My father died today.

I was able to visit with him this morning, I told him I loved him and again thanked him for all the memories of my life.

Took my mom to church service at their home, sang some very relevant hymns about passing on and finding your way home. I sat with my mom holding her hand as we sang together, sharing what grief we knew was coming.

She was so afraid yet looking towards the relief for them both, dying is stressful as is, but watching your partner fade away is even more so as there is nothing you can do but wait.

i made sure he knew that his family loved him and that it was okay to go, that his family will understand. We'll all be in pain, we will all hurt, cry and reminisce as well as smile. He died this afternoon as I was flying back to Chicago.

Many dads are special and I believe he was one of those. Slow to anger, liked to share, witty and kind of goofy at times. Taught me how to ride a bike, shoot straight and true, don't lie and cheat, hunt, fish, even had a few good lessons about girls. Loved dogs and the north woods where he was born, of course all of us too!

I don't know if my parents met my friends in Texas, Bob and Julianna, Bob died two years ago and Bob was kinda like my father in regard to humor and how they grew up, Bob always closed with a line I like to use for those I respect and love,

Happy Trails Dad, I love you.

Hug and if you can't, tell your parents you love them as soon as possible.

Chris........Jade