Friday, January 26, 2007

So Soon

My father passed away in his sleep in the early hours of the morning.


My parents had a long-running joke about becoming two old folks with nothing better to do then sit in their recliners every night watching Jeopardy. Each time we visited my mom in the hospital, my dad would say, "You keep getting better like this and you'll be back in your chair in no time," and my mom would respond, "Just make sure that you're in your chair when I get back, my love."

Once my dad and I arrived home from the hospital on Wednesday, it was obvious that he had once again summoned every bit of strength left in his body to convince the doctors to release him before it was really wise to do so. (He'd done this before.) His breathing was labored, standing was difficult, and walking next to impossible. But he would not be denied.

And so it was that, when my mom returned home from her hospital on Thursday, there was my father, sitting in his chair as promised, awaiting her return.

"I'm home, my love."

"I missed you. I saved you a chair. Here, sit in your chair and enjoy the fire. I'm glad you're home."

"So am I, my love. So am I."

"13 hugs!"

"For you, too, my love."

Their 56th anniversary is next week. Their loved affair lasted over 58 years.

[UPDATED]

10 comments:

chuck b. said...

I'm sorry for your loss. You have my sincerest sympathies.

You know, I've *never* seen Singing in the Rain. I just put it in my rental queue.

SippicanCottage said...

Sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences from all the assorted Sippicans here in the cottage.

amba said...

Thank God.

amba said...

(in tears)

Meade said...

Beautiful heart moving tribute, Ronin. Thank you.
I too am sorry for your loss.

Melinda said...

A wonderful love story with a bittersweet ending.

Sorry for your loss.

Ruth Anne Adams said...

May he be granted eternal light and peace. I hope he's just gone on ahead to make a way for your mother, however long that may be. A marriage that long ends in one way. It continues in many other ways.

I'm so saddened for your loss as well.

Beth said...

I'm sorry to read of your loss, Ronin. What a beautiful tribute, and an inspiring love story.

Anonymous said...

Please accept my condolences, and know that you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. And thank you again for sharing this story with us.

David said...

Hope you find some comfort at this most comfortless of times.

Now that soundtrack is playing in my head...