Today would have been my Dad's 85th birthday. Julianna was born 3 weeks early, and Dad got to see and hold her several times. If she'd have gone til her due date, he might have only seen her once.Dad did it right when he died. In the afternoon he was chasing squirrels around the yard, and that evening he died, shockingly fast. It's the death we all want for ourselves- we're fine, and then we're dead- no lingering, no pain, no loss of function or faculties, just dead.
It's so hard to believe he's really gone, that he won't show up to see what we're doing with the yard, or to see what the babies are up to, or to ask if that dog can walk, since I'm always carrying her.
I'm happy that he got to dance at Heather's wedding, and sad that he won't see the other grandchildren married. I'm happy that he got to meet Julianna, and sad that he won't see her walk and talk. I'm happy that he got to spend time with Eddie and Jacob, and sad that Eddie won't remember him.
I'm happy that Mike, John and I had him as long as we did.
Rest in Peace, Joe! We love you and miss you so much it hurts.
1 comment:
It is so hard to give up our loved ones! And if we all could be so lucky as to pass on without any pain. My grandfather was like Joe...Although he was 91 at his death, he mowed his lawn, picked okra and cut several heads of hair the day he had his stroke...It was a Friday...He was in the hospital but was in no pain...Our whole family stayed by his side. He could not speak but on Sunday managed to convey that he wanted singing so my aunt called in some church members that he worshipped with and they sang I'll Fly Away..His favorite gospel hymn. At the end of the last stanza my grandfather sang out, I'll Fly Away! They were the last words he spoke. He died within the hour. I know he is in Heaven with our Heavenly Father!
And no doubt, your Joe is there too! Maybe he will meet up with my granddaddy and make a new friend!
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