My father passed away this morning at 10:40am. It was very touching. I wrote him a letter the other day, but he had been so out of it that I had not read it to him. He was in so much pain during the last few days, but he calmed while I read the letter. I also told him that we are here on this side for him and God was on the other. The worst part was where he was right now. I said that it was ok to go, that we would miss him being where we could see him, but I knew he would not feel like it was long before we were there with him. I also said that this is a very normal part of life that we will all face. I told him that he may have a hard time getting past all of the pets that we have had! Right before he went one tear rolled down his cheek and he faded away. He looked very peaceful, and I think he realized how special he was.
I am so glad I came out here when I did. I was planning on coming late this afternoon or early tomorrow, but decided to come Wednesday night at the last minute. Stephen has told the kids after school today. He asked them if they wanted to come out here, or wanted me to come home, or ??? My precious children told him that they wanted me to stay here to take care of Mimi, but they weren't ready to come out yet. They are very sad, but seem to be dealing with things very well so far.
We will have a memorial service in Waxahachie, TX on April 28th at 2pm at the church where my parents married. We will also have a separate ceremony in Big Bend with my father's brother and mother to scatter my father's ashes. He loved Big Bend.
I am so grateful for all of your posts and prayers! I have heard many things from you that have truely touched my heart.
The letter that I wrote follows if you would like to read it. A lot of it is "location humor", but I think you will get the jist...
Love,
Angela
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Daddy,
Your life has had many different and wonderful purposes. There are many people, animals and cars that went on to lead longer lives because of you. You influenced people with your friendship, sense of humor, teaching, willingness to serve others, and love. I would not be who I am without you as my father. You have always been there for me whether I was happy, sad, or just plain weird. Many of my best memories are with you.
I remember....
Interviews on the tape recorder before bed when I was a little girl.
"Silly stories" that you would make up off the top of your head almost every night. (I especially liked the one about the witch that wore combat boots, goggles and smoked a pipe. She was trying to learn the ins and outs of her new high tech broom (and wasn’t being very successful!)).
Playing with the toy farm animals and cars together. I learned how to make the horse galloping noise with my tongue and teeth like you did. Most people never master this skill.
Playing cowboys in the backyard with saw horses as “real” horses and shooting at each other with cap guns. Plus, you always took my “invisible horses” seriously.
Dancing to the music on the 45s. We did some pretty silly moves!
Mom knowing she couldn't trust the two of us to go out together without bringing home another stray animal (and a “friend”)—or a toy—or a car—or a couch.
Making up our own background music on the way to and from Midland.
Learning about all of the classic cars from the 30s 40s and 50s, and frequenting the wrecking yards. I remember coming home with old hubcaps and stuff a lot---another reason Mom couldn't trust us together.
Watching old movies and The Three Stooges. Most women do not appreciate the true meaning of “nyuk, nyuk”. My love for Gary Cooper, Alfred Hitchcock, Humphrey Bogart and so many others would have never been realized without you.
Camping in Big Bend and many other places. These were some of the best times where I learned to appreciate nature and our time together as a family.
How you held me close when my heart was broken as a teenager, or when a beloved pet died.
(We’ve had MANY beloved pets, haven’t we? Most of them would have been killed almost immediately if you hadn’t taken the time to pick them up and love them.)
A few weeks ago when you checked on me in the middle of your pain and trials because I had a cold.
Watching father of the bride with you.
You giving me away at my wedding and dancing with me at the reception. We definitely teared up the crowd!
Watching you do so many of these and other wonderful things with Jackson and Elizabeth. They have so many fond memories of their Papa.
There is so much more, but it would take a novel to show all of the reasons that make you a wonderful father and person in general.
When you are gone, I will miss you deeply, but I have to remember that this is "see you later" and not "good-bye".
It takes more than broad shoulders to make a man, Daddy. And you know what? I think you made it!
We’ve had our fun---and we are all the better for it.
Love you! See you later!
Angela
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