Well this will be the last time we post anything up here. Thanks to everybody that has come out in support of our family over the past few days, months and years. Dad touched the lives of many people and many of you came out over the past few days to remember him and help us.
When dad asked me to start this blog for him it was under the pretense that it would be uplifting and informative, he didn't want it to turn into a living memorial or become some sort of countdown. There were days when good news flowed forth and days when we suppressed the bad news. Some days we expressed hope when dad made little steps towards getting better and some days we reached out for prayer and support when his treatment took a step back. Many people have said they were happy to have this site as a way to check on dad.
Since the night dad passed away we have been in awe of the ways people have paid respects to dad and helped our family deal with his loss. Pastor Mike at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Orion, IL did wonders preparing a wonderful service as well as counseling us during the process. The congregation of the church did many wonderful things for us in order to hold dad's visitation and funeral service at the place he worshipped for many years. The friends and family members that traveled long distances to be with us. The friends and family that brought over food and hugs to the house. Sandy and her staff at Esterdaul Mortuary are top notch people that helped us plan and prepare a truly honorable way of sending dad off. The Coast Guard Auxiliary Honor Guard stood by dad for the duration of the visitation, changing stations every 15 minutes with a salute each time. Saturday at the church the Orion American Legion Honor Guard passed by dad's casket one by one, each member saluting as the paused by dad's side culminating with Tracy Hepner walking up and placing her hand over her heart. The Military honors that dad had given so many times in the past were in honor of him - the 21 gun salute, the playing of taps and the folding of the flag are things that will bring even more tears to my face in the future than they did before.
Dad was a great man, he will be missed but he will live on in the hearts and minds of many people.
Eddie
2 comments:
Amen, he will be missed
Wilma and Larry
I see I'm late on getting up to date, but that was a superb video. I wish I'd gotten to know your Dad when we were kids... Whenever someone passes it makes you appreciate the good times and the bad equally... God Bless you and your family...
Post a Comment