My Father passed away this morning at 6:46 AM. He had his son Rob, his daughters Susie and Tahna and his lovely wife by his side when he took his last breath.
Tahna called me immediately after and I got in my pick up and drove to Sandy. When I arrived Tony and Scott had also made it. It was tough to look at pop that way. His mouth was open and his color wasn't natural. (Obviously) I got there around 8AM. Us siblings just sat and talked for a while. It was nice. Some sad moments but there was a sense of peace now that he had passed on and he was no longer in pain. No longer suffering from the tumor that eventually took his life.
The folks from the funeral home arrived around 9. We all wanted to say a prayer before they took him. Rob gave a fantastic and spiritual prayer that we all needed. It was till hard to see him go. they wrapped him up in a white sheet and put him on a gurney. It really hit me when they covered him in a flag. My father served this country for 8 years. He never fought in any wars but was prepared to do so.
We watched them haul him off and put him in a sweet minivan. I know....It actually broke the tension a little bit. We all laughed about it. One thing we all have from my father. A great sense of humor.
I went home and got with LeAnn and we spoke to each of our kids. Seth being 7 and Ryker being 4 I thought we would see it effect Seth the most. I think Ryker had the saddest face of all our kids. I thought he might cry a little bit. It was tough for me to talk to them just from an emotional point of view. But I believe they understood what had happened. Of course that did not stop them from immediately turning on the Wii.
At 1 we went over to my moms for a pot luck lunch. Now everyone was there. A full house. Great to see everyone and everyone really was in a great mood. I think we all agree dad is in a better place. Really we should be jealous of where he is right now. Looking down on us and smiling. Only now does he realize how many people he effected. How many people loved him. Not only his family but everyone he came in contact with.
The viewing will be this Wednesday at 6 to 8 at Lake Hills Memorial at 10055 South State in Sandy. His funeral is at my moms ward house. I am not sure the address. I think it is the one across from Mount Jordan Middle School. This is on Thursday at 10:00.
Thank you to everyone of my friends who gave me good thoughts and prayers. None of them went unnoticed. All were appreciated.
I have the week to spend with my family. I need it.
There is a new Aaron Lewis song called Country Boy. The one line I love the most. "The greatest thing in life is your friends and family". So true... How would we get by with our them.
John Ephraim Versluis
April 2, 1942 to March 13, 2011
SERIOUSLY, I cannot read this without crying, My emotions are already a mess and just the thought of knowing your Father is gone brings me some more- he was such a great example as you said to those he came into contact with. I think your right we should be the jealous one's your dad has it SO much better even though we don't always seem to understand, I know I am jealous he is up there chatting away with Trent and seeing him walk- many things I had yet to see on earth and I know without a doubt he is Thanking your Dad for driving by ALL the time with a smile on his face and honk and wave as he went by- just the little stuff went a long way.
ReplyDeleteYour dad was a hard worker and such a great man, take care of your sweet Mom.. She isn't going to know what to do with herself since she has been so awesome to take care of him the last 18 months or so. How is Bear- I know how much bear loved him and vice versa. Your kids are so sweet and so tender and sometimes I think they have it easier as well.. Thanks so much Joe for sharing with all of us- there is so much I have bottled up and still could not share with anyone and I know that you will have those moments too but know how much it's appreciated for us to be able to be there even from a computer screen Ü Tonight at 6:05 20 months ago we said goodbye to our hero- I still remember his funeral while giving my talk and seeing you and your wife and your Dad and Mom- never in the world did I think we'd be saying goodbye to your dad.
This is a saying I have loved not that it makes it better but I understand it even if it's a tiny bit.
Each one of us must release the hand of the one we love, into the hand of the one we have not seen...... unknown
I know I feel comfort knowing the Lord loves all of his Children. Blessings to your Family at this time and always.
Joe-we are so sorry to hear about your dad. We just wanted to tell you to hang in there and let you know that we are thinking of you and your family. It is nice to have some comfort knowing that he is in a much better place and is not suffering anymore.
ReplyDeleteJoe, thanks for sharing your dad with us this long. He is a terrific person and will be greatly missed. I'm glad to hear that his suffering is over. Kat and I will see you at the Funeral.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joe, really great thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSusie