Thank you My Friend in Sympathy

Hi My Friends,

 

I have had a really hard 2013.  2013 started off with the loss of a dear Friend, a Woman who made everything beautiful and loved me for my good and my bad.  The one that never forgot me when others had.  She made a call, card, and flower every birthday, a how are you every time I was feeling low, and an apple pie just because.  I remember telling my Dad about it, as he was in Norwood Hospital battling through all his pain—and he said ever so gently, but clearly Oh I’m so sorry she meant so much to you.

I remember his words being so gentle and touching, like a hug, it just helped more than anything else did.  The fact even in his pain he knew and remembered what Maria meant to me was so enlightening.  He made it feel a little less dark.  I moved on doing the day to day and with the difficulty of finding quality care for my Dad.  Snow storms came and went, and I was looking forward to a spring that was delayed!  Then my heart was devastated when my Dad passed in April.  I know your parents are expected to go before you, but for some reason he was always so Strong I always thought he would be there forever.  I needed him to whisper those words to me, to make it all better, and I needed his hug.

I felt robbed.  I am still angry that a drunk driver took his mobility, independence and freedom this last year.  I am still so Sad that my Dad who always was the protector, the provider, and the hero didn’t get accolades, justice, dignity or treatment he deserved in return.  He was a Great Man, Great Father, and a Great American.  He was more than my hero, he was the workers hero, the underdog’s champion, and the most fun adult in the room, but above all else he was the genuine Person I have ever known.  Now I’m here without him trying to go on with the day to day, but it’s difficult.  I don’t understand why the whole world hasn’t stopped, and I want to tell the whole world what it has lost.

You help share that message with me.  You showing up at the Wake and Funeral (some from out of state), for the mass cards, or donating in his name to his Grandchildren’s’ safe places like St. Catherine’s of Siena in Norwood or the Answer for Cancer Club (even the 1 dollar meant so much), for writing a kind word on his obit, sending a touching song or poem (okay so yes through tears), or calling , praying for and checking in on Me; for one or “all of the above”.  THANK YOU.  My heart screams how Great my Dad is over and over, and you allow me to voice it.  Your sympathy, kindness, acknowledgement , listening continues and I thank you for that!  I will need you to get through 2013. 

 

Love,

Susan