I sat at my dad’s bedside in Florida for three days this past week. Many family members told him how much he is loved while I held the phone by his head. This love washed over him in waves, generated from four generations of a family touched by his life, including his “kid brother” and great-grandchildren.
On Saturday night, at 11:20pm, my Dad passed into the hands of the Lord of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
On Thursday and Friday, I gently caressed him with my waves. Holding his hand, I told him I love him and added, “Thank you for being my Dad.” I fed him soup and peaches with a spoon, and the irony was not lost on me that many years ago, he fed me with a spoon. I knew this was the last time I would see him on this side of life, so I took a picture of our clasped hands.
Why a picture of only our hands? Because I choose to remember my dad as that young man who met the love of his life in the Navy about 67 years ago (yes, my mom was in the Navy too). Those kids from two different worlds (New Jersey and Vermont) worked as a crew and sailed off on an adventure 65+ years ago, leaving a wake of love in their path. The legacy of their love story rippled on many shores:
- Four kids, still married to their original spouses for 30+ years. A rarity in this time and space.
- All four children are productive citizens: one works with sophisticated helicopters, one helps companies figure $h!+ out, and one massages a lotta numbers for a world-class company. And one, well, he travels through life helping others search for 42.
- Eight grandchildren, all in their own rights, are productive and good citizens. Another rarity in this culture! Some produce or market stuff, some develop and educate the young, one represents people in their struggles, and two answer the call to be healers. !woW
- Six beautiful great grandchildren… and hopefully more to come!
- Countless stories, “numbered” corny jokes, a bunch of cribbage players, and a whole lotta laughs.
- And an Ocean of LOVE!
Love ya Dad! Miss ya Mom. Thank you both!
SEARCHING FOR 42 
Condolences to you and your family. Wonderful memories and love that continue well beyond this world and this age. Blessings during this time of mourning. Joe
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Thank you Cup-O-Joe!
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Thank you, Pat, for your heartfelt words. May God bless and comfort you and your family.
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Thank you TFS!! Your friendship and wisdom is coveted.
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may GOD hold you in HIS arms whenever you miss your mom and dad,Al
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So sorry for your loss, Reverend Pat, Danny, Tanya and families. We know your Dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa lived life to the fullest as long as he could and is at peace now. Take care, and thank you for sharing Chip (aka Andy) with us for 40+ years and counting. He’s the brother we never had and a blessing on our family. And thank you for the beautiful memories, Reverend Pat. Love, Karen, Susan, and Clara D’Amato
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Condolences to you and to your family brother. Thank you so much for sharing these heartfelt memories. May the Lord almighty bless you and the family in this time of morning.
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Thank you my brother.
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