December 17th

by annemariedemyen, posted in December 2022, Health and Fitness

Still here, still voiceless and still dealing with the lingering effects of the flu from hell. I am not that sick but my days revolve around inhalers, hot drinks, and trying to keep active enough to keep my lungs clear and as strong as possible. Not exactly the lifestyle that inspires read worthy blogs. On the bright side, I have hacked off a few pounds in the past month so – YAY ME!

Anyway, today is December 17th and that means it is a day that holds special meaning for me. It seems impossible, but it has been twenty-nine years today since my father passed away.

My father and I were always close. He was quiet and peaceful with a quirky sense of humor that never failed to amuse me. He was extremely intelligent with a keen interest in anything mechanical or technical. But mostly, he was just a really good man and a really good father. I was always fortunate to have him in my life, but especially so in the last five years of his. They were difficult years but I learned so much the value of dignity and compassion and strength and unwavering faith from my father in those years.

My father lived with sinus cancer for the last five years of his life. Cancer is merciless at the best of times, sinus cancer particularly so. It was heart wrenching to watch my father go through all that he dealt with. But it was inspiring and amazing to see how he never wavered. When there was virtually nothing physically left of him, he was stronger than most of us ever are.

During those last five years with Dad, my own life was on rocky ground. My first marriage, which had always been dysfunctional, had reached its breaking point. It was bad enough that my father, who seldom if ever told us what to do as adults, took me aside one day and told me that I had to get myself and my children out of that situation. I knew he was right.

Having seen someone you love suffer for five years, you think you are ready. On December 17th, 1993 – I wasn’t ready. I got the call from my mother and I was in shock that it was over. I fumbled through the motions and headed to their home two hours away to be with my mother until the rest of the family could join us.

The next morning, I went to the hospital to pick up my father’s personal effects. As I got out of the car, the cathedral bells were ringing out joyful Christmas carols. As I stepped into the hospital, I was surrounded by Christmas greenery, poinsettias, and glittery and glowing Christmas decorations. As I began climbing the stairs to Dad’s room, the carols suddenly stopped and the cathedral bells tolled out the sombre notes to mark my father’s passing. It was one of those moments in life that one never forgets. My soul shattered. It was over.

And with every step upward and forward, I began to heal. I made it through the arrangements, the wake, and the funeral. A few days later I went home to set up our Christmas tree, wrap presents, and finish the meal preparations – to provide the best Christmas that I could for my children. After Christmas, I focussed on wrapping up my marriage and moving on. In July, I took my children, my dog, and my plant and I moved us out. I was run down and starting off on a wish and a prayer but I knew we would be fine. And whenever I faltered, I knew that Dad was there with us. His faith and strength carried us through, as it always had.

Dad & I
Dad & my son Dan
Jennifer and I visiting Dad in early December 1993
RIP Dad & Mom. You will always both have a place in my heart and in my home. 💞
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20 thoughts on “December 17th”

  1. Wow, Anne Marie, this was difficult to read. I offer you a huge hug from far away my friend. Wishing you and yours a wonderful, blessed Christmas. 🙏🏻❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  6. What a sweet and poignant story, Anne. Your father was a handsome and distinguished looking man, evident in both photographs with you and your son as babes. It is always hard watching a parent decline, but like you, I learned so much from being with my parents as the end of their earthly life waned. I send you warm healing wishes as you continue to improve.

    Liked by 2 people

  12. My heart goes out to you dear Anne. I feel sure your father would be very proud of what you are doing to get healthier, that takes strength. Thank you for sharing your wonderful father with us. I hope that you are completely well very soon. Love and big hugs. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  19. As hard as it was likely to write this it was just lovely to read about the love in your relationship with your father. That’s so very special and why it was so hard to hear the news of his passing. I loved seeing the pictures! ❤️ I am sure thinking of you this time of year. I wholeheartedly value having you as a friend of mine. I feel it was meant for us to meet! ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

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