Another Family Loss

As we welcomed in the New Year of 2018, I had all four of my immediate grandparents. All of which lived close, and with a breath of air in their lungs. It’s now five full months into the year, and I’m down by two.

My Dad’s parents were married for 60 years. They had 8 living children, and right around 100 grand and great-grand children to date. You’d be shocked at how close such a big family can actually be. We weave in and and out of one another’s lives regularly. We support each others children in sports and rodeo. And, we meet up for holidays every single year.

My grandma was the sweetest woman I’ve ever known. Always kind and patient. Her door was never locked. She took in any and everyone, held fond memories with each, and loved unconditionally. She passed away a few months ago. One of her biggest fears was to die alone. She drew her final breath in the comfort of her own home, with my Dad at her side (he was her live in caretaker at the time). He tucked a blanket around her, held her hand gently, and told her just how loved and appreciated she was in her final moments. It was peaceful, she left with all of her dignity in tact, as she earned in life.  I imagine her wings to be as pure as a dove. I wrote a poem at the time Silence, it was dedicated to her and placed on the back of the program at her funeral.

Late last night, her husband, my grandpa, also passed away. He’s suffered from dementia for years. The final stages have really taken their toll over the last nine months or so. Two days ago he was placed in the ICU with pneumonia, and a severe bodily infection… he was septic and extremely dehydrated. He had non-resuscitate/no life support agreements in place, and  before he lost coherence he told his children and the medical staff that he didn’t want any tubes down his throat to clear his lungs. He only wanted to be kept comfortable. He was ready to go, ready to be with his love. They complied, and he wound up joining the love of his life at 11:30 PM on 5/31/18.

He was a silly guy, always making people laugh, especially my grandma. He was a story teller and a dancer. That man could swing around the dance floor with the best of them.

They’ll both be sorely missed by our entire GIGANTIC family, as well as their tight-nit community. Loosing him has brought the loss of her back to the surface. Memories are front and center, hearts ache, and another long week of grief lays ahead. They spent practically their whole lives side by side, so it’s only fair that they do so in passing as well. They were the prime example of life long dedication. The kind of love that works past the ups and downs that life always has to offer. The kind that sticks together through thick and thin. They were true love and bringers of life at its finest.

R.I.P Farleys, we all love you dearly!

Forever Beyond

A love that waits so patiently,

A life that lasts beyond,

A youth refined, the perfect form,

Once again in wanting arms.

Restored are you, and so is she,

No ailments to be known,

Together you smile, you laugh, you love,

Whole hearts, whole minds, you’re one.

The clouds do part, and so you see,

The wife who left before,

Her beauty at its finest,

She’s been waiting at your door.

Surrounded by her favorite colors,

Her in coral, you in blue,

Both angels now, together forever,

The adventures ahead anew.

Your feet are light, you spin and soon,

You dance in the sky with such grace,

Float weightless in her arms so sweet,

Your own music, smooth moves, your new space.

*Rest In Peace Grandpa Farley*

-Didi, and Family