Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky. Live like you ain't afraid to die. And don't be scared, just enjoy your ride.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.
Dad and Bebe 2002
One year ago today I was driving to the hospital to check on Mom one more time before heading to the airport to fly to California to visit Dad. I was driving over the Guadalupe River when I got a call from Michael asking me where I was and telling me to pull over to a safe spot; he'd just gotten a call from BeBe that Dad had passed away early that morning. Within minutes Michael was by my side, holding me and sharing in my sorrow... And at that moment as we stood holding each other on the side of the road, time stood still, there was a humming noise in the air, nothing felt real, and I realized my life would never be the same again. How could it be that someone I'd known since the day I was born was no longer there, no longer part of my world, no longer a phone call away. I was immeasurably heartbroken, but I was also at peace knowing he wasn't suffering any more. He'd been very brave and fought a tough battle, but I think he'd come to terms with the inevitable. One of the last times I saw him he told me that he'd had a good life and felt incredibly blessed to have experienced all that he had; I think it was his way of telling me that he was OK with what was to come. Bebe was with him when he passed and said he simply drifted off to sleep. So even though I couldn't be there with him as well, I know he wasn't alone, and for that I'm thankful. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him in some way or another...wishing I could call to ask his advice on something, thinking of one of his silly sayings, wanting to share with him how well Randi is doing with learning math, or just simply thinking about all the things he taught me that helped make me the person I am today. He was a wonderful role model, a patient mentor and an incredible Dad, and I miss him so very much. Rest in peace Pops and know that you are loved and missed very, very much.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.
Dad and Bebe 2002
One year ago today I was driving to the hospital to check on Mom one more time before heading to the airport to fly to California to visit Dad. I was driving over the Guadalupe River when I got a call from Michael asking me where I was and telling me to pull over to a safe spot; he'd just gotten a call from BeBe that Dad had passed away early that morning. Within minutes Michael was by my side, holding me and sharing in my sorrow... And at that moment as we stood holding each other on the side of the road, time stood still, there was a humming noise in the air, nothing felt real, and I realized my life would never be the same again. How could it be that someone I'd known since the day I was born was no longer there, no longer part of my world, no longer a phone call away. I was immeasurably heartbroken, but I was also at peace knowing he wasn't suffering any more. He'd been very brave and fought a tough battle, but I think he'd come to terms with the inevitable. One of the last times I saw him he told me that he'd had a good life and felt incredibly blessed to have experienced all that he had; I think it was his way of telling me that he was OK with what was to come. Bebe was with him when he passed and said he simply drifted off to sleep. So even though I couldn't be there with him as well, I know he wasn't alone, and for that I'm thankful. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him in some way or another...wishing I could call to ask his advice on something, thinking of one of his silly sayings, wanting to share with him how well Randi is doing with learning math, or just simply thinking about all the things he taught me that helped make me the person I am today. He was a wonderful role model, a patient mentor and an incredible Dad, and I miss him so very much. Rest in peace Pops and know that you are loved and missed very, very much.
5 comments:
oh kristin! what a lovely, heartwarming tribute to your dad! i know he is smiling at you today and is so very proud of you!
What a wonderful quote...I'm sorry that you lost your parents so close together. You have had a tough year. I hope the upcoming one will be easier.
I just want to reach through the screen and hug you. It's through this common ground we became friend, remember? Love ya, girl.
Karren is spot on with what I was going to say. You've endured a double whammy--totally unfair. Glad you're able to share their memories. Hugs!
Big giant hugs! I understand. So much of what you said here. I understand. Your dad sounds like an amazing man. And I'm so happy he was able to tell you he felt blessed and lived a good life. That means so much when all you can think of is they've been robbed. Big hugs!
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