salve regina

• In the weeks before my dad died, he talked several times about how everyone was waiting for him in the yard.  It is no surprise to any of us that my dad's version of heaven was a beautiful green lawn.  
• I feel incredibly thankful that my mom, my three sisters, and I were with my dad on his last day.  In true Irish form, we laughed as much as we cried.
• My dad died peacefully at dusk on a beautiful Earth Day.
• The Sisters that had cared for my dad all gathered around his bed and sang Salve Regina.  It was selfless and tear-filled and beautiful.  
• My oldest sister Mary performed random acts of kindness the next day in honor of my dad. The kindness my family received in memory of my dad was more than I could have ever imagined.
• I returned to school the next day and had a stack of handwritten notes from my students; three of the boys had also lost their dads and their words of comfort and encouragement were wise beyond their years. 
• On the day of my dad's funeral, we rememberd him well, held his stack of prayer cards, drank a Guiness or two, and walked back and forth across the green lawns from my sister's house to mine. 

Comments

[sarah]

So sorry about your dad Julie, much love to you all.

[kelly]

Beautiful man, beautiful family, beautiful send off.

[colleen]

That was such a beautiful tribute, Julie. I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. My dad died suddenly just a few days before yours (on Good Friday), and your words remind me so much of my family...Irish...laughing/crying...my three sisters and brother at his side...more than a few beers. I hope your family is hanging in there.

[julie thompson]

Thank you Sarah...lots of good vibes have been send our way and I appreciate every single one.

[julie thompson]

Thank you Kelly :-)

[julie thompson]

Oh man Colleen...so sorry to hear about your dad. Either suddenly or over a long time, it is really hard to lose your dad. I think all Irish families share the same traits; I am also thankful the Sisters that cared for my dad did not mind our rather casual and persistent cussing ;-)
Love to your family Colleen.

[Heidi@TheMerryMagpieVintage]

Jane, this is so sweet and tender. It seems as though there was a liberal sprinkling of happy in with all the sad, which is a blessing. I hope you have many many good memories of your dad to keep with you and bring you peace and comfort.

[mary]

Julie, so very sorry to hear about your dad. It sounds like everyone is at peace and that is a beautiful thing. Love, Mary

[julie thompson]

Thank you Heidi

[julie thompson]

Thank you Mary (so sorry for the late reply)