Remembering

Me and my Dad

My dad died 40 years ago today.  Yes, I remember that day.  I remember the days leading up to it and just after it as well.

The day the ambulance came and he went to the hospital after the aneurysm.

The day I got to go into his hospital room to see him.  He was happy to see me and talked to me.

The day that John and Maureen went to stay with Aunt Ellen and Uncle Gary for awhile.

The day that I came home from school on a sunny, June day to find my mother and Father Donaughy on the back patio, sitting at the picnic table.  I thought they were waiting for me but they sat there because they thought they were locked out of the house.

My mom told me that Daddy had died that day in the hospital.  God decided this was the day he would go to heaven.  It made me sad, but I didn't cry then.  I was a problem solver, even back then.  I showed them the key in garage to get into the house and we went inside.  There were phone calls to be made and the beginning of a lot of arrangements as well.

I remember the funeral.  It was sunny and hot.  I cried in the church.  And I cried at the cemetery.  But that might have been from the gun salute - it frightened me because I didn't expect it be so loud.  It was my first funeral.  There were so many people, so many flowers and so much sadness.  He was only 39 years old.

Today I remember the 8 short years I had him in my life.  He called me his princess, and loved me so much.  I thought of him as brave, strong and hard-working.  I'd like to think I inherited many of those qualities.

And yet, forty years later I still think of all that I've missed not having him here.  He would have loved Bill and Ellie.  He would have been so happy for the family we've become .. and hopefully proud of all that I've accomplished.  I continue to tell Ellie stories about him.  And today when she asked why I was sad, I showed her the picture and we said a little prayer together.   I know she'll be a lot like him too ...

A favorite spot of mine - snuggled with my Dad!