I’m pretty sure there is a line-up for this heaven, a time to reflect and remember, just to ensure all your wishes are available. Dad did a lot of reflecting during his final days, all a part of his journey to where he is today.
It’s kind of funny to think that Dad was in line with an elephant. Yes, an elephant (Hansa) at our local zoo passed away the same day as Dad. I’m sure he had to enter through a larger gate than Dad but, if you count the size of someone’s heart, Dad followed Hansa through the same gate, smiling all the way!
If you knew my Dad you know he loved his family most of all. Nothing pleased him more than when we were all together. It gave him such pleasure to see us laughing and enjoying each other as friends. Like the old saying goes…. “You can’t pick your relatives but you CAN pick your friends”. We were lucky to have both, and that’s a testament to my parents who showed us how to be family. We weren’t always conventional but we were loved and for that I’ll be forever grateful.
So, back to “Dad’s Heaven”…… He talked of seeing lots of water and lakes before he died so I’d like to think he’s surrounded by those. A small fishing boat perhaps, eagles flying overhead and lots of fish and other sea creatures to catch and enjoy. Corn on the cob (make sure it’s not too ripe), artichokes, “horses-ovaries”, butterfingers and peanut brittle, as well as a never ending bottle of whiskey (doesn’t need to be expensive) and some cold beer. There’s a card game every night (never no-peek), the Super Bowl plays every Sunday and his team (the ’86 Seahawks with Dave Kreig as quarterback) always wins. There is always a roll of duct tape nearby for quick repairs, as well as WD-40, wire ties and bungee cords. There is no welfare system, no war, no taxes funding programs he doesn’t support, and no local government telling him how to live his life. Cars don’t dent, they just bruise and then heal up, and every dog has his day.
Dad was never going to die, he was going to live forever and he always will in our hearts. Caring for Dad in his last days was a privilege I’ll never forget. To be with him as he finally acknowledged he WAS going to die was so special. Then to watch him do it with dignity and unconditional love for his family, with smiling eyes, laughter and an understanding and peace about what was to come only made me love and respect him even more. I didn’t think that was possible…
A special thanks to all that supported us, and Dad, during his final days. Too many people to mention by name but.... a special shout out to my cousins Carol & Annette, Sherrie, Dr. Fer and everyone at Swedish Hospice. Jocelyn & Brooke, thanks for opening up your home and giving all of us a place to gather & support Dad through his final days. To know he was ‘home’ meant so much to all of us, you gave him that final gift and for that I’ll be forever grateful. I love you Mom, Marcia, Susie, Steve… Nigel, Chris & Brandon thanks to you for supporting me during this time. I love you all so much.
Thanks most of all to my Daddy-O….. For showing me that even though life has to end some day, it won’t be scary or something to dread. It’s a beautiful process and one I look forward to (in about 50 years
Love You,
Dian
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