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Mallory and I arrived early Tuesday morning. There was Dad, in his den, resting in his LazyBoy recliner, looking more peaceful and at ease than he has in a very long while. The night before, he had eaten clam chowder and vanilla ice cream. He was glad to see us, semi-alert and responsive, but far from the Dad/ Papa/ Dick we all know and cherish.
Finally, a respite from the hospital. Finally, dialing down the logistical medical mayhem. Finally, shifting from battle zone to comfort zone. Finally.
While it was very hard to see him like that, there was something undeniably sacred in our midst. I sensed a lifting - a lifting of the veil. I felt the presence of my grandmother - Dad's mom - kind, gentle and so right there - right here - with us.
By Wednesday, he was mostly unresponsive. The chaplain from hospice came to pray. Several wise, wonderful people told us that hearing is the
final sense that remains – he could hear us.
My girls, Mallory and Amanda, had been telling me that they were going to write a "song for Papa" and I let Mallory know if they wanted him to hear it, the time was now.
Mallory began going through photo albums and scrawling words on a page. She contacted Amanda in Arizona, and they schemed: Mallory would write and send lyrics; Amanda would get her guitar during her lunch break and create + play the melody. What a gift to see my girls join forces, across the miles, united in creativity, motivated by a love for their Papa.
Within hours, they
finished and recorded their song for Papa.
We played it for him. His eyebrows lifted slightly - there was a divine hush, a gentle calm that filled the room as he quietly and gently continued to let go.
Here is their song, "Work Hard, Love Harder" - truly a beautiful testimony to the legacy Papa leaves for his grandchildren....
Richard Reid O'Neal
11/24/41 - 7/23/15
Excuse me while I fall to pieces in tears at the extraordinary magic, beauty and love of this song, of your willingness to share the sacredness of those hours at home, and of the man who is so truly honoured and loved. I have a book I've written, in editing mode, that includes the story of my Dad's last days. - also Papa to his grandchildren. Sometime I will share that story with you, if you like .. but for now, just sharing that I do understand. Thank you for knowing what you now know. And for telling the story for others to begin to understand. Much love to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear sweet Janet. You have been such a kind, tender voice of peace and light throughout these weeks. I would love to hear your story. I would very much like to meet you. Perhaps one day, that will happen.
DeleteNamaste.