One More Thing

AND ONE MORE THING

Perhaps you yourself have been told by those who love you, “I suggest that you never tell anyone else about this … ” they will think you are crazy!” Well on the off chance that I am not crazy and the possibility that you too have had a similar experience … I am ready to share.

These words are not a work of Fiction but of actual happenings and authenticated by a witness … for the experience was shared by two.  I will start at the beginning.  For our Fathers 80th surprise party we approached the current owners of Dads … Grandfather Ike’s farm in Marmora, Ontario.  On our way we stopped at the graveyard and were standing on opposite sides of Ike Bailey Grave.  At one point I raised my head and looked across at my Sister who was looking straight at me.  “I just felt” I said and she answered, “a warm hug.”

As witnessed by two  … at the same time … with the same emotion.  Powerful !

Dad had spent his summers on this farm and the memories made him happy.  These wonderful strangers gave us permission to bring our entire family in celebration of his 80th, a surprise from all of us.  Four generations arrived on the lawn to wait for his coming, 30 in all.  The current farmer and his wife actually gave Dad and Mom a tour of the old farmhouse.  We were led around the farm by Dad who shared with us his memories … a natural spring of water was shared.  We wandered through fields filled with cows and cow plops.  Those of us not fit for walking were bundled into a farm wagon for the journey.  We visited the river and some of us went in to splash and play.  It was a loving family memory. 

Three years later our intelligent, strong, amazing Father had a severe Stroke. His mind was still totally intact yet he could not speak and he never regained that Gift.  My sister and I were retired and able to visit him often .  It was a loving and humbling experience.  Any decisions regarding his health and happiness were done by all five of his children, holding only our concerns for him as a measuring stick.  One day in Church, Dad had an episode and the ambulance was called.  He was taken to critical care.   Shortly after, we received a call from the ward asking us to come in and take care of him for he would not settle.  He was being stubborn and un-cooperative.

Pam and I went in late that night.  A room was provided for us to sleep and we took turns sitting with our Father.  When it was my turn, I took my book and sat quietly reading beside his bed.  He was peacefully asleep with the covers up to his chin.  From a deep sleep Dad sat straight up and looking at the ceiling his face lit up and I heard a deep belly laugh filled with so much Joy! It happened over and over again. I sat very still not wanting to disturb what was happening.  We were lucky we did not lose him that night. The experience shook me.  It was as if Dad was meeting after a long absence, his Wife, his Parents, his Brother and long lost and loved Friends … those that had gone before him.  It was like a joyous homecoming and I loved seeing him so happy. When Pam came into the room I said, “the strangest thing just happened “  I explained what had occurred.  She said she knew for it had happened to her too.  “ HOPE GREW. “ The Journey of Life continues.  I can find no other explanation and none is necessary.  Something wonderful happened to our Father that night and he was overcome with  ” PURE JOY!”  That we were Witness to this private journey of his is a Gift we will forever  Cherish.