My Dad

My dad passed away today. We don't know how for sure, but he was found by my oldest brother sitting in his lawn chair in the back yard. I'm guessing it was a stroke or a diabetic coma or something else diabetes related. Whatever the case, I hope he passed peacefully without confusion or pain. I am certain that he was greeted by my mother, who died eight years ago in April. I don't know what happened, but for now, I choose to imagine that he was sitting out enjoying one of the first real warm days of spring, enjoying the black cat stirring around at his feet, looking at the rock wall garden that my mother had worked on for 40 years. Then, I choose to imagine that he caught a glimpse of my mom out of the corner of his eye, probably fussing over some weeds. He called out "Dorothy!" in amazement and longing, and she turned to him and said "Well come on, Kenneth, let's go!"
Though he never really talked about his emotions, my dad was never the same after my mom died. He missed her so and was lonely without her. After 45 years of marriage, that will happen. Today, they're together again and for that I am so grateful.
I'm driving to Decorah tomorrow to start the funeral arrangements with my siblings. I'll keep you updated. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and prayers.