My father passed away on November 27, 2009 surrounded by his three children. It was a privilege to be by his side and to be present as he passed from this life. I am grateful that I was able to make the trip from New Zealand back to Oregon to be with my family though sad to have to leave Mike and the kids behind.
A dear friend sent me this and I feel compelled to share it here:
When sorrow comes, let us accept it simply, as a part of life. Let the heart be open to pain; let it be stretched by it. All the evidence says that this is the better way. An open heart never grows bitter. Or if it does, it cannot remain so. In the desolate hour, there is an outcry; a clenching of the hands upon emptiness; a burning pain of bereavement; a weary ache of loss. But anguish, like ecstasy, is not forever. There comes a gentleness, a returning quietness, a restoring stillness. This too is a door to life. Here, also, is a deepening of meaning – and it can lead to dedication; a going forward to the triumph of the soul, the conquering of the wilderness. And in the process will come a deepening inward knowledge that, in the final reckoning, all is well.
-A. Powell Davies
Thank you for all of your healing thoughts during this difficult time for our family.
You're in my thoughts and prayers, Cara. Sad to hear about your father, but glad that you could be with him. love, jess
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely memorial to your dad. He would be so proud of you.
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