6 months… Can you believe it?For Dad, it was a full day of worship & celebrations…
But here? It was a tough day for many, myself included.
The calendar is a strange thing sometimes. And it was those strange things that made today, for me at least, difficult for a number of reasons.
Tuesdays are always tough days! (Full of mixed feelings, that’s for sure)
It’s the day God chose to take Dad home. A day I always eagerly looked forward to – because it brought a couple of hours that I spent with Dad at our Rotary luncheon. It was Visitation day - Many of us enjoyed energetic visits from Dad after Rotary. Visits that brought laughter, smiles, hugs & more!
The 17th (The actual date that Dad passed away)
I don’t know whether certain dates stand out on your calendar, but for me – when I flip the calendar from one month to the next, various dates catch my eye. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, whatever. If it’s December, it’s the 25th. February, it’s the 14th. July, it’s the 1st, the 4th, the 12th, the 28th… okay so you know what I mean.
Prior to October, the day that jumped out at me every month was the 16th (the day of Dad’s aneurysm). Then came October, and it was replaced by the 17th. Now, no matter what month it is… when the calendar is flipped I glance at that date. And this month… for the 6-month anniversary, for the first time since October - it came on today, the 17th.
My father, mentor & friend (Frequently over the 42 years that I’ve been in this world, he was the person I’d turn to on the most difficult days)
He could take the most negative situation and help us see the light at the end of the tunnel. A quick phone call; time shared over coffee; a burger ordered off the value meal at McDonalds. Seemingly insignificant events. But events that I realize now, that I enjoyed immensely. And now I miss even more.
I traveled up to Kent this afternoon to visit his final resting place. I found out something very important while I was there. It’s NOT actually his final resting place… he’s not even really there.
“Where is he then?”, you may ask. Maybe you attended the ceremony and left thinking that’s where he’d be later - but he’s not I tell you. Okay, I guess he is sort of there - in the physical sense, at least. But since when did Dad dwell more on anything physical instead of spiritual?
What’s there is a marble stone, eloquently engraved words and dates. And the physical shell that was left behind. The things I mentioned missing so much? None of those things are at Tahoma National Cemetery, section 26 – site 314. I was reminded (thanks, Dad) that the him I went to visit was in a much better place - without the constraints of a pine box and a 6’ deep whole in the ground.
It was great to be there. The first time I’d been since the day of the graveside service. I’m certain that I’ll go back again sometime. However, the best part was being reminded that if I want to be close to Dad – I can just as easily do it from the car at a stoplight. Or from my desk at work, or the Starbucks across the street. Even from the bedroom when Dina & I first wake or are nodding off to sleep.
I don’t need to go to Mt Sinai to talk to God.. I can do it wherever I happen to be when the need strikes. It may have took me 6 months, but I finally realized what I’ve always known. Dad can be with me all the time... I just have to carry memories of him with me!
I’ve got ‘em all packed & ready, Dad!
Johnny:)