for our family. This is sad.
But these eight grandkids...I can see parts of him in all of them. And I tell you...my dad was really something. He will be remembered for a long time.