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At the Cemetery

Posted by eph21920 on February 16, 2022 in Answer, Death, Faith, Family, Grateful

The cold wind the day of the funeral blew in ice and snow for the next day. However, the following afternoon was mild and sunny with a clear blue sky, so we decided to make a trip out to the cemetery. After the military honors the other day, the military cemetery performed the burial in a plot that they chose. We read the guidelines and looked at the map they gave us before we left. Once we arrived, it was pretty easy to find the place where dad was buried. I was happy it wasn’t too much of a hike for my mom. My brother had picked up some fresh flowers that we laid at the base of the temporary marker. Then we turned around to the amazing view. There in front of us was the entire front range, including the mountain where my dad worked for a few years and his beloved snow covered peak. He said he wanted to be buried with a view of the peak and that’s exactly what he received. It was another God sent, tearful moment. As we stood there, a falcon flew straight towards us. I put my arm up as an invitation for him to land. He flew very low in a regal glide, but passed us by. Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done had he landed. We saw him close up again sitting on a sign when we drove out. It was a moving, yet peaceful visit.

I Found God today in his attention to details.

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Dad’s Funeral

Posted by eph21920 on February 15, 2022 in Death, Eternity, Faith, Family, Grateful, Grief

Preparing for almost 2 weeks seemed like an agonizing wait. Then suddenly, the day came for dad’s funeral. The visitation the night before was a small gathering of good friends. Among them were my sister’s best friend from high school and some close friends of mine who also came from out of town. It was so nice to have them present. We displayed a couple of dad’s favorite photographs – the space shuttle “Enterprise” signed by many pilots and astronauts, the solar eclipse, several Christmas cards he made, and my mom’s hands on the keyboard of the organ that he and my brother built. Even when my dad couldn’t recognize his own wonderful work, he knew my mom’s hands. We brought many other photos to share with friends. When I started my bible class 4 years ago, I met a gentleman who was studying to be a deacon. He was in my small group for 2 years, so we got to know each other. It turned out that he was ordained a deacon and assigned to our parish. I was so happy that he came to the visitation and led the rosary and prayers there. That evening, the family gathered and got food from my parents’ favorite German restaurant. We toasted my dad with his favorite wine. The next day, the funeral was held on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. With a family devotion to her, it was another unexpected gift from God to send my dad into His arms on that day. A friend of 35 years who became a priest made a 2-hour drive to celebrate the Mass with us. He was such a blessing. One of my dad’s distant relatives wrote music to be played in church and his Psalter was the prelude. My son played his guitar and sang a lovely rendition of “Hallelujah”. Family members escorted my father’s casket and read the scripture. It was a beautifully moving celebration. From there, we went to the newly created National Cemetery. We had visited there a couple years ago when they had just broken ground. My father said he was waiting for it to be completed so he could be buried there. The weather had turned, so when we arrived the bitter cold wind was whipping. My mother was shown to her seat in the outdoor pavilion and immediately bundled up with blankets provided by the funeral home drivers. The honor guard escorted my dad’s casket to the pavilion and fired three volleys from their rifles. The single bugle playing taps was captivating as the final note lingered and faded into the wind until it was no more. The honor guard fought against the frigid gusts as they folded the American flag and presented it to my mother. The person who handed it to her made the most intense eye contact that everyone could feel it. The priest said the final blessing and we departed.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

I Found God today grateful for the moving ceremonies as we laid my father to rest.

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Waiting and Preparing

Posted by eph21920 on February 14, 2022 in Death, Faith, Family, Grateful, Grief, Love, Relationship

After my dad’s death, there was almost 2 weeks before his funeral. During that time, my brothers, sister, nephew and his wife spent the majority of time at the house with me and my mom. My sons, daughter in law and grandkids stopped by from time to time, and we video chatted with my sister whose husband was still recovering from his recent surgeries. We reminisced and told our favorite stories with my dad which went into the writing of the eulogy. We cried and laughed. Everyone helped to plan the funeral and did their part with the fine details. People cooked, cleaned, shopped, sorted mail, shoveled, cared for my mom, did home repairs, vehicle maintenance, and even did some remote work. It was beautiful to see how everyone used their talents to the benefit of the whole family as we prepared. We prayed together. We even made time for some fun along the way. Tension and emotions ran high at times, but everyone seemed to figure out ways to deal with it. Mostly, we supported one another. I felt very blessed to be surrounded by the people I love most. I think we did my dad proud.

