“Walking slowly in the moonlight through the rows of tea plants, I noticed my mother was still with me. She was the moonlight caressing me as she had done so often, very tenderly, very sweet… wonderful! Each time my feet touched the earth I knew my mother was there with me.” Thich Nhat Hanh, from the book No Death, No Fear
Five years ago I received a call from my sister. The call that I knew deep in my heart would happen one day. She told me that our father had suffered a massive stroke. He was still conscious in the emergency room and talked with him on the phone. Little did I know this would be the last time I would hear him say, “I love you, honey.”
I raced up the highway for what seemed like the longest drive in the world. My mind was on overload and adrenaline pulsed through my body. I had to get to the hospital and be by his side and comfort my family. Since I had spoken to him 7 hours earlier and fell into a near coma.
I spent a little more than a week with my father before his death. I lived at the hospital mostly and slept on the couch in his room. There were cherished nights when I sat and held his hand, walking through everything he taught me in my mind. I held the hand of the man with steel courage, a warrior and fighter. A decorated war hero, devoted father and husband, my father spent time and taught me how to deal with life’s ups and downs. There were regrets about things I had said or did that I wanted to take back. I began to replace them with beautiful memories, happy times when dad shared what he knew about life. He was never one to hide his feelings. We always knew exactly what he had on his mind.
He prepared me for life, but I had yet to realize it.
Nine days later, my father passed away with his family at his side. I was numb and in disbelief. In fact, I never knew the depth of my emotions until that night. I was convinced that a part of me was gone, something that would never come back to me. I felt lost.
I longed so for the things I couldn’t have; the warm hugs, sage advice on how to deal with the world. I wanted to hear him say what I call “daddyisms”. My favorites were, “Squeaky wheel gets the grease” or “Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps.” I kept looking outside of me, thinking there was some way to deal with the pain I had in my heart. There had to be a book, spiritual advice comfort from others who had lost loved ones, too. I just wanted relief. I knew my father no longer suffered. So why was I choosing to live in fear and pain?
The stress in my life began to overwhelm me. A new business, troubled marriage and financial woes began to push me over the edge. A few months after my father’s death, I picked up a book called No Death, No Fear by Thich Nhat Hanh. I was looking for peace within my pain and grief. And I found these words:
“From that moment on the idea that I had lost my mother no longer existed. All I had to do was look at the palm of my hand, feel the breeze on my face or the earth under my feet to remember that my mother is always with me, available at any time.”
I realized my father never left.
The very thing I kept looking for lived inside of me. I suddenly realized that as long as I lived, so did my father. I knew I had many of his traits. I began to see a bigger picture about life, death and love. I truly came from a long line of strong people, teachers and leaders. Ancestors who faced their fears head on. Everything I needed to deal with my grief and problem already existed. I had to reach deep down inside of me and used what had been give to me in love. Daddy, I thank you for that.
It's very sweet to have these stories for yourself, and to share with others. Such a blessing.
Thanks, Sue. I wanted to share my story with someone who needs peace, too. Grief knows no time or form.
Such a touching and heart-felt read. Thank you, Lisa.
Thanks so much, Brandi
Lisa, your story of the loss of your dad reminds me of the loss of my mom in 2008. I never felt more alone and rudderless in my entire life. It took at least a full year before I felt like myself again and 2 years to really process all the pain. Writing about your journey with your dad in his final week and your great book recommendation will surely help someone else in their time of need. Thanks for sharing.
I really enjoyed your words of wisdom on this subject. I think from the time that we learn about death we begin to dread the passing of our closest relatives. It is good to have a way to look at it that is positive (or more positive) in nature. Thanks! Liz
Thank you for sharing this story Lisa. I love the idea that family lives on through us.
Lisa,
Thank you for sharing this story. After we lost our mother in December we had to create a new Christmas tradition by inviting a guest who no longer has a family to join during the holidays. It helped us and them to remember the spirit of giving and what Christmas should mean to all of us.
Thanks for all your letters on diverse subjects.
Eddie
Thanks so much, Eddie. What a beautiful gift you shared with others during the holiday season. And giving from your heart is what the season is all about.
What hope your post gives! "I realized my father never left." Those words are powerful. When I saw what your post was about, I have to admit, I started thinking of my own parents and how much they mean to me. I can't imaging getting that call, but the older I get, the more I know that I have to think about it. Thank you LIsa.
Thank you, Karen for your kind words.