How nice of him to die in the spring time so that we could enjoy a sunny day at the cemetery without jackets or umbrellas.
How nice of him to wait until after my mother's 60th birthday party so he could help us give her the surprise of a lifetime. So we could enjoy a party together with family and friends. So many people could feel like they had been in touch with him before he died. So he could praise me for my work on the party every time he talked to me, even when I called him to wish him a happy birthday. So he could be really and truly happy with my mom for at least one evening without the stresses of life.
How nice of him to wait until we could see how much Baby G. adored his Grandpa so we could always remind him that he shared a special relationship with Grandpa George even if he doesn't remember him.
How nice of him to have had such a great name so that we could name our little Henry George after him and think of him when we call our son by name.
How nice of him to have spent so much time cleaning the house for the birthday party so it would look nice when people came by after he died.
How nice of him to have stayed faithful until the end so we would feel peace when he died instead of anguish. So we could truly feel that he had been protected until he finished his work on the Earth.
How nice of him to have passed on so many personality traits to me, although sometimes I might curse them, so I can help the family out in those ways he would have if he had been here.
How nice of him to have spent the last 3 years teaching me his Italian recipes so I could continue cooking Biada food and so we don't go into polenta withdrawals.
How nice of him to wait 2 years after the girls deaths so that we could have some time to heal those wounds.
How nice of him to have not died in the car as we may have never known that it wasn't an accident.
How nice of him to have died away from my mom so that she didn't have to go through the trauma of unsuccessful CPR.
How nice of him to have told us that he loved us ALL the time, and to have given us so many hugs and kisses in our time with him.
I say "How nice of him," but I also say "How nice of Him," as I believe that all good things come from Him. He who came to this Earth to save all men. He who is the Savior of our world. He who we put our trust in to know that all things will be made right in the end. I believe that He knows us and had mercy on us.
In 1st Nephi,Chapter 1(A chapter we've read more than any other chapter)Nephi says, "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
I think we are all so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord in our lives. Especially at this time when we feel loss, it is wonderful to see how very blessed we are as well. There are a few "How not nice's" but I won't include those. And there will definitely be more "How nice of him's" that I will add as I think of them.
4 comments:
You are amazing Erica! I love this post. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.
I love you..... Mom
Erica, your father worked for me at IBM. However, over time, I found myself many times gladly taking direction from him. He was a very smart man, a hard worker and a wonderful friend. He was always so proud of his family and, as you say, faithful to the end in sharing his beliefs with those around him.
I am sorry I was not able to attend his funeral last week. However, I spoke with your mother yesterday and she told me about your Blog. After reading your Eulogy/Blog, while saddened by the loss of your father, I am encouraged as it reminded me that the spirit and positive attitude George possessed lives on through his family and friends that were lucky enough to know him.
I was at a program a few weeks back where a famous author was talking about what he has learned in writing about people from the past. He reminded us of the phrase "gone, but not forgotten". He then very forcefully said "if they are not forgotten, they ARE NOT GONE!" It has been many years since we worked together, but I can still clearly picture your dad in front of me offering advice, help and sometimes......a needed push.
I consider myself fortunate to have known such a wonderful man!
Ron Gibbons
You truly are amazing Erica. This was just beautiful, like everything you do. I can't tell you enough how much we love you and really wish I was there right now.
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