I wrote this almost five years ago
My Father died today and this is the last conversation I had with him:
“Dad this is Michael your Son, can you hear me?” I stare down at him, frail and gray curled on the hospital bed. He mumbled something I could not understand.
“Dad – We will take care of all the things you were once responsible for. We will take care of Mom and keep her safe. ”
“Dad – We will all survive once you are gone. We will miss you but we will find our way without you.”
“Dad – All is forgiven. Rest easy knowing you will leave here surrounded by Love and Peace.”
“Dad – Your life had meaning and you changed many people for the better. You worked hard and accomplished much and you should be proud of a life well lived. You did good.”
“And finally Dad, know that you’ll be remembered. We will laugh and cry over our memories of a life lived together, with you.”
I then painted for him, with words, a picture of his boyhood home in the green hills of Kentucky. I reminded him of listening to the Grand Ole Opry on a big radio between twin beds while his beloved brother Frank giggled next to him, both young and healthy, planning their next escapade. I spoke of Blackberry cobbler, cold milk and starry nights. I stirred up a Dream for him from the embers of his Life. My Dad called out Frank’s name, the last word he would speak.
“Go easy Dad, I Love you.”
My Dad, Glen Ray Fulcher, took his last breath a couple of hours later.
Peace surrounds me…
© 2020, Michael Fulcher. All rights reserved.
I broke my fathers ribs in a failed effort of resuscitation. I was screaming at my father, his wedding of 60 years was less than 24 hours away.
I love your paintings of words Rat.
So sorry for the loss of your Father. It is so good that you were able to bless him with word pictures. ☺