You haven't walked for more than a year, sweet Dad. Now you can fly.
July 3, 1940 - October 18, 2014
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
A thousand tiny little pieces
Taking pictures with Dad, Hazel wanted to take one "by herself" with Papa. So, I took a few.
This was yesterday.
"I love you, Papa," she said as we stood by his bed to say goodbye. "I love you too, baby," he managed to whisper, almost soundless, under his breath. "He said I love you too baby!" she exclaimed, with great joy. It was a pretty large feat for him, who has spoken so few words the last several months. I could see the adoration in his weary eyes. My heart swelled, and then broke into a thousand tiny little pieces.
I am simultaneously angry and grateful. Angry, that they can't share more time together in this life. Angry that someone so small, should have to suffer such great loss. I love hearing the ring to his name when she speaks it from her sweet lips. Their laughter. How she would light up when she learned he was coming for a visit.
But I'm also so grateful. So grateful that they got to know each other at all. Grateful for the great gift of their relationship.
I hope she will remember him always. I hope she can recall the love he holds for her in his huge heart. I hope she will tell her little sister all about their Papa, and how he cared for them so. I hope she will sense his presence in the stars as they light up the sky, the warm sun as it shines on her face, and in the gentle, sweet fragrance of the wind.
This was yesterday.
"I love you, Papa," she said as we stood by his bed to say goodbye. "I love you too, baby," he managed to whisper, almost soundless, under his breath. "He said I love you too baby!" she exclaimed, with great joy. It was a pretty large feat for him, who has spoken so few words the last several months. I could see the adoration in his weary eyes. My heart swelled, and then broke into a thousand tiny little pieces.
I am simultaneously angry and grateful. Angry, that they can't share more time together in this life. Angry that someone so small, should have to suffer such great loss. I love hearing the ring to his name when she speaks it from her sweet lips. Their laughter. How she would light up when she learned he was coming for a visit.
But I'm also so grateful. So grateful that they got to know each other at all. Grateful for the great gift of their relationship.
I hope she will remember him always. I hope she can recall the love he holds for her in his huge heart. I hope she will tell her little sister all about their Papa, and how he cared for them so. I hope she will sense his presence in the stars as they light up the sky, the warm sun as it shines on her face, and in the gentle, sweet fragrance of the wind.
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