Lucky

It has been a wonderful and tough couple of weeks.  As most of you know my dad has had Chondrosarcoma, a form of cancer.  It has been an emotional roller coaster to say the least.  One day he has years then next day months to weeks to days.  It seemed like every time he went into the doctor his prognosis was changed.  While his official diagnosis gave him till Christmas he waited until the flowers bloomed, I think for my mother.
He would have good days and bad days.  As he neared the end  he needed 24 hour care.  I was more than happy to volunteer my time to take car of this great man who has done so much for me in my life.  While it was extremely hard to watch his body decline more and more each day, I really was blessed to spend this time with him.  I would snuggle up to him and hold his hand while we watched his favorite shows.  He would boss me around when I wasn't doing what he wanted (that's how I knew he was still with us.) If I was too quiet he would reach out and grab my hand and give it a little squeeze. Sometimes he would ask about materials for a building job he thought he was on, then there were those times of clarity where he was all with me and then all with angels from heaven.  It was very clear to me that  there is life beyond our time here on earth.

The last picture I took of him

doesn't this look just like my Brennen

He loved his grand kids

He gave me my love for yard work.

 There is an amazing spirituality to someone with one foot on the other side.  Although it is a sad time, more so it is a faith building wonderful time.  When the veil is so thin.
At one time it was just my mom and dad when he was looking around and asked my mom " Who are all these people here?"  My spiritual giant of a mother recognizing the spirit asked "You don't recognize any of them?"  To which he replied "no."
"You will" she answered.
Another time he was semi sleeping when  he says "Chad! Chad!"  like he was greeting his brother who just walked in the room.  (it must be noted that his brother Chad had passed away 3 years ago.)  My mom came over and sat down next to him waking him up all the way.  She asks "Is Chad here?"  catching himself my dad says "no." (like are you crazy Chad passed away)
I was with him on his last full day of life.  I watched as he slept then reached out to others that were there that I could not see, but I could clearly see him make the motions of shaking people's hands.  What a spiritual experience. I will never forget the spirit I felt during these times as those on the other side came to greet and escort my dad.
He even told my mom that he had a job to do on the other side and that he needed to get there.  When I got the call from my mother the next morning that he had passed away my heart broke.  I understand it is selfish of me to want him to stay when his quality of life was so poor.  But all I could think of as I rushed over to see him, was the man my children would not get to know, I thought of how hard it must be form my mother to lose her sweetheart of so many years, and how my first superhero turned from mortality toward heaven.  I'll miss you dad.  I loved you so much, I hope I can make you proud.