27 December 2020

Darling, you passed away in the early hours of yesterday morning, Saturday 26th December.

I’m in isolation, following the fourteen-day rule for contact with covid-19. I’m alone, but my big sister, S, comes. There is no need for the visit to outside your bedroom window. But she and Rich maintain the daily visit to outside the kitchen door. An open doorway separates us, united in our grief. S looks as baffled as I feel. As the days passed it was so clear what would happen, and yet, I am shocked. My mind is numb. But my heart holds the truth to its' shattered core.

We were blessed to get you home. So many had no such chance. I was glad to be here, Dad. A small thank you for all the years of my life with you in it. You have been constant and gentle, supportive and loving. You have never demanded a thing of me. Losing you is huge. You’ve been my good friend and my wonderful parent. I’ll miss your guiding hand.

As the messages flood in, I’m learning what an inspiration you were beyond my immediate circle.

Your legacy is the beautiful man you were in the world. Is there more a person can achieve in a lifetime than this? To love unconditionally and be so loved in return?