Grief - Farewell

The inevitable loss referred to in the 13February posting has come to fruition. My father died early the following morning—Valentines Day. He was embraced in his home by his immediate family.

The week has been filled with extended family, condolences, food, flowers, benevolence, ceremonies, and memories. It has also been filled with tears, sorrow, grief, and absence.

I awakened this morning after the funeral yesterday—the world going round like nothing had occurred. In my heart, however, there is the devastation of an unfilled place
once occupied by the man who gave me his all—including his own given name. This space can never be refilled—it is an essential part of me gone missing. My mind has memories—my heart, a gaping space that yearns for its occupant.

I am thankful for the love that results in this pain—they are one.