What is death but a traversing of eternities and a crossing of cosmic oceans?
- Robert E. Howard
He was 83. The only way I can describe it was that it was medically unexpected, but in hindsight, there were signs & portents. A few coincidences, and he seemed to get more serious about being prepared for such an event over the past year. Whether he just knew the odds or something was guiding him - well, that's all to what and how much you believe.
He was in the hospital for other ailments - none which were thought to be critical. We were assured that his heart was strong through all of it. But, there must have been a blood clot lurking. The nurse told my mother that he was in good spirits one moment and then gone (heart attack) the next.
Folks have been asking after us and our Mom. I'd say we're okay as can be expected. My Mom is the most stoic person I think any of us know. As stunned by his death as we might be, we are all equally stunned by her unwavering, unblinking acceptance that my father is with ancestors and passed friends now. And she is "thrilled for him" that he went suddenly and didn't linger.
I also know that yes - he died the day before Thanksgiving and the day before my birthday, it could be a very dark time. But thankfully, my head isn't going there. I consider the birthday a passing of the torch, and Thanksgiving for his long life and everything he gave us.
We're waiting on final obituary proof and I can link to that once it gets published. And also, as time goes own, share happier stories of his life.
His wake & funeral will be combined affair on Tuesday morning.
Such a hard thing. My condolences to your family. I do think as I get older and see more people die, that it is an incredibly good thing to go suddenly and not have to linger and suffer. I wish you all the best at this rough time.
ReplyDeleteMy condolence Paul, all the best to you in yours in this trying time.
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