I Found God today in my family.

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Home To God

Posted by eph21920 on February 13, 2022 in Death, Faith, Family, Jesus

My dad spent a couple of days in the hospital as the doctors did their best work. They and the nurses were so empathetic and caring. The neurologist was the same one who saw my dad 2 years ago when he had the stroke. He was an amazing, compassionate person who had honest, yet difficult, conversations. We sadly accepted that my dad was not going to be able to recover. There is one inpatient hospice facility in the city and our prayers were answered when we heard that my dad was accepted there. It was located in St. Francis Hospital, so when I walked in for the first time and saw the statue of Jesus along with the other religious art and the chapel, I cried. I knew my dad was in God’s hands. When the sun came up the next morning, the view from my dad’s window revealed a near full moon setting directly behind the mountain. I felt blessed and honored to take the photo he always wanted to capture of the moon touching the peak. The whole family arrived quickly. We were glad that everyone was able to talk to dad while he could still open his eyes. Even when he was non-responsive, my dad’s countenance changed when my mom was there and held his hand. After almost 70 years of marriage, he knew when she was present. All the nurses, workers, and volunteers in the hospice facility were wonderful. They not only made sure my dad was as comfortable as possible, but they cared for us as well. The family rotated hours, staying vigil with my dad for a long strenuous week talking to him, praying with him, attending to his physical needs, and listening to his favorite classical music. When Sunday morning came, we knew he had not much time left. Many of us spent a few moments alone with my dad and unknowingly passed along the same message – it was time to give back to God what belonged to God. We assured him that we would tend to his affairs just as he wanted and that we would continue to take good care of my mom. Later that night, my dad peacefully breathed his last and God brought him home.

I Found God today recollecting His presence as He prepared to bring my dad home.

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Spiritual Perspective

Posted by eph21920 on January 20, 2022 in Answer, Children, Connected, Death, Faith, Family, Hope, Humility, Life, Struggles

My dad had been declining since his big fall on Friday. He ended up back in the ER yesterday. This afternoon I had a conversation with the doctor about decisions that will need to be made regarding his care once we see if or how much he may recover. After our talk I had to walk, so I roamed the halls of the hospital and came to the chapel. I went in and sat down facing the tabernacle. After about 2 minutes, the chaplain came in, arranged some things, and asked if I wanted to talk. I did. During our conversation, we compared raising children to caring for parents. I said it is easier to raise children as you are joyfully and hopefully preparing them for the next phase. As the words were coming out of my mouth I was made aware that caring for parents is exactly the same thing. I was humbled that God would use my own tongue to enlighten me. The chaplain said he would put my dad on the list to visit. Then he prayed with me. I was so grateful.

I Found God today getting a spiritual perspective.

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Close Family Close

Posted by eph21920 on January 18, 2022 in Connected, Family, Home, Life

As my mom and drove down our street this morning, we met my daughter in law at the stop light just by chance. She was heading to my the school. My mom spotted her before I did. We talked about how it is still surprising to see her here. And to be in the same place at the same time was just funny and joyful.

I Found God today in the joy of seeing my daughter in law so close.

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Positive Resolutions

Posted by eph21920 on January 17, 2022 in Answer, Family, New, Plan, Struggles

My mom and I made it up to see my dad this afternoon. He looked pitiful but got in a chuckle or a smile every now and again. I spoke with the director, caregivers, and his PCP. I was surprised to learn that by law the doors to the courtyards must remain unlocked at all times for the residents. However, now they are alarmed so whenever a door is opened, the caregivers get a notification and someone responds immediately to make sure all is well. I saw the new protocol in action while we were there. I was amazed at how often people go outside. It was discovered that my dad has a UTI which can explain his recent irratic behavior and he is on antibiotics. Hopefully that will help him feel better and calm down soon. They are keeping a good eye on him and felt very bad about what happened. I was happy to see some positive resolutions taking place.

I Found God today in positive resolutions.

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Another Painful Experience

Posted by eph21920 on January 16, 2022 in Connected, Doctor, Faith, Family, Friends, Grateful, Hurt, Prayer, Problem, Struggles

It’s been a rough couple of days. On Friday afternoon, I was able to finally get my COVID booster. Planning ahead, my sister was coming to stay with my mom and I for the weekend. It had just started to snow when she left for her normal 1 1/2 hour drive. Just as my mom and I finished dinner, I got the call from my dad’s facility. They found my dad on the ground outside. He was conscious but freezing and banged up. The paramedics were called and it was decided it was best for him to go to the ER to get warmed up and checked out. I was starting to feel the ill effects of the booster and the roads were already an icy mess. I knew I wouldn’t be able to go and be with him. I called my sister who was still driving after almost 3 hours and she said she would go to the hospital. My mom and I prayed the rosary. She used the beads she received from her friend who bought them and had them blessed in Rome. I used beads my friend gave me that were present in Fatima for the 100th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun and were blessed by the pope. When we finished, I checked back in with my sister. It took her another hour on treacherous roads before she made it to the hospital. It was a long, stressful, sleepless night for everyone. I took and made phone calls as my temperature soared and my body ached. My sister made sure my dad was cared for while my poor traumatized father acted out. The last thing we wanted was a repeat of a few months ago when he ended up restrained and over medicated. After hours of tests and observation, they found no serious injury. At 6:00 in the morning, my dad returned to his facility and my sister finally made it to our house. My mom was up an hour and a half later. My sister and I knew there was no way either one of us would to be able to function. I called my son who came over and “grandma sat” while my sister and I tried to recover. Exhausted and ill, I asked God how much suffering he thought was necessary for my dad – and how much he thought we could all endure. I remembered the story of Job and God’s response which was basically that He knows what He is doing. No explanation. I started praying in thanksgiving that my dad was not hospitalized, for the medical staff, that my sister was with him and home safe, for my son, and anything else I could think of. I prayed another rosary and the Divine Mercy. I prayed until I ran out of words. Then I found an online live stream of Eucharistic Adoration. I wondered if that actually “counted”, but was reminded that God is everywhere all the time and was able to doze. A little while later I received a text from a friend quoting Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” She had no idea what was happening and how timely her note was. When I thanked her, she said she was heading to Mass and would pray for me and my family. What an unexpected blessing. Our favorite caregiver was with my dad yesterday, which was another answered prayer. I knew she would keep a close eye on him and she kept me informed as to how he was doing. He had a difficult day yesterday, but our second favorite caregiver told me he was doing better today. While we have had to get through yet another painful experience, I realized that I was completely incapable of doing anything at all to help the situation. But, others were – my sister, my son, my friend who brought us all to Mass, trusted caregivers. I really am not all that powerful. Thank God He is.

I Found God today in another difficult situation.

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Spiritual Support

Posted by eph21920 on January 12, 2022 in Bible, Faith, Grateful, Jesus, Life, Marriage, Miracle

I had not met with my prayer group since before Thanksgiving, so it was nice to get together with them online tonight. People had similar stories about being with some family over holidays and then not because of COVID. We had a thoughtful discussion about the scripture reading for the upcoming Sunday- the story of the wedding feast at Cana. One thing we talked about is how the servants at the wedding did what Jesus told them and with their cooperation, Jesus performed a miracle. So it is with us. If we do what Jesus asks us, even though it seems ridiculous, scary, or difficult at the time, He can work wonders in our situation. We concluded our time with a lot of prayer requests as there is a lot of suffering and need these days. I felt again blessed to have this spiritual support.

I Found God today in spiritual support.

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Better

Posted by eph21920 on January 11, 2022 in Answer, Food, Grateful, Life, Struggles

I have been dragging the last couple of days – physically, mentally, energetically. Perhaps it’s coming off the holidays. Perhaps I’ve been neglecting to do what I need to take care of myself. I suppose that’s why it seems necessary to make a new year’s resolution. In any case, I resolved to get my diet back in order and started a couple days ago. And last night I went to bed right after my mom. She slept well during the night, so I did too. I woke up surprised that it was actually morning. After my prayers, water and stretching, I was happy that I was feeling better. I was most grateful that continued through the day.

I Found God today feeling better.

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