Bittersweet Holidays

 

2024 has been a transitional year. Between March 31st and the end of September we lost my father-in-law,  my Aunt Virginia, my mother-in -law, a colleague I admired and my dad.  Notwithstanding the grief and pain, I am grateful for the beautiful relationships we shared. But the loss of my dad, the most gentle of gentlemen, broke my heart. 

My dad told stories. He grew up on a farm in southern Indiana without indoor plumbing and electricity. He loved my mom with every fiber of his being. But he enjoyed his cats, his family, his church, his friends, his neighbors, his community, and life. 

Wow, the beautiful people we’ve lost this year could cause me to spiral into depression. But, instead I feel blessed that these wonderful human beings enhanced my life. I’m grateful Daddy lived nearly 8 years after Mom left us. 

This gentle, larger than life, man of 92/brought joy to those around him. I am grateful that we were able to see him on his last goood days, drinking whiskey, enjoying a cigar, and living life a bit less awful because of the gifts of Michigan embracing end of life herbal remedies.

Daddy, I miss you. The tears stream down my cheeks as I write this. But, I’m happy you’ve reunited with mom.