The Night of a Million Tears
It's hard to believe that my Dad has been gone already for two years. Some days it feels like a million years ago and other days it feels like minutes. When I look back at his life he was my teacher, inspiration and hero but he also had a big impact on many friends, family and even strangers. People were drawn to his bigger than life laugh, tender heart, level headed thoughts and actions, determination, fun demeanor and magnetic personality. They respected him and hoped to be part of his tribe. In honor of him, I thought I'd take you back to the day before we lost him and share something extraordinary that happened.
I had been staying at my parents house once we brought my Dad home to Hospice. It was a Sunday morning and I could hear lots of voices and activity going on. I headed downstairs and not surprisingly the house was filled with people. It was bustling with friends and family that had gathered to spend time with my Dad. The word had gotten around he didn't have much time and they flocked to say goodbye and spend precious moments with him one last time.
Person after person would go into his room and have personal and meaningful conversations with my Dad. You'd often hear his somehow hearty laugh, then the person would reappear with tears streaming down their face. Some loved ones had to leave right away as grief overcame them while some lingered, not wanting to say good-bye. My Dad made sure to tell every single person he loved them; leaving nothing unsaid.
That day and night was amazing in so many ways, yet heartbreaking and devastating in others; it was a living wake for him and a blessing for all. We lost him just a few short hours later, early into the morning hours. The friends and family that spent the last moments with him were truly blessed. For those that couldn't make it in time, he knew their heart.
It was the night of a million tears as friends and family paid their last respects to my Dad; the man so many came to love. Even though I miss him terribly, I take comfort in the fact I still feel him gently guiding and loving me. On this second anniversary of his passing, I'll take solace in knowing I'm two years closer being with him again one day, but for now I've got a lot of loving and living to do. I'll never grow too old to make him proud. Take time this holiday season to tell someone how much they mean to you.
xoxox.....Sheryl