Sunday, April 12, 2009

in memoriam

My father passed away on April 3rd, 2009. He had just finished his breakfast and was ready to start his work day when his heart failed him. My aunt, who found him, says he had a peaceful expression on his face and he looked as though he was sleeping. I choose to take comfort in the peaceful state he was found in.

Upon hearing about his passing, we packed the mini-van for a return trip to Pensacola, Florida and drove for 25 hours. As sad as the occasion was, I have to say, it was an opportunity to get together with family. I was able to see family members that I haven't seen in years.
I was able to take my kids to some of the great places my dad took me to growing up.

But most importantly, and probably what would please my father the most, I was able to grow a little closer to my two half-sisters (let's just call them sisters, shall we?) who live in Miami.

the expression on SP2's face is priceless

When I was growing up, I was pretty close to my cousins, so it was pretty great that SP1 got a chance to spend time with cousins he had never met before.
He spent a ton of time with the girls (which isn't so shocking, really, he does like girls, afterall).
My dad's funeral was lovely. He always said he wanted something simple (yes, he did talk about his wishes, before hand...morbid, but true) and he wanted a veteran's burial as was his due. I think his girls were able to achieve that for him.
I will miss my dad a great deal. It will be strange to not have my dad to report good news to, I always puffed up a little when he told me he was proud of me. The things I will miss most however are his jokes; the sounds of his laughter (he really did live up to his name, Isaac--he laughs in Hebrew); and his birthday phone calls which usually came two months after my actual birthday (he didn't always remember that I was born two months prematurely).
As sad as I am, I have some really great memories of my dad to cherish; and, those memories will always make me smile.

6 comments:

The "M" Family said...

Nova, I'm in tears reading this post. I'm SO glad you got to see your dad before he passed, SO happy he got to meet Dash, and SO glad you got to see your family that you haven't seen in years. Your dad would have been so pleased with the service. You all did a beautiful job.

christine said...

I want to write something, but it feels like my fingers are just as choked up as my throat. I love you. I wish I were there.

Ashley and Henry said...

Nova, I never had the honor of meeting your Father, but I know where you are. You have given him such beautiful tributes. Even though I never knew him I know that he was and is so very proud of you, as he should be. You are artistic, a great mother, daughter, friend, librarian (lol), and chef as far as i know and you have "done your Daddy proud!" Keep in touch and we hope to see you, Kelly, SP1 and SP2 sooner than later!

Amy said...

Nova, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope it helps to know that you have friends thinking of you, all over the world.

April said...

I am so sorry for your loss Nova.

Bridgette's Odyssey said...

This post was beautiful! I know it really hurts to lose a parent but how wonderful to have had a great relationship with him while he was alive. I'm sure he was very proud to have you as a daughter and to have gained a son-in-law and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve and adjust to life without him.

-Bridgette (Sampson) Gibson