I broke from tradition this evening and instead of going out and spending the New Year with my brother, his girlfriend and my mom–John and I stayed home with his mom (who usually kidnaps the boys) and three sick little ones. Instead of telling stories about my dad–some funny (he was hilarious) and some sad (6 years ago we spent the New Year in a hospital waiting for him to die)–I found myself counting my blessings.
It is hard to lose a parent, but it is infinitely harder to lose a child. This year the Jones family lost their little girl and as you read, a dear friend of mine will soon lose another child that she loves from her life. With my feverish and uncomfortable 7 year old sitting on my lap, I felt horrible that he was so miserable, and very very grateful. I felt blessed that I grew up having a father to hold me when I was sick, lucky that my three children truly do not know what it means to suffer and humbled by the courage of those who have taken care of a truly sick child and then had to watch them leave.
My Dad had the biggest, kindest heart and I know that he would be honored–if when you take that extra moment to think of him today–you cut the memory short and take a minute or two to send a little extra love to those families that will have a 2011 with a piece of their heart missing.
Love and miss you, Daddy.
Kimmie
P.S. I owe you a happy post and promise to deliver soon–tonight is for the little ones. Miss you.
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Kim:
This hit me hard — we've been at my mother's bedside for the past ten days helping her end her life's journey. It's so difficult.
Judy
Awwww Judy-I'm soooo very sorry. 🙁 The only thing I can give you is the promise that if you are observant and open you will find your mother in a new way. It's a different kind of relationship, but if you're brave, you'll find the beauty in it. When you're ready, I have several other posts about my dad and I hope they will bring you comfort. When he was leaving me–I whispered in his ear exactly what I needed from him once he moved on– the happiest moment of my life was when I clearly heard from him less than 12 hours after he left. I'll be thinking of you. <3 Please let me know how you are doing.