"I love you so much...you led a good life...a long good life...you have always been so good to me".
Tears stream down his face, he shows her he hears her, she returns the sentiment with tears on her own cheeks. "You're crying, we will cry together." So softly she sobs as she nuzzles her head into his blanket covered chest. She looks like a queen in her quilted down bathrobe. So tender a moment between a queen and her king. He is able to pucker slightly and kiss her softly. It eases his pain when she is near. In a room filled with his children, remembering...laughing, his eyes search for her. He is at peace when she is near.
His blue eyes seek to speak into your soul when you share a moment with him. He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. His eyes do all the talking and his emotions are on his face. A slight curl at the corner of his mouth, shows a smile. What a deep blue sea of love in those eyes. "You don't need to say anything dad, we know what you want to say...we feel the same way." "We love you dad."
He continues to hold on. Spending a restless night I watched him sleep. In the wee hours of the morning, he awoke. Quietly I came to his side, "hi grandpa, I love you." "Chris and Jess wish they could be here, but know they love you...so much." "Brooke and Justin love you to grandpa." We hold hands, he moves his mouth to let me know he needs moisture. I grab his swab and some fresh mint water and he responds with eager eyes. We share moments together and I can sense his pain. The liquid pain relief sets in and we sit together, holding hands and stroking his tender scalp. He falls back into a labored slumber.
Early morning coffee and tears. "It's ok honey, you can go if you're ready", "You're work here is done." All his children surround him, his queen at his side. "Dad there are some great people waiting for you. Grandma and Grandpa, your sister and Bret Kyle. They can't wait to see you dad."
Laughter, tears and sibling love fill the day. Joking, poking, reminiscing... Some head to bed, others stay by his side. Sleep is optional at a time like this, even when you seek it, rarely does it come easily.
He holds on still. We allow life to enter the space, looking at old photos, reliving memories. He rests peacefully while his children enjoy each others presence. They toast, he prays.
"I think Bret Kyle will be the one meeting him at the gate".
"You have worked so hard Dad, you deserve peace, it's time to rest."
81 years of life, 58 years of marriage. He continues to hold on. He wants to make sure she is taken care of. "We're gonna take care of each other dad, you don't have to worry." His children stand watch at his bedside.
So much love, so many memories, so many lives changed. He was a son, a husband, a father, a coach, a school teacher, a brother, a veteran, a grandfather and a friend.
A king to his queen, serving alongside her for 58 years.
December 8th as dad and I are at his side, he takes his last breath.
We love you grandpa.
