This gave me chills, goosebumps, tears, but even a feeling of the peace you felt on this journey. I can’t imagine how such a journey would feel but you captured it so eloquently and beautifully, as always. Thanks for sharing this.
I am so sorry for your enormous loss. I love reading about how you are retracing the pathways and memories of your Dad though. I hope it gets easier, even though it may not.
Too bad you didn't find that blue jacket! After my Dad died, when I was in high school I wore his much-too-big lavender sweatshirt almost all four years until it was in tatters (I was real popular ;-) ).
What a beautiful and difficult post. Beautiful in your memories of your dad and in the wonder of nature, but I can't imagine how difficult this journey has been for you. My thoughts are with you. As always, thank you for sharing.
Beyond doubt, he was so happy there. With you in August 2017, and in June 2021 just before everything changed. It is a gorgeous place. Thank you for sharing your touching experience of these threads through time.
I've not been able to go exactly where my brother Scott took his final breaths, in the wee hours of the night near the end of February 2006 outside Makushin Bay in Unalaska. But I have imagined what it was and is like there. My family has found solace in the idea that he was doing what he loved and is now forever a part of that place and his ocean...though we all wish we could have kept him with us for many many more years instead.
I don't think your dad would have begrudged you the record that allowed you to revisit his last journey and remember him and your times together; and find more inner peace within the stellar highs and abysmal lows that we keep wandering up and down as long as our life goes on.
Wow, what a fantastic story teller you are! I am so sorry about your dad. Quite envious of your wonderful relationship. So good you have resolve. Keep writing, I loved this. I was right there.
I meant to add, the flowers you chose are alstroemeria, definitely an underrated favorite of mine. If you believe in flower meanings at all, they represent friendship and devotion.
This is beautiful, thanks for writing it 💜
This gave me chills, goosebumps, tears, but even a feeling of the peace you felt on this journey. I can’t imagine how such a journey would feel but you captured it so eloquently and beautifully, as always. Thanks for sharing this.
Beautiful words. Glad you were able to feel a sense of peace.
So beautifully written, Jill. Thank you for sharing.
I am so sorry for your enormous loss. I love reading about how you are retracing the pathways and memories of your Dad though. I hope it gets easier, even though it may not.
Too bad you didn't find that blue jacket! After my Dad died, when I was in high school I wore his much-too-big lavender sweatshirt almost all four years until it was in tatters (I was real popular ;-) ).
Very touching to read this. I still miss my mother and it has been 34 years.
Thank you, Jill.
It is powerful this second time I've read it.
Thou art great, Jill. In making me share an emotion too sad, yet so enlightening. Rich.
What a beautiful and difficult post. Beautiful in your memories of your dad and in the wonder of nature, but I can't imagine how difficult this journey has been for you. My thoughts are with you. As always, thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for this beautiful piece of writing. And I'm so sorry for your loss - I hadn't heard.
Beyond doubt, he was so happy there. With you in August 2017, and in June 2021 just before everything changed. It is a gorgeous place. Thank you for sharing your touching experience of these threads through time.
I've not been able to go exactly where my brother Scott took his final breaths, in the wee hours of the night near the end of February 2006 outside Makushin Bay in Unalaska. But I have imagined what it was and is like there. My family has found solace in the idea that he was doing what he loved and is now forever a part of that place and his ocean...though we all wish we could have kept him with us for many many more years instead.
I don't think your dad would have begrudged you the record that allowed you to revisit his last journey and remember him and your times together; and find more inner peace within the stellar highs and abysmal lows that we keep wandering up and down as long as our life goes on.
☮️☯️🕉💜
Jill this is a terribly sad, Powerful story you write so profoundly. It brought tears at your loss, and of course your father's loss of years of life.
You are not afraid to write of emotions that really are part and parcel of life.
Andrea's comments are so appropriate. Thanks, Rich Runser.
I've had a few experiences that could have resulted in death, had I tripped/slipped just *slightly* differently than I did. Life is so precarious.
Wow, what a fantastic story teller you are! I am so sorry about your dad. Quite envious of your wonderful relationship. So good you have resolve. Keep writing, I loved this. I was right there.
This was haunting. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
I meant to add, the flowers you chose are alstroemeria, definitely an underrated favorite of mine. If you believe in flower meanings at all, they represent friendship and devotion.