Around 2am EST on August 20, 2022, my Dad took his last breath in a hospital bed. It was the conclusion of several months of repeated hospital and rehab visits. My sisters and I had a meeting with the hospital staff (I did it over the phone since I wasn't in town) on Friday afternoon where we discussed the future care for my Dad. Trina scheduled court time to seek legal guardianship for my Dad since he wasn't of sound mind and body. That was scheduled for September 15th but alas is not needed anymore.
I had hoped I would get to see my Dad one last time and planned to travel today to see him. I got the call from Trina around 1:40 CST time but I was asleep and didn't hear the phone. I woke up around 4:30 AM and saw that she had called but didn't leave a message. I knew then and there what had happened. I visited anyway since I originally had a certification test planned for that day that I rescheduled to a facility in Michigan. I didn't pass the test but it was my first attempt at a new Sales Cloud Certification so I wasn't phased. I just wanted to be there with my sisters. We three are the final line of our particular branch of the family but both my parents have (had) other siblings who have other lines that are continuing on so unless COVID, Monkeypox, floods, fires, and whatever else the world has in store for mankind wipes everyone out, the family name will continue.
Prior to my Dad dying, Tasha had shared a letter she wrote and read to my Dad prior to his passing. It inspired me to write my own letter that I didn't get to share with him verbally but I plan to place a copy of it with him in his casket. I thought I would share it here as I remember the life of my Dad.
Dear Papa,
I wanted to take this moment to thank you for all you taught me. I remember being afraid of you for the longest time. It wasn't until I was much older that I learned from you the trauma that you dealt with growing up and the challenges you faced dealing with ignorant and racist people. It's a wonder you kept on going. But you had Mama and us 3 kids to think of. I understand now the stress you dealt with and I see how we unintentionally added to it. I can see why at times you would snap.
But I also saw a whole other side to you as well. Your caring and vulnerable side. You shared with me some of your hopes and dreams that didn't come to fruition. I saw how prideful you were when I accomplished small milestones in my life. And you were there to share your wisdom during those times I didn't reach my goals.
Some of my greatest moments was working with you side-by-side at our church. Being the building manager brought its own sets of challenges. I saw how you dealt with everyone wanting a piece of you and trying to tell you what to do or how things should be done. You gave the church over several decades of dedicated service. Your dedication and work ethic gave me a guideline to navigate my own career and work obstacles.
Well you made it to 92 years. That's an amazing feat for a black man. And I've said it before but it's also amazing both your older brothers also made it to their 90's before taking their last breaths. I do hope you get to see them in the afterlife as well as your parents.
Most importantly I want you to give Mama the biggest hug and kiss for me. You both made it to over 50 years of marriage. I know she is waiting for you with open arms. I still think of Mama everyday and now you are with her again.
I know you both will continue to watch over Tasha, Trina, and I for our remaining time on Earth. I am hopeful one day I will reunite with you and Mama. Until that day, know that you are in my thoughts now and forever.
I love you Papa!
Your #1 (Only Son) Eric
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