His Last Pilgrimage

by carol on 03/01/09 at 9:04 pm

Carol visits her father in Florida 1/08

We buried him on February 17th on his 79th birthday.

People have asked me if we were close with him living in Florida and me living in New Hampshire. We were as close as we can be, living that far apart. Phone calls and emails sure helped. He had been in Florida for over 20 years and we (my family) usually saw him once a year on his yearly pilgrimage……..not in the middle of summer but after Labor Day when he could enjoy his stay at Cape Cod, MA.

Last fall he didn’t make it here, so my husband and I visited him and his wife last January 2008. I never thought it would be the last time.

As someone said before me, I’m an orphan, both my parents are gone. My mother has been gone for 20 years.

He rests with dignity and honor after a Marine burial where as the eldest child I received the American flag. He served with honor in the Korean Conflict. The 17th was a clear sunny day in the 30’s and how ironic today, he rests under a fresh blanket of snow. He hadn’t seen snow in over 20 years . He just avoided it ,but always enjoyed joking with us about the balmy weather in Florida when we were in the middle of a snow storm here.

It has been amazing to me how supportive GFWC has been for me during this time. Starting with phone calls and hugs from my local club members and more emails and cards from state members and more from around the US from other women who took the time to let me know they cared. This is a marvelous sisterhood. Thank you.

3 Comments

Patricia

Mar 13th, 2009

9:45 am

I too have lost both my parents and no matter your age, it hits you, I’m an orphan. May you have wonderful memories that will help you through the hard times. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Doris Jo Sechrist

Mar 16th, 2009

9:52 pm

I, too, lost my mother at age 83 almost 3 yrs.. ago. We had been very close after my
Dad died in l973. I fully understand the feeling of being an orphan. Time does help,but
the warm memories of good times together with my children and grandchildren & “Granny”
are the best comfort. My fellow club “sisters” kept me going and held me up through
the worst times. You and your family are in my prayers.

Peggy

Mar 29th, 2009

9:03 am

Thank you for the reminder: Love may be expressed across the miles.

When a loved one dies, a thread of our life remains unfinished if we do not carry their memories, inspirations, and thoughts with us as we go forth into our journey.

Recently, a member of our Federation family died unexpectedly. Beyond cheering together and listening to Club stories at Junior District, District, and State meetings and Conventions, the caring and concern poured forth from the GFWC Federation family as a natural act. How comforting it is to know –GFWC volunteers are beside you every step of the way.