Story
Letting Go Previous Story
Creating closure dignifies and celebrates important new beginnings.
The air was icey cold and the ground covered with a moist soft snow hardly settled from falling. Shortly after landing in the wintery Midwest, Emerson’s brother picked us up at the airport. Upon greeting us we noticed a rather serious expression and tone in his voice. He said that instead of going to the family home for Christmas, and then on to our nephew’s wedding, we’d be going to the hospital where their father had been taken suddenly in the night.
When we arrived at the hospital, instead of a jovial reunion, we saw our 81-year-old father who seemed to be rapidly failing. Even though he had not been well, he certainly was considered stable and improving . . . until that day. All of a sudden, there was a flurry of activity and decisions that needed to be made. Our grown children who were to meet us for the family celebration, instead, encountered what they thought could be the last time to see the family intact. It was touching to see the children interact with their grandparents. Our daughter was so kind as her grandfather called her his angel. Our son walked slowly, supporting the arm of his grandmother as she maneuvered carefully on the icy pavement.
When we returned home, following his stabilization, we reflected about how we hold desperately tight just before letting go. Timing is everything. From a baby’s first step to a grandfather’s last one, the family is there, supporting then releasing. Fortunately, that night we were able to loosen our grip just a little, without completely letting go, as he found the strength to stay with us a few months longer.
You may also want to visit our other websites:
The Journey - The Ride of a Lifetime
Uncommon Promise Video Channel
Under the Tuscan Thumb Blog
The UP Side Lowdown by Cheryl
New Music - Virtual CD
In Touch In Tuscany
When we arrived at the hospital, instead of a jovial reunion, we saw our 81-year-old father who seemed to be rapidly failing. Even though he had not been well, he certainly was considered stable and improving . . . until that day. All of a sudden, there was a flurry of activity and decisions that needed to be made. Our grown children who were to meet us for the family celebration, instead, encountered what they thought could be the last time to see the family intact. It was touching to see the children interact with their grandparents. Our daughter was so kind as her grandfather called her his angel. Our son walked slowly, supporting the arm of his grandmother as she maneuvered carefully on the icy pavement.
Her father on demand removes his hand
When we returned home, following his stabilization, we reflected about how we hold desperately tight just before letting go. Timing is everything. From a baby’s first step to a grandfather’s last one, the family is there, supporting then releasing. Fortunately, that night we were able to loosen our grip just a little, without completely letting go, as he found the strength to stay with us a few months longer.
You may also want to visit our other websites:
The Journey - The Ride of a Lifetime
Uncommon Promise Video Channel
Under the Tuscan Thumb Blog
The UP Side Lowdown by Cheryl
New Music - Virtual CD
In Touch In Tuscany
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