The Circle of Life

Early yesterday, dear sweet Dad peacefully passed away in his sleep.

Friday (our last day spent with him while he was alert) was such an amazing day and there wasn’t an hour that went by that we didn’t feel the Lord’s presence or ever doubt that God had the entire day mapped out for us all. All day he was able to see and say his goodbyes to the entire family.

Laura, Jesus, Jack, Sandy and her husband, Jeff were all able to make it to the hospital within a few hours of each other, all before noon. Uncle Denny (who previously too had surgery at V.Mason a few weeks ago) and Lyn just happened to be at the hospital scheduling his own chemo when we ran into them in the hospital cafe, and they were able to come up and say hello and sit with Dad for a bit between his appointments.

For the first time since the earthquake, Michelle in Chile was able to get through and talk to him. We were able to contact Darell, his brother, in Tennessee and they talked for a bit. Darell was then able to get a hold of Jennifer (who’s husband recently was stationed at Fort Lewis) and she immediately made the drive up from DuPont. And Mom was able to find an available flight out Friday evening and made it home just in time to say her goodbyes.

During a day of great sadness, there truly was a peace and comfort found. It's still hard to imagine that he's truly gone, but I'm finding comfort that he is smiling down on us and looking after our lil' buckaroo.

The Circle of Life....

Dear Katya graciously planned to host the Maple Valley ladies luncheon baby shower Saturday afternoon. All day Friday and Saturday morning (before learning of Dad's passing) I anguished over the status of the shower and whether or not I should ask to cancel. Katya was so sweet and so understanding when I spoke to her in the early morning, I expressed to her I was leaning towards rescheduling but would keep her posted (as the lunch was being catered).

Shortly after talking with her, I received the news of Dad, a few minutes past 8:30am.

I was initially a little apprehensive to continue as planned, but after talking to Mom at great length and looking back at that day, and the overwhelming love and concern the women showed, I wouldn’t change it for a second.

I wish there were words to express how grateful I am to have spent those first few hours after learning of my Dad’s passing with such wonderful and amazing women (and with Mom to lean on). They all turned what could have been an afternoon of sorrow and hurt into a beautiful day of celebration and new life. Along with death, there is also life, and as difficult as it was to keep a brave face I know Dad would have wanted us to celebrate this new beginning.


Mom's special gift that couldn't have come at a more perfect time. And coincidentally it was the last gift opened. (I don't think there was a dry eye in the room when I read the card out loud.) While my Grandma was still with us, she knitted this baby blanket with the intent and plan it would be passed down to her first grandson (whenever that may be). This was the blanket my mom has been holding onto for years, waiting for the right time.

Dad and Grandma may not be physically with us here today, but I feel their love and support each and everyday.