Time flies

I can't believe it's already almost MAY. The past couple weeks have been focused on trying to get things in order with my dad's house, my dad's belongings, making sense of his financials, etc. It's also got Bill and I thinking about OUR lives, wanting to make sure WE have a will, something in place so that no one has to try and figure out what we wanted if we were to pass together.

My dad didn't have a will. He didn't have anything that indicated what his last wishes were, he didn't have any paperwork organized so we would even know what he was leaving behind. . . . .I spent an entire week just chasing after expired life insurance policies that were found, calling various businesses to see if he had open accounts there, calling banks to see where he had checking/savings accounts set up etc, etc, etc. It's been a complete mess trying to figure out his "estate". But I've realized that I'm apparently a good "crisis" person. I've been able to focus and somehow find time to continue my full time real estate "job" and spend nearly every waking moment left sorting through his matters. Of course time for riding has gone by the wayside (you're in luck Sport girls, it should be pretty easy to kick my bootie this year), but I'm hoping to find time to ride again soon (hopefully this week).

It's never fun (or comfortable) for the tables to flip, for the "child" to become "the parent", "the planner, the one who takes care of everything", but someone has to do it so it might as well be me. God apparently has given me certain gifts. . . . perhaps this is