To Be or not To Be...

In the wake of the passing of my Dad (as with any life-altering event), there was much to do.  Arrangements to be made, bills to be paid, finances to get in order, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork … breakfasts, lunches & dinners;  appointments, schedules, the “getting to” and “getting back” ~ people coming and going like an undercurrent in a river of emotion.  I’ve decided, in such situations, that the “TO DO” list takes priority, the “TO BE” waits its turn.  

          

I’ve been waiting for a chance for solitude with Mother Earth.  In recent tiny moments of that, I see the depth of my own sadness that has had to wait its turn.  The sadness is simply for me and my family, not for my Dad. He is finally free from the confines of his failing mortal body and soaring with his family, friends and beloved pets who have gone before.  Yet, I “BE” sad…

I have a few recent video clips to look back on to hear his voice and see his smiling face.  I know I’ll feel and sense his presence often.  So, I am also grateful.

I went to the National Cemetery where Daddy’s body was interred yesterday, to his gravesite. On the forest edge in a treetop overlooking the Cemetery, a bald eagle watched over the resting places of our National heroes including my Dad.  He was mine and my only regret is that I didn’t write down some of the stories he told about his own life experiences ~ he rarely spoke about his service in World War 2 and since it was always a shock when he related something, I was never prepared with a notepad or video camera!  But I have a brain full of memories and a ton of photographs, as did he.

I AM my father’s daughter.  I am proud.  And today, I am profoundly sad…..

Tomorrow, I’ll get back to “TO DO”-ing

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"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and
Demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life,
Beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and
Its purpose in the service of your people. 

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,
Even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and
Bow to none. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and
For the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks,
The fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing,
For abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts
Are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes
They weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again
In a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."
~CHIEF TECUMSEH~