Let the Spirit Move You

                        

1. French Husband arrived for my father's funeral and will stay a few days.

2. School, the distance, and timing do not permit Chelsea and Sacha to come; Though they arrive in early June.

2A. I am trying not to think that French husband and I are in California while our children are clear across the world....

3. The amount of incredible food that keeps coming into my mother's home makes the scale tip higher and higher. Who has willpower at a time like this?

4. Holding emotion in is exhausting.

5. Funerals are exhausting too.

6. The eulogy...or I should say the blank piece of paper starring me in the face is haunting. Where do I begin? Each time I try to put something down on paper I see my father in the dark hospital room and his gallant desire to live... and I hear myself telling him to let go- Three months of bearing witness to my father's heroic effort and his dying days has my heart far too sad to create a worthy eulogy.

7. My sister in laws are the best beyond helpful and supportive.

8. Having little children around is natural healing medicine.

9. My mother... my brothers keep my father ever on their lips. Story after story.

10. I must focus on the eulogy.... please, please, please give me the words to share and the courage to speak without turning into a puddle. Where does one begin?

Comments

[heather]

i'm so glad french husband can be with you. words fail me at times like this, when i think simple human companionship means the most. words don't go deep enough, and only someone who can be silent and feel the depth of emotion can be truely comforting. may you find and give comfort.

[paris breakfasts]

But your Eulogy is HERE Corey!
Can't you just hold up a BIG sign with your URL on it? :)
http://willows95988.typepad.com/

[diana]

I know that when you get up to speak.... the words will flow.. your words are your art... your gift... and we are such lucky cyber friends to know you and your words. xo

[Beverly]

I'm thinking of your family today Corey...and everyday!...and I hope your dad has a fitting celebration.

Don't worry about holding emotions...let others hold them for you.

And though I've never written an eulogy, I'm sure if you simply tell your dad how much he means to you, your writing will be fitting and wonderful.

[amber]

Oh dear lady, you must know that your words will be JUST right. You may not even hear what you end up saying yourself, but the Spirit will give you just the right words and it will be beautiful. Your dad will be proud of you, and your family will will be touched. This-- words that touch-- is your gift. Your gift. Just start, and write from your heart. You never have to try too hard, it will come.

(((you)))
:)

[dkmp9293]

I know you will find the right words. You just have to speak from the heart as you do everyday in this beautiful blog.

The homily this past weekend at our church spoke to Christ's Ascension--and reminded us how Jesus surrounds us everywhere, all the time, just as he did 2000 years ago, and just as he will 2000 years from now.

[Marva Plummer-Bruno]

Corey, you have such a flair and talent for words, I have no doubt that you will write a wonderful eulogy. You could even add some of the stuff you've already written here on your blog. Continuing to keep you and your family in prayer. Hugs, Marva

[Marie-Noëlle]

I so much agree with Carole!

The well has not been dry... Let the bucket go and bring back some of those beautiful words you've shared with us ...

[collette]

Corey~
You have everything you need and it's right there inside of you. Simply be you.
I pray that God guides you, gives you the strength you need and the words that are meant to flow from your mouth. I know He will because He knows the love you hold for your father.
love to you Corey.
xo

[missy]

corey,
-almost one hundred voices have whispered thru the ether of the internet to love you and your family.......feel our support....

love,Missy

[annbb]

Blessings to you.

[Darlene]

1. wanting to wrap you in French bubble wrap.
2. wishing I coud take a walk with you...

3. ...saying nothing...

4. ...preferably in France

5. say a prayer for Corey and her family

6. sending cyber lovins

7. saying another prayer

xox Darlene

[quiltmom ( Anna)]

Hi Corey,
I am sure that you will find the words and speak eloquently about your dear father. I have read your blog these last few weeks as you have journalled about the love you and and your family share. I have been touched by your eloquent and poignant words and photos that expressed the bittersweet journey as one watched a loved one leave this world. I can not take away the sadness nor the loss - I can only hope that you are surrounded with the love and support of family and friends as you share the memories of your father. My sincere condolences to you and yours.
Regards from a Western Canadian Quilter,
Anna

[Kate Johnson]

Corey, I think you are incredibly courageous simply to agree to give the eulogy at your father's funeral. I know that I could not do it without dissolving into a pile of sobs -- not that there is ANYTHING wrong with that!! If you do, so what? You'll cry, then continue; that's all, and that is all right.

I am absolutely sure your words will be heartfelt and eloquent and your dad will be right there squeezing your shoulder to help you through it.

[annieelf]

Dearest Corey - Start from your heart. Tap in there, as you always do, and the words will flow. Love, Annie

[Lee W.]

I am so sorry I haven't been by. My deepest sympathies. When I read the last few posts, they to me speak elegant volumes about your father. The eulogy is already written. Speak the beautiful words you have already written.
I have had the honor of helping people go peacefully in the hospital. Caring for them. Smoothing hair. Wiping lips and brows. Holding hands. The letting go is so easy, much easier than holding on sometimes. How brave your father was! And how loving of you to let him go to his reward.

[Dancing Kitchen]

My heart goes out to you. What a task...what a life. Reach down inside and find the words...they are waiting for you. Warm thoughts and good words are spirited through the winds from me to you. I wish you the best.
~Cynthia

[Julie]

I agree. You have already written it. Each beautiful, insightful post. Share with them what you have already shared with us.And may you feel the warmth of all your blogging friends around you as you speak. We are all there in thought.

[Julie]

I agree. You have already written it. Each beautiful, insightful post. Share with them what you have already shared with us.And may you feel the warmth of all your blogging friends around you as you speak. We are all there in thought.

[Julie]

I agree. You have already written it. Each beautiful, insightful post. Share with them what you have already shared with us.And may you feel the warmth of all your blogging friends around you as you speak. We are all there in thought.

[tut-tut]

Begin at your beginning with your father . . . it will flow.

[Carol]

Dearest Corey,

I believe God will give you the words that you seek. As others have said you've written so beautifully about your Father here, that you wouldn't have to add much.

Perhaps include a couple of stories about you Father through the years, that would include other members of your family and what your Father meant to all of you and vice versa. When my Father-in-law passed away my husband told all of the grandchildren how much he loved each and everyone of them. Whatever you write will be wonderful!

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and praying that you are able to say everything that you want to convey.

Hugs to you, sweet lady.

[Jeannie]

In my eyes, you have already written it. It is here, where you shared it with all of us. Relax and tell your Dad's story, just as though you were telling it to your children. Wishing you strength, courage, and love.

[Rabenfrau]

So he's gone now. I wish I could give you a hug, there are no words to say in my head...

[Alison Whittington]

How I wish I could be there tonight and tomorrow. Lots of love to you and your family, Corey. And you are allowed to be a puddle.

[herhimnbryn]

'Puddles' catch the sunlight and sparkle with diamond lights. You know , you know what you want to say.
PAX

[janet]

Begin with your blog entries. You have said such beautiful things about your father. You are a lovely daughter. Peace to you all.

[Star]

I'm sure the right words will come, Corey. For most of us, the memories and lasting reminders (a note written by their hand, mementos, photos) are more important than the words spoken at a rite of passage or grave site. Even if those who attend have not known your father personally, they only need to witness the love and influence he has had in each of your lives to see what kind of man (husband, father, friend) he was.

So glad to hear that Yann has arrived safely and will be there at your side. Sending showers of blessings to wash over you.

[Carole]

Corey,
I haven't commented for a while, but I have been reading your posts and praying for all of you. May you find the words you seek for your father's eulogy, and the stength to deliver them. Below are bits and pieces of some of your posts about your father that I've found especially moving:

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

05 April 2008

“It takes courage to live, courage to grow old and it takes courage to die.”

10 March 2008
“The low rumble of the Harley Davidson-
Fresh toiled fields looking towards planting-
Lee jeans worn blue and a baseball cap.
The morning sun, and the sea breeze from Ferndale-
A faithful pick-up truck-
The boys in the shop on a Friday night-
A cup of hot coffee with a steady stream of sugar poured amongst friends at the Black Bear.
Hand selected tools for the 9O ride-
A few peanut butter sandwiches, honey-do-s and Mom's kisses.
Gathered around home,
delivered straight into your veins,
Life support.”

04 March 2008
“I am three years old my father and I are walking out to the barn. As we walk along I reach up for his hand. His hand is so large (!) he laughs and puts out his finger for me to hold on to. I reach up and grab it and smile back. I feel safe.”

03 March 2008
“At the end of the day the only thing that matters is-
Did you live your life lovingly?”

09 February 2008
“My Father's faith is his rock. Each time the pain, or the threat of his illness becomes overwhelming he prays for strength, for courage, for grace... "

07 July 2006
“The hands of a farmer and his wife, this morning, on the day they celebrate fifty years of married life. Together. Happily. As they have been and will be. Thank you Mom and Dad for showing us how to hold on and give love.”

[TACE]

Dear Corey, Whatever you write, will be enough and the right thing. Even if it's as simple as "I love my father".
Do what feels right and I'm sure it will be more than fine.
sending warm thoughts for your family and you and your children back home.

[Aina]

My dear Corey,

Wishing you strength,giving you support, holding your hand in my thoughts..
Sometimes the biggest act of courage is a small one, I know you have the courage to say, I love you Dad.

The longest hug ever,
Aina

[lynne]

so happy you have your husband to lean on.i know the right words will come. trust, believe, your faith will be your rock.
God Bless you and all your family in this time of loss.

[Tammy]

Dearest Corey,
Let your heart do the talking as it always has. God will give you the words. He will give you the strength and courage to walk this path because He loves you so very much. I continue to lift you in prayer and pray that you will feel the whispers of God's heart to yours.

love and blessings

[gayle]

I can add nothing to the above words. You are so gifted, genuine, and full of love. What you say will be perfect. Everyone who knew your Father already knows the wonderful man that he was. I pray for you as you prepare his eulogy. love Gayle

[Toni]

Corey, No one else can do it. You could write the eulogy and pass it on to some super strong individual (who would that be? and where do they live?) I don't think you will find anyone that could speak your words as well you. Or maybe share the eulogy with Matt. Love to you in whatever you decide will abound from all the world wide!! How amazing is that! Love Toni

[Miz Booshay]

Praying for you Corey.

You can do it.
With the help of the Lord.
You will speak the perfect words that God gives you to say.

He is with you.

[Lilly]

You are a wonderful writer and your eulogy will be wonderful. If you find that you can't read it yourself, perhaps Jan could read it. As long as they are your words. I think you will know best the words to use to honor the love and courage and life of your dad.

[~Kim]

My husband had to do this for both his father's and then his mother's funerals within a year. He took some time to get away where he could let the memories flood over him and cry, laugh, pray and finally, write. It was hard. But he still remembers those alone times reflecting on each of their lives as a sweet and somewhat healing time.

You have already shared such a beautiful tribute to your father through your blog posts. The words will come.
Praying for you,
~Kim

[Ellen Cassilly]

I am holding you in my cupped hands protecting you from distractions and helping you focus on what is is true and timely. (reread your blog - there is plenty of inspiration there)

Love and hugs, Ellen

[Denise S]

Sweet Corey just write it as you do to all of us and it with be wonderful

[Kas]

Dearest Corey ~ my heart sitting with yours as the Spirit leads you in honoring your beloved father. I am so very sorry for you and your family. I am so very thankful your dad is in heaven.

[berriehead]

http://willows95988.typepad.com/tongue_cheek/2007/03/back_roads_of_n.html

[Kit]

Corey - you have written so much wonderful stuff about your father on your blog already that your eulogy is already written - it is just a matter of choosing and editing, what is there. Good Luck with it - I'm sure he'll help you put your ideas together.

And remember you can't ever paint the total picture - everyone will have a different snapshot of him - but your angle will fill in everyone else in on another aspect that they will find fresh and help them understand your father even better.

Good Luck with it

[berriehead]

http://willows95988.typepad.com/tongue_cheek/2007/03/back_roads_of_n.html

YES this is such a favorite of mine ( I tried earler to remember where it was) Murial thank you for giving it a title:) I love how he say Hop in lets go for a ride ! :) ahh Corey I hope by now you're finding your words! I did not know your Pa in person but he made me smile:) xoxoxo

[Nancy ~ Fete et Fleur]

Dearest Corey! Our hearts are with you. We wish we could be there. Blessings to you all on this day.

Nancy & Bill

[Miss Sandy]

Corey,
At times like these all you need are words from the heart, start there and they will pour fourth. Perhaps begin with some free writing, just putting pen to paper and let your thoughts and feelings flow. Write until there is nothing left, look it over and you will be surprised that something will emerge. Praying for divine inspiration as you prepare the eulogy.

[Dorian Fletcher]

Dearest Corey...you are so eloquent in your posts - I know that a eulogy is different, but whatever you say will be heartfelt and will speak volumes to those that have the heart to hear.

[CanadianCarrie]

It's funny how one doesn't really know what you're going through, until it has happened to them... my father in law passed away yesterday morning. Now I am truly feeling everything you write here, I am trying ever so hard to be strong for my husband, he's the only son (with 4 sisters), so alot of responsibility has been left on his shoulders. I'm not meaning to make this about me, I just needed to share....
Big HUGS from Canada!

[Gail]

Dear Corey,
You are my inspiration! Puddles are OK. I puddled through my mom's in February.
xoxo
Gail

[susanna]

I wish you strength, Corey. Today will be a hard day. Remember, though, that you will be with family and friends who love you and your father. And Yann will be by your side and that man loves you deeply. You've written many beautiful posts about your father here so why not take excerpts from these posts?