My Dad is a big Garrison Keillor fan. He listens to the Writer’s Almanac almost every day, and when a poem touches him in a father-daughter sort of way, he sends it to me. It doesn’t happen very often–maybe every few months–but I always appreciate it.
This morning I saw this email in my in-box:
Subject: Dad has sent you an entry from The Writer’s Almanac
Dad also sent this message:
Heard this early this morning and thought of you. Then I thought of K—- [my daughter].
Love, Dad
The poem was “Prayer for Our Daughters,” by Mark Jarman. I’m not going to reproduce it here, but please read it. The first verse felt like a hug across cyberspace.
* * * * * * * * * *
I don’t know how to end this post.
That poem was the last hug I got from my father.
An hour or so later he had a heart attack, or an aneurysm, or a stroke–something sudden that took him in his sleep, after he had lain down to rest because he didn’t feel well.
I have more to write about how loved I feel today. About how God put me in the right place at the right time, so I could be there for my dad’s wife, meet her at the house, drive her to the hospital, hold her while the doctor told us the horrible news. But for now, I want to focus on my dad, and how much he loved me, and showed me, by sending me this hug today.
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Oh Coco…my heart is breaking for you. This is eerily familiar. Big BIG BIG hugs…forever. I'm so very sorry.
Thanks, Karen. I've been thinking of you today.
I'm sorry. The poem is beautiful. I'm glad your dad got to send it to you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
The mercy of God extends to us in many ways each day. Today you experienced God's love and mercy to in having this last wonderful hug from your father. What a bond you must have enjoyed with him, which will give you the great memories for the future. My sympathies in your parting but my joy in knowing how much love was shared and will become a legacy.
Thanks so much, Tink. Your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to me.
Oh my gosh Coco I have chills that won't stop. I had seen a mention of the poem on FB and came to read, I did not know the other part.. but how very special it is that your dad sent this last hug. You will cherish it forever. I am so sorry for your loss. I've lost both my parents and can't help but think how incredibly wonderful it would have been to get this last hug, and I hope it will be a great comfort to you in the days and years ahead.
I am so very sorry for your loss. You will always treasure the memories and the poem.
oh more hugs from me to you. You have the most golden heart ever. I'm very sorry to hear. That's amazing that he sent you that poem, it's very beautiful. hugs, hugs and more hugs.
Thanks, thanks and more thanks. All of your comments are cyber-hugs too, and they do feel good.
Coco I'm so sorry for this deep loss to you and your family. It was extremely brave and strong of you to be there with your Dad's wife and hold her through those moments. As the poem, what an amazing cherished memory to have. I'm sending you all of my thoughts and hugs and much love this morning in hopes it helps keep you steady.
I'm so sorry and am keeping you in my prayers, but so glad you have this loving goodbye from your dad. Thinking about you.
Coco – Big huge warm hugs to you. How very shocking and heartbreaking. I am glad for you that you received such a wonderful gift from him. Words fail at this time. Embrace those memories.
What a powerful post and what strength it took to write it. I am so sorry for your loss. The poem is a beautiful last gift.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss! May the Lord of peace comfort you in this difficult time!
I discovered your blog this morning after clicking over from Twitter — I'm @MicheleUALR there, and blog at http://www.healthycultivations.com.
I'm glad I found your blog and believe I'll enjoy following your posts. It's always nice when you find a new blog that just sort of clicks.
Coco, many warm hugs to you! It is so touching and heartbreaking at the same time to have received the beautiful poem and then lose you dad in the same day. It must give you great comfort to know he was thinking of you and your daughter at that time. Nevertheless, loss of a parent is very hard to deal with. I hope you find peace in these difficult times and celebrate your dad's life. (((hugs)))
Thanks, everyone. I am still doing pretty well. Thinking about my dad constantly, with fond memories and love. I have been warned that the grief may hit me like a mac truck one of these days, but for now I am feeling peaceful.
Coco,
I am so very sorry for your loss…What a beautiful final memory you have — I hope that poem brings you strength.
Coco…
I am just now getting caught up on all my blog reading! I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing! What an amazing final memory you'll always have, however. I will be praying for you…
Thank you so much, it really means so much to me to have so much support.
This is so heartbreaking and I hate knowing the pain you must feel. Know that I'm giving you big hugs. And that email/poem is certainly a blessing from God.
Thanks, Tina. I've shed tears but really do feel God's love at this time too.
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