OT, Storm at Sea and long

So, where to even begin. I've been so busy, and have not really wanted to
write about things yet.

I've been back from Michigan and Dad's funeral since Oct 24. Just finally
catching my breath from everything. Grades were due two days later for
conferences the following week on the 30th and 31. To say the least, I had
a huge pile of papers from being gone 7 days so there were a couple of late
nights grading. My students were so quiet and concerned and helpful and
understanding while I got back on track. I was beginning to question if
they really were teenagers.

On top of all of this, I had also signed an extended contract to write
curriculum for three new classes at the Career/Tech center that opens next
year. That is due today for review before I have to present the week after
Thanksgiving. I just emailed it off for pre-review. I really just need
some time this weekend to read and sew. I think it will be so.

Anyways, everything went as well as could be expected as far as your Dad
dying and all of that. Hindsight is always 20/20 and so many things had
happened over the past couple of months that were good. Bert and I had
dinner with my folks in August before flying back north and I got a big
going away hug from Dad, rather than the usual handshake. The family also
had a reunion the week after Labor Day, Mom and Dad had only been back about
two weeks from visiting my sister and BIL in TN and had had dinner with my
other Sister and BIL and Niece and Nephew and cut their hair the day before
he left, and I had called to talk to him that day as well. The best part,
and a bit sad, is that he had just gotten an elk and unbelievably had gotten
cell phone reception in the mountains in Colorado and called Mom to describe
to her where he was, (she had been there before, too), that he had gotten
one and so on. They talked for about a half hour and had a really good
conversation. About three hours later he was gone. How wonderful that they
talked. His poor hunting buddy had to leave dad on the mountain overnight
to go get help. He is still having a really hard time.

What is so frustrating is that he was in such good health. Not overweight,
great blood pressure, good sugar, and low cholesterol. He was the
healthiest of all his siblings, and the youngest. Go figure.

In spite of all the tears, we really had some good laughs. Sitting on the
floor and going through pictures was good therapy and people commented on
all the good pictures we displayed. There were also so many stories and
laughs and more laughs. Being a barber, Dad knew most everyone in the
community and there were always jokes and stories. Over 100 people came to
the visitation and 215 to the service. What a testament and we felt so good
about that. Our family has been known for giving a good event, whether a
meal between services on music Sunday at church, my sisters weddings, and
now a funeral. We are still getting comments that it was really different
but so good. The hymns were favorites of Dad's that were uplifting, not the
old dirges, we choose other than the usual scripture, and the minister
relayed lots of our stories about Dad and we had people outright laughing
during the service. That was okay though, because every picture we found of
Dad, he was smiling.

Both of my parents were/are planners and organizers, so while Mom has to now
deal with being a widow, there is very little to worry about in getting the
finances and other things in order. Everything was all set up. They had
just revised several things this summer and were just intent on enjoying
retirement.

So, now I am sorting through memories and wearing a new coat that Dad had
just gotten for his Birthday and had never worn. It is helping me to feel
close. What else can I do? It will just take time.

You're probably wondering how this is going to be on topic. Well, I have
not been back there in the fall since I had built this shed, so now I have a
picture of it. http://home.gci.net/~rainbowmoose/flowers.html It is the
shed that Mom wanted that I built for me.

Mom and Dad got me this book of Fabric Balls by Jinny Beyer this summer for
my Birthday. I hadn't even shared the picture with them yet, but now it is
posted here. http://home.gci.net/~rainbowmoose/this_and_that.html They are
quick and easy and so much fun. Easy take-along projects.

Lastly, and most sad, is the picture of the Storm-at-Sea quilt that I asked
Dad to take a picture of for me the last time we talked. Well, obviously I
took it myself. You'll have to scroll to the bottom to see it.
http://home.gci.net/~rainbowmoose/tr..._patterns.html

While I was not the son that my Dad expected to have, we had come around to
understanding each other and truly enjoyed each others company. I'll miss
being the carpenters assistant and picking his brain of a wealth of
knowledge. No more woodworking gifts or pictures that he thinks would make
a good quilt. Heavy sigh.

Tonight, hug those you love and don't sweat the small stuff. Life is too
short.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

Steve
Alaska