Remembering
Feb 1st 2010PostmasterFamily
Happy Birthday, Dad. Well, it would be his 94th, but he passed away two years ago April. I think of him often, because he is the closest person to me to have died. Also because I was with him near the end and had a chance to say goodbye. While he did have bladder cancer when he died, he died of old age. His body wore down from many years of just plain living. He was blessed to have the years he did and we were blessed to have him for such a long time.
I didn’t cry when my dad died and, while I felt a profound loss, I knew he had a good life and that he was ready to go. As I wrestle with my own sense of mortality, I concern myself with the time I have left, maybe to a fault. But that’s where cancer takes you. My own body has turned against me and I know I won’t have the same time that my father did. But his death and the memory of his life help me to look back on my own life with a bit more care.
Two years ago, family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of a good man. All of us need to celebrate the good in our own lives every day. It helps us to deal with the bad stuff.
My dad did not live a remarkable life, but he had a good life. Regardless of how much time we are allowed on this earth, do we really need anything more?
I do miss you, Dad.
Posted by Doug
2 Comments »
Russ on 10 Feb 2010 at 5:22 pm #
I met Doug’s father several times, albeit quite late in his life. It was clear upon meeting him once or twice however that he was a good and honest man. A person that was once referred to very favourably as “salt of the earth”.
I recall at Henry Gosling’s funeral that Doug related a story about one of the few regrets that his Dad had . . . that he had not met his wife earlier in life. What a great testament to a great marriage!
Doug and his Dad have this in common; a great marriage to a wonderful woman. In true Gosling fashion, they both see this particular glass as not half-full, but overflowing.
Happy Birthday Henry.
Allanah on 12 Feb 2010 at 12:21 am #
I remember your dad and I know how proud he would be of you and the way that you are coping with this disease. I’m sure that many people are gaining much insight into what cancer patients deal with on a day to day basis and I’m sure that you are helping other cancer patients cope as they read about your experiences. You are a fighter and I’m sure that your willingness to share inspires others to also fight.