And the Circle of Life Continues

...And a year later, on this day, we had the funeral celebration of life for my Dad, Ralph.  He did pass away the day following my last post. That morning when I returned home to sort out plans, make phone calls, I received a call from my Dad's Hospice Nurse, Melissa. While we reviewed the events of the weekend, a bright yellow butterfly kept buzzing my head and I mentioned it to her on the phone. We decided, it was my Dad letting me know he was good- great- and living with Jesus in heaven.

Just to confirm that it was no coincidence, this morning- the butterfly above came to visit the same flower garden- I wasn't going to let the moment pass without grabbing my camera to select the shot.

Those of you who cannot believe this- I do believe this is God's message of Hope to me delivered by my Dad who is in Heaven. 

It's been a year of healing. Following his passing, I had an amazing experience of a flood of memories of events with my Dad.  While I felt the hole left behind from his passing, the memories replaced the strong feelings of loss.  Even my Dad looked beyond happy when laid to rest.

I praise God that healing can happen when God leads you toward it.  Somewhere when I focused on healing, the fog lifted- gradually- and I now appreciate having had Dad in my life so long.

My Mom, in her confused and Alzheimer state has not missed seeing her husband. Even that day, when I told her she could only say, "Ralph? Ralph?" Still, one year later, she seems to have no awareness of his being gone.  They always said they "would go together" and in some awkward way- the Alzheimer's has spared her the awareness that the man she loved and adored has gone from this life.  There is some irony in that, yet a story in itself. Her confusion continues and I am saddened that for her, this is such a long slow journey. Friends had a chance to share their condolences with her at the Belmont Village memorial service they held in November for residents that had passed in recent months. Thank God for those individuals who were willing to come and see her individually, though, I think all came away thinking she had little idea about their reason for the visit.  Now to watch out for her...