So, where to even begin. I've been so busy, and have not really wanted to write about things yet.
I've been back from Michigan and Dad's funeral since Oct 24. Just finally catching my breath from everything. Grades were due two days later for conferences the following week on the 30th and 31. To say the least, I had a huge pile of papers from being gone 7 days so there were a couple of late nights grading. My students were so quiet and concerned and helpful and understanding while I got back on track. I was beginning to question if they really were teenagers.
On top of all of this, I had also signed an extended contract to write curriculum for three new classes at the Career/Tech center that opens next year. That is due today for review before I have to present the week after Thanksgiving. I just emailed it off for pre-review. I really just need some time this weekend to read and sew. I think it will be so.
Anyways, everything went as well as could be expected as far as your Dad dying and all of that. Hindsight is always 20/20 and so many things had happened over the past couple of months that were good. Bert and I had dinner with my folks in August before flying back north and I got a big going away hug from Dad, rather than the usual handshake. The family also had a reunion the week after Labor Day, Mom and Dad had only been back about two weeks from visiting my sister and BIL in TN and had had dinner with my other Sister and BIL and Niece and Nephew and cut their hair the day before he left, and I had called to talk to him that day as well. The best part, and a bit sad, is that he had just gotten an elk and unbelievably had gotten cell phone reception in the mountains in Colorado and called Mom to describe to her where he was, (she had been there before, too), that he had gotten one and so on. They talked for about a half hour and had a really good conversation. About three hours later he was gone. How wonderful that they talked. His poor hunting buddy had to leave dad on the mountain overnight to go get help. He is still having a really hard time.
What is so frustrating is that he was in such good health. Not overweight, great blood pressure, good sugar, and low cholesterol. He was the healthiest of all his siblings, and the youngest. Go figure.
In spite of all the tears, we really had some good laughs. Sitting on the floor and going through pictures was good therapy and people commented on all the good pictures we displayed. There were also so many stories and laughs and more laughs. Being a barber, Dad knew most everyone in the community and there were always jokes and stories. Over 100 people came to the visitation and 215 to the service. What a testament and we felt so good about that. Our family has been known for giving a good event, whether a meal between services on music Sunday at church, my sisters weddings, and now a funeral. We are still getting comments that it was really different but so good. The hymns were favorites of Dad's that were uplifting, not the old dirges, we choose other than the usual scripture, and the minister relayed lots of our stories about Dad and we had people outright laughing during the service. That was okay though, because every picture we found of Dad, he was smiling.
Both of my parents were/are planners and organizers, so while Mom has to now deal with being a widow, there is very little to worry about in getting the finances and other things in order. Everything was all set up. They had just revised several things this summer and were just intent on enjoying retirement.
So, now I am sorting through memories and wearing a new coat that Dad had just gotten for his Birthday and had never worn. It is helping me to feel close. What else can I do? It will just take time.
You're probably wondering how this is going to be on topic. Well, I have not been back there in the fall since I had built this shed, so now I have a picture of it.
Tonight, hug those you love and don't sweat the small stuff. Life is too short.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
Steve Alaska