I
went out and walked nine holes at my golf course yesterday morning so I
could be with my Dad. He introduced me to crazy game of golf when I
was a wee lad of 10 years, and I was the lucky one to play so many
rounds with him these last 15 years. It was a beautiful morning and
without one practice swing, my first drive split the fairway at 270
yards. But, before I hit, I said, "This one is for yo
u,
Dad." It was not a long walk spoiled. We had a good chat and a lovely
time marching down memory lane. I saw no one on the course. Just me
and my father walking beside me.
I wanted to share the moments I
had in the early morning hours of October 18. I couldn't sleep and all
of a sudden, Iggy barked. One little bark. She was looking over at my
side of the bed. She did this four more times. Just one bark about 5
minutes apart. After the second bark I started thinking of Dad and I
"felt" a presence in the room. After each bark I felt the presence
again and I knew it was Dad and I just stared at where I thought I could
see him. Iggy jumped off the bed and I assumed she wanted to go
outside for a pee, but she just stared at the door and wouldn't budge.
I had a feeling something was wrong. One hour later, my brother Scott
who was with my Mom visiting Dad called to tell me Dad had passed away
at 4:45am. I now know that my Dad had come to visit me to say goodbye.
He is at a far better place now and feeling no pain. That comforting
thought does little to quell the pain I feel. He suffered horribly
these last 4 months and that I don't understand and it makes me angry
God would let him go through that. He had gone in for a hip
replacement. He got a staph infection and spent his next 3 plus months
having one part of his body shut down after another. All he could do
was lie in that hospital bed. He had no strength do even turn on his
side. It was horrific to see him go through this. He lost the ability
to speak over 2 months ago and I could see the fear and frustration on
his face. My last visit he seemed alert and even smiled. I held his
hand and put my hand on his head and told him I loved him. Then I
walked out of his room knowing that would be the last time I would see
him in this life. I will miss him. He loved a good laugh. He loved
to sing and I love knowing that now he can sing again. He was a good
man. A good husband. A good father.