My sister and I have both worked in a funeral home in the past. I worked there almost five years and I believe my sister just as long, if not longer. Even my mom worked there during evening and weekend visitations. We're comfortable and familiar in a funeral home.
Yet the day when we walked through those doors as customers instead of employees came way too soon for us.
Yesterday morning we walked through with our hearts heavy, knowing that we were there to make funeral arrangements for our beautiful father. Yes, daddy passed away peacefully on July 30th.
It happened so quickly that we didn't have time to get there even though I only work 10 minutes away. He was not alone though, he had his loving wife of 56 years by his side, holding his hand. He had my brother, his name sake, Federico there by his side. Within minutes of his passing the room began to fill with all those he loved the best, his sons and daughter, his grandsons and granddaughters, his son and daughters in law.
I was amazed by dad's grandchildren. They hugged their Tata and held his hand, there was no fear of death, no one was uncomfortable, this was their beloved Tata, our beloved father, her beloved husband. It was a beautiful moment.
Of all that happened after dad's passing that is what I will carry with me in my heart about his moment of death, that he was surrounded by love.
I hesitate to comment, Alicia, as there are no really appropriate words. The large family holding your father in love is testament to a life well-lived in love. My your Dear Father rest in peace and may Eternal Light shine upon him.
ReplyDeleteMy sincerest condolences. May God strengthen you and your family in these hard times!
ReplyDeleteGreat picture of your father! May his soul rest in eternal peace!
You have my sympathy for the loss of your beloved father.
ReplyDeleteAlicia,
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences to you and your family. Your Father was a very special person with a lot grit and he will be greatly missed by his loved ones. I will keep you all in my thoughts.
I'm so sorry Alicia *hug*
ReplyDelete