Title: Dad Writer: Betsy Rodino

On a cold and blustery winter morn A phone call came out of the norm. It was a Saturday in the month of December A day that I will always remember.

My sister had just heard from our mother, When I hung up I was to call my brother. Dad was ill and Mom called an ambulance; We did not know the full circumstance.

We would all head home and let him know We'd be there for him, our love would show. For some odd reason I took my time I pictured the worst but changed my mind.

I stopped for gas along the way And convinced myself it was a beautiful day. I prayed and hoped and talked it through I wouldn't worry or I'd come unglued.

The ride seemed longer than it normally did. Had I known the outcome, I would have turned and hid. I got to the hospital and stopped to inquire and prayed that I wouldn't be told he expired.

The receptionist told me that he was still there. My dismal spirits soon disappeared. I felt so relieved to be rid of my gloom, So I followed the lines to the emergency room.

My brother was standing watch in the hall. He was leaning back against the wall. When he started towards me, I saw his face And something told me that I had better brace.

My mother came towards me, her face quite red, And told me apologetically that Dad was dead. I looked all around, all eyes were on me, I started to cry and wanted to flee.

I couldn't believe it, I wasn't prepared. My sister was crying, we were all in despair. We comforted each other and headed home; All together, yet all alone.

Arrangements and phone calls had to be made, His friends came by, their sympathy paid. They had lost their friend, their fellow lodge brother. We all tried to say things to comfort each other.

By word of mouth, the news traveled fast. The flag at the lodge was flown at half mast. The phone kept ringing, I'd mind the store While my family took care of the final score.

By the end of the day, my energy was gone. I had to go home, but felt all alone. My husband and children were there at the door; We will all share his loss forevermore.

We talked about the events of the day Each one of us having something to say. There were funny stories that we all shared, It was our way of showing how much we all cared.

The following morning brought new waves of tears. I was so deep in mourning and real despair. Knowing the wake would begin that night I pulled myself together to face our plight.

We headed for the wake late in the day All being reflective in a quiet way. We passed a field and I don't know how, But there were several horses and one green cow.

We started to laugh and it broke our mood. I realized that humor would see us through. We still had to greet and thank his friends, A friendly send off, such a fitting end.

Friends and family came our in number. He looked so peaceful deep in slumber. His lodge brothers held their own ritual, A service for Elks, it is traditional.

I can proudly say that he went with style, And believed he watched with a great big smile. The skies opended up and it began to snow, Dad was at peace now, this I know.

For the next few days, I could not function As I approached in my life a brand new junction. The loss of my father was a tremendous blow. Unless you've gone through it you wouldn't know.

A few weeks later, I had a dream. I relived his death, at least it seemed. When I knelt in prayer to pray for him, I knew his spirit would never dim.

He opened his eyes which were quite blue. As he looked back at me, I instantly knew. His smile was wide and his eyes were so bright, He was telling me to be happy, that he was all right.

Knowing that he is in a happy place Has made the transition easier to face. My strong faith in God has helped me to cope And assures me continually of love and hope.

As time passes by, I miss him still. I know in my heart that I always will. But the time will come in Heaven above, When we will all encounter God's great love.

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