A week ago I posted the above photos on Instagram and Facebook, for Dad. That morning – ten days after I left – he died peacefully at home. Thankfully a favorite aide and the wonderful hospice nurse were there with Mom, and then the next-door neighbor came. She took Mom over to her house while the body and hospital bed were removed and then went back to the empty house with her to sit and talk. My sister was already planning to drive down; she and her son arrived on Monday. A week from today we will fly down for the second memorial service in two months.
We all miss Dad, but would not wish him to linger longer, trapped as he was in a hospital bed by the effects of an inoperable brain tumor. We have no regrets, and know he is at rest until God's trumpet sounds on Resurrection Day – reunion day! Gotta smile at that.
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Life goes on here. The weeds got a galloping head start all over the property and we will never catch up, much less get ahead of them. That may very well mean no garden for us. I considered hiring help, but we have had significant extra expenses so I abandoned that idea. Might as well enjoy that which blooms in spite of neglect:
The animals get more attention, and will get their own posts. One sheep still needs shearing and another still needs to deliver; fleece harvest will be completed by the end of May but lambing will not. Yes, I could miss the last lambing just as I did the first; such is life. For the same reason Poppy and I have missed numerous agility classes but we are still making progress and have fun. Stella and I progress more slowly, but the joy is in the journey – and her beauty. She and Lance are enjoying the maturing pasture even while the sheep are frustrated by their lack of access, now that the foxtail awns are hard. They have to be satisfied with first-cutting hay (the 'horse hay') and occasional opportunities to graze the edges of the driveway.
Anyway, like I said, there are photos and posts for all of that. Until then, my blog friends.
16 comments:
You have my heartfelt sympathy while going through this difficult period of losing your dad. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing but, as you've said, no one wanted to see him suffer in this very last phase of his life here on earth.
Don't give another thought to your garden. You have so many gorgeous flowers to enjoy on a daily basis instead this year. If possible, till the garden space under a couple of times this summer, maybe adding some rotted hay if possible. The soil will have a rest this season and be better than ever for the next.
Sending a big hug to you.
Hugs, just lots of hugs, dear girl.
My condolences to you and your family.
May God be with you and and all the family, may He bless you all with peace of mind and heart. And may he shower you all with the strength of his love.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm so very sorry for your loss, my friend.
But Mama Pea, I'm not close enough to rob your garden at night, and no one around here gardens like you do! Can't eat these flowers; deer-resistant choices, you know. It is just so hard to give up....
Sue, Marlane, Sara, Jeanne, and A; thank you so much for the hugs, prayers, and condolences. There is much work ahead helping Mom, and I am already so very tired. But we will do what we can.
Sorry to hear about your dad dying. It sounds like it went as well as can be expected but still leaves a whole in your heart. Take good care of yourself.
Your flower photos are glorious. They make for a beautiful tribute for your dad. I know his passing is bittersweet. A sad loss for now, but with the promise of a joyful reunion some day.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I still miss my parents every day but I remember the peace that I felt when they were released from their earthly pain. I know you find that same peace with the promise of a new life for your Dad.
The verse in Isaiah is one of my very favorites. I'm grateful that your dad slipped away peacefully. Your flower photos are so beautiful, and give me comfort after this week of horrendous news. Thank you for taking the time to post them.
Michelle, my heart goes out to you as you grieve and mourn. I understand your feeling as you don't want to see your parents or friends suffer when their life has failed. It is difficult, will remain difficult, but relish the good memories, don't hesitate to cry when you feel like it, and embrace those still with you.
I am so sorry for the sadness you are feeling. But not sad for him. He is now free of this life on earth and on to better things. I didn’t know him but I would guess he would want you to move forward and not look back. And my sympathies to your mom and the rest of your family. Hugs to you. Elaine
Peace be with you. There is a comfort in knowing the finality of it. Then, too, there is the 'what's next' issue. From experience, be comforted and at rest.
Also, Wow! I love that burgundy iris.
TBI
Gods love is so powerful, as seen in the beauty of your flowers! I am very sorry for your loss, but the knowledge that we shall be together again, is the glory that helps us regain strength. Sending hugs, and prayers !
Yes, Donna, as well as can be expected. Thankful for that.
Thankful for that promise, Leigh!
Exactly, Deb – the peace and the missing.
You're welcome, Mokihana. I post for me, too.
Good advice, Mountaingmom..
Thanks, Elaine.
Yes, lots of 'what next,' Tim, in dealing with my mom. But my sister and I will get through it. We were gifted a bunch of iris from a neighbor's thinning; most of them were that 'burgundy' but actually looks more brown. Not OUR favorite color, but gift horses and all that.... 😉
Thank-you, wyomingheart!
I'm so sorry Michelle - I've been "off" blogging and reading for a while, so this is the first time I've visited you. My deep condolences to you and your family on the death of your father. May God hold you all in the palm of his hand.
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