Famery

I guess you can kind of say that we had to grow up fast. Dad got sick around 1998 and from then on it was Mom who was his main caretaker. Florence and I helped as much as we could and by the time we were in Middle School we were able to do all the things necessary to keep his care up to give Mom a break sometimes during the day. I really don't know how to explain what kind of sick Dad was, but it all started in the brain. There were so many surgeries done in such a short time period, his brain and body never really got the right amount of time to recuperate before the next so it just really took a toll on him. As sad as everything that happened...it couldn't have happened to such a perfect person. I'm not saying it's good that all of that has happened to him, but he had so much love and support from everyone he knew that he wouldn't have to worry about who would take care of him. Which brings me to my MOM. She is one of the strongest people I know. Her and Dad we're just made for each other. He had a love for her that I still kinda tear up about. It was a pure type that one really looks for in husband. And Mom...she would do anything for him. I know there's a lot of women out there who would have just given up and put their husband in a nursing home, but Mom knew that no one would be able to give him the love and care that he needed and deserved.
The last year or so with Dad were the both the best and hardest. You could tell he was getting tired, and his body was showing it as well. At the same time though, some of the funniest and best memories were made. I'll never forget his last night with us. I was supposed to be going back to school on Friday to go to pick Stephen up from the airport. Well, he still had some tattooing to finish up on, so I decided I wouldn't go up till Sunday after church. Saturday night came around and was......perfect. Is it weird or horrible of me to think that on that night I thought to myself 'Is tonight it? Is tonight our last night with him?' It was filled with laughter, music and most of all pure joy and love. We each sang a song with Dad...we put him in the recliner to relax...we had garlic chicken pizza from Papa Murphy's and Raspberry Crystal Lite. If the Lord was going to take him any time...I'm so glad he waited till we had that beautiful night with him. Even though I should be happy now that he is in a better place...I still can't bring myself to letting go of the fact that he's not here with us. Call me selfish, but I want him here. Now.  I want him to see these two beautiful grandchildren of his and how happy they are. Nia, Florence's baby is a little reminder to me of him. There are so many things that she does whether it be a facial expression or yawn or a smile or the way she folds her hands....they all are just sooo Dad. I think that's what I'm gonna miss most about not being able to see Nia so much...she just possesses all of Dad's qualities. And Leimana...oh gosh. Her and Dad together would be such a crack up! She is such a little weirdo sometimes and I LOVE it! Ugh. I hate writing about Dad because it just reminds me of the fact that he's not here and I keep replaying the night he passed away over in my head. But I have to write about him because he really was our family's rock. He's what glued all of us together......and I just really MISS him...especially right here...right now......

This guy...