April 29, 2008

My father's mother and father were standing at heaven's gate with their arms outstretched, smiling, calling their son's name, "George George come we have missed you!" Their faces full of light, their hearts bursting with joy! Behind them stood his family who have gone before him: Uncle Daniel, Uncle Elmer, Uncle Jules and Aunt Frannie, Aunt Marie, Aunt Velma, Uncle Harold, Uncle Ed, Uncle Al, Uncle Joe, Uncle Edmund, Uncle John, Baby John, my mother's parents Frances and John, his nieces and nephews Beverly, Michael and Jonathon... and so many others.... smiling, laughing, running towards him.

Then I saw us... Standing by his bed. His eyes memorizing our faces, his heart holding us with a song singing good bye, tenderly.

Oh beautiful life.

Oh beautiful death.

-------------------------------------

We stood by his bed through out the night, in prayer, in silence, letting him go.

I had my hand on his heart and felt his last heart beat.

Oh Joy

Oh heaven with your gate wide and welcoming!

Dad, Oh Dad, I saw you as a child running, running into your families welcoming arms!

Comments

[Terri]

I just found your blog today, via Mary's (Across the Pond)
I've been browsing here for hours and just wanted to add my deepest sympathy. I, too, was "Daddy's Girl" and lost my Dad 5 years ago, on April 10. But his spirit continues to constantly hover beside me.
May your dad always be with you and may the memories comfort you in your loss.

[Redness]

Dearest Corey apologies for the lateness of writing. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and your beautiful family. Your generosity leaves me speechless, with Love and Gratitude. xxx

[Anastasia]

i am so deeply sorry for your loss...My deepest condolences to you and your extended family Corey...your father is now at peace and beaming from our beautiful heaven above!
Thankyou for sharing your thoughts and memories about your father even during such a difficult time...

[susan]

Dear Corey,

Your father was such a blessed man to have you for a daughter, and most certainly, you are who you are in great measure because of him. I've been away from blogging for a few weeks because a dear friend of mine has been diagnosed with cancer, and this post touches my heart so very deeply. Thank you so very much for your tender, creative and hopeful presence here. You are a treasure, sharing her treasures so freely.

love, Susan

[Lana]

Dear Corey, with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, I have just read of your sweet father's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure you know by now, God is always there with you, and through Him, you will have the grace, the strength, and the courage to carry on.
God bless,
Lana

[Islandsparrow]

Dear Corey

I've been away in the UK and just learned of your father's death. I am so sorry. Thank you for allowing us such a tender glimpse into your life and his. I am lifting you and your family in my prayers.

with love
Kathie

[lulu sparkles]

I will keep your family in my prayers corey.
love,
lulu

[sonrie]

I had surgery last Tuesday, and just got back to reading missed postings today. So very sorry to hear of your father's passing.

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.

[Julia]

That was the most beautiful thing I have ever read. What a wonderful tribute to your father. He has been blessed.

[La Framéricaine]

For your mamma, Corey:

http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=Cb88hOgbzY0&feature=related

"If You Get There Before I Do"
Colin Raye

I read a note my grandma wrote back in 1923
Grandpa kept it in his coat and he showed it once to me
He said boy you might not understand
But a long, long time ago
Grandma's daddy didn't like me none
But I love your grandma so

We had this crazy plan to meet
And run away together
Get married in the first town we came to and live forever
But nailed to the tree where we were supposed to meet instead
I found this letter
And this is what it said

If you get there before I do
Don't give up on me
I'll meet you when my chores are through
I don't know how long I'll be
But I'm not gonna let you down
Darling wait and see
And between now and then ‘til I see you again
I'll be loving you, love me

I read those words just hours before my grandma past away
In the door way of a church
Where me and grandpa stopped to pray
I know I'd never seen him cry in all my 15 years
But as he said these words to her
His eyes filled up with tears

If you get there before I do
Don't give up on me
I'll meet you when my chores are through
I don't know how long I'll be
But I'm not gonna let you down
Darling wait and see
And between now and then ‘til I see you again
I'll be loving you, love me
Between now and then ‘til I see you again
I'll be loving you, love me

Amitiés,

[La Framéricaine]

Dear Corey,

You exist in a state of grace, as do all of your loved ones. The words that come from
your heart and mouth will always be the right words to honor your daddy.

Hopefully, you will be able to hear and see this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9XrixOvLSU&feature=related

La Martiniana

Niña, cuando yo muera
No llores sobre mi tumba,
Cántame un lindo son
¡Ay mamá!
Cántame la sandunga.

Niña, cuando yo muera
No llores sobre mi tumba,
Cántame un lindo son
¡Ay mamá!
Cántame la sandunga.

No me llores, no, no me llores, no,
Porque si lloras yo peno,
En cambio si tú me cantas
Yo siempre vivo, yo nunca muero.

Lucero de la mañana,
El rey de todos los sones,
Canta la Martiniana: ¡Ay, mamá!,
Que rompe los corazones.

Lucero de la mañana,
El rey de todos los sones,
Canta la canta Martiniana: ¡Ay, mamá!,
Que rompe los corazones.

No me llores, no, no me llores, no,
Porque si lloras yo peno,
En cambio si tú me cantas
Yo siempre vivo, yo nunca muero.

Si quieres que te recuerde,
Si quieres que no te olvide,
Canta sones del alma , mamá!
Música que no muere.

Si quieres que te recuerde,
Si quieres que no te olvide,
Canta mil sones del alma , mamá!
Música que no muere.

No me llores, no, no me llores, no,
Porque si lloras yo peno,
En cambio si tú me cantas
Yo siempre vivo, y nunca muero

En cambio si tú me cantas
Yo siempre vivo, y nunca muero

"God is alive. Magic is afoot."

Amitiés,

[Kathy]

Dear Corey,
I posted a comment to your webpage but did not see it there, and don't want you to think that I have not acknowledged your father's passing. Isn't that peculiar, that I think you would notice, even with the nearly 400 comments you have already received? Silly, but I want to be sure you hear this message, even if my comment is there and this letter means I am repeating myself.
I know there isn't anything I can say that will make this any easier for you, but I want to say it anyway ... that beautiful dream wasn't just a dream. It was very real, and a gift to you.
Hold onto that. It doesn't make the change any easier to bear, because it feels like loss for you and your family, but it helps you be happy for your dad, and that makes a difference as you move through your grief.
I'll say what was said to me by a friend who can communicate with people "in spirit" after they've left their bodies: I am sorry for your loss, but I am not sorry for your father, because if what my friend tells me, and your dream, are true, then he is in a WONDERFUL place.
And -- my mom has given me signs that she is still around at times. I bet your dad will too. I hope so. I know how important he is to you.
Love,
Kathy
_______________________________________

Dear Kathy and each and everyone of you who have left a comment,

I have read and re read the words of friendship, courage and love you have sent to me and my family. Your compassion and thoughtfulness is a healing balm for me. Thank you is simply not enough, I am overwhelmed by each and every note left here.
Thank you for showing my family and I the heart of God.
Corey

[Cat]

Your fathers journey continues and he is free - really free! From a believers and a bikers perspective that means a lot.

Ultimate blessings to you and your family.

Hugs, Cat

[Linda Harre]

Oh Corey......I weep with you and for you! Having lost both my parents the scene is too familiar.........I send to you my love and any comfort that might come to you knowing that people all over the world are praying for you in this hour of sorrow. What a wonderful and lucky father he must have been to have such an adoring daughter......tender hugs from St. Louis....Linda

[Bronwyn]

I am sorry for your loss.

These are beautiful posts, especially this one.

[Barbara]

I said on the last email I would pray for your dad and I did, and I will pray for you and your family to ease daily through this life transition.
I am easing through this transition too since Feb. from the loss of my mother.
I pictured my mom as well, seeing all her family members and as it was sad to see her go, the homecoming she was about to step through made it more endurable. She missed her grandma her grandpa her Uncle Ad, he ate his peas with a knife, cousins, and so on. With heartfelt sympathy

[Lori Witzel]

I am so sorry...my heartfelt condolences.

The song "I'll Be Seeing You" drifted through my mind in response to the news and your post, and so I'm sending it from the heart of Texas to you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I'll_Be_Seeing_You_(song)

[eivlys]

Toutes mesprofondes condoléances Corey . I haven't stop by for a while ...
You have given him so much .

[Laurence]

My deepest sympathy to you and your family Corey. Toutes mes meilleures pensees a toi et a ta famille.

[Villa Anna]

Dear Corey,

I have been offline for a week and out of touch.

My condolences to you and your family. It is a gift however that you were able to say goodbye in such a beautiful way - I'm sure you know he's not very far away and in a truly wonderful place.

God Bless

Anna :)

[Carolyn]

Dear Corey,
May your faith find you peace, and your love of family provide you strength. It has been a privilege to sit beside you as you wrote your father's journey and allowed us all to read your thoughts. I send you love. Bless you and all your family.

[Andrea in Indiana]

What a wonderful description. I've read your blog on and off for so long, never leaving a comment but enjoying your beautiful photography and lyrical writing.

This post is so touching and tender I just wanted you to know you have many more friends than you know and you've touched so many lives, as I'm sure your dear Father did too.

You are in my prayers.

[TACE]

Dear Corey, we were away for a few days and I just now read about your father. My condolences to you and your family, I'm so sorry.

[babelfish]

Dear Corey,
You and your family are in my thoughts.
So sorry to hear of your loss, our heavenly father reaches out with open arms. Give thanks for a life well lived, and a loving family.x
Sending lots of love!!

[AmandaMay]

Dear Corey, What a beautiful way to pass on. My heart goes out to you and your family. Amanda

[Betty @ Country Charm]

Corey,
I'm sure on the other side his loved ones were shouting, "here he comes, here he comes!"

God bless you and your family as you face the days without him but have so many sweet memories to take out and relive time and time again......Betty

[carol]

Corey, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have really been touched by your dedication to your Dad...what a great blessing you must have been to him during this time. God bless you and your family.

[Alexandra]

Your dad has gone home to our Father. He's at peace, and I pray for strength and peace for you and your family during this time of grieving. Praying for the repose of his soul. ((hugs))

[Dee/reddirtramblings]

Ah, Corey, my dear, I missed one change and everything changed.

I wish I could wrap my arms around you. Can you taste the saltiness of my tears?

May the Angels lead him to Paradise; and may the martyrs greet him and lead him into the holy city of Jerusalem. Amen.

[nel]

Dearest Corey, I cannot convey in words how my heart feels for you but my tears tell their own story. I hold you in my thoughts and prayers and thank you for the privilege of sharing in such a precious journey. Joyous memories and heartfelt sorrow. Such bitter sweet times. I pray God's blessing and comfort over you and your family and friends. Take care, Love Nel xo

[Cris in Oregon]

I too have followed your journey and cried for your family. My deepest sympathy for all your sorrow. How wonderful you were able to be there for & with him.

[Patti]

I'm so sorry Corie. What a beautiful sight to see his family around him as he closed his eyes on earth and opened them to his family in heaven. And what beautiful sentiments from around the world are the words and prayers of those who hold you and your words dear. May God put his arms around you and your family, especially your mother, at this time.

[pegg]

So sorry Corey. I have been following your journey and cried for you and your family. May you now find peace. Hugs, Peggy from PA

[beachy]

Dear precious Corey, tears of sorrow flow from my eyes and from my heart. My family has traveled this road before with my grandmother, standing by her bedside, waiting for that last moment on earth before eternity in heaven. Life does go on; these are not just words to those here on earth, but life goes on in heaven with those who have gone before us. My love to all of you!

[Wanda]

I just found you through Angela Marie ~~ I too join all your friends in sharing my deepest sympanthy. I too have lost my parents ~~ but praise God, they too are in heaven.
Wanda

[Cherrye]

:-( I'm so very sorry for your loss.

[susanna]

Ohhh Corey, I'm so sorry. This is heartbreaking. You're right - your father did have a beautiful life and a beautiful death. To be surrounded by so much love at the end of his life, knowing that he would be going into Pure Love with everyone he has missed over the years...I think most of us would want that for when our time comes. Wish I could give you a big hug this morning.

[Kitem]

Corey I am so sorry for your family and for you, I am very sad today to learn that your papa has gone away. Mes plus sincères condoléances à toi et à ta famille.

[Donna O.]

I can't wait to hold you sweet one - hold you tightly around your neck this strong woman.Who is also this little girl missing the man she had her first crush in. I believe in my heart that he went ahead earler in case anybody needed him there . He was the brave one.
Tears
Donna

[tinker]

Corey, oh Corey - My heart, my thoughts, my prayers are with you. Blessings and peace to you and your family, my friend. Much love~XOXO

[Muriel]

With my eyes full of tears, I started reading the message..... the road had to go this way (too much suffering)...but the child in me...well, you'd rather take another road if there was choices..

Corey my heart goes out to you. I'm so very sorry!

Love Muriel

[Judy Morphis]

May God hold you and your family in His arms during this time. What a beautiful loving legacy your family has shared with us all.

[Lisa-Vet]

God Bless, You and Your Family.. Big,Big Hugs..Lisa-Vet.

[Elizabeth]

I feel quite certain this is how my loved ones were seeing things as they left this old world. Thank you for sharing your heart and thoughts so well. May the FATHER continue holding you all in HIS hands as you adjust to the empty place where your father was. It really won't be so awfully long till you are all together again...not in terms of Eternity. Blessings on you all!!
Elizabeth

[Karen Eropkin]

Dear Corey, I know exactly how you feel; my own precious dad passed away last week after a brief illness. Little did I know when you started out your journey with your dad's hospitalization several months back, I would be walking along the same path. It's surreal to know my father is gone because he's always been there. However, I take comfort in the thought that he is looking down upon me and that someday we will meet up again. I hold your heart in my of my hands. May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time. Love, Karen, Fresno, California

[Hasmin]

Dearest Corey, my deepest and heartfelt condolence to you and your family. The next couple of days, weeks, months are going to be tough...but know that your dear Dad is now in a better place. He is once again with his loved ones that have passed, and no longer in pain. He is with you now in spirit and loving memories. ((hugs))

[Beverly]

Corey,

I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know that times are rough for your family right now, but take comfort in the thought that times are no longer difficult for your father...he's healed.

[Towards Paris]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Daisy Cottage]

((((Corey))))))
I am so very sorry. You have shared so beautifully about your precious father. There are no words. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I, too, had my head on my dad's chest as his heart beat its' final beat. It is a moment that I will never forget.
Be good to yourself and take it a day at a time.

Kim

[Kate]

Corey, I say through tearful eyes that your dream was more than a dream. I think that's the way it really, really was, for your dad.
What a gift to you, a dream like that! And so now it is my turn to say something that was said to me after my mother's death: that I am sorry for your loss, your mother's, and all of your family's; but I am not sorry for your dad.

Thank you so much for sharing this important passage in your life with your readers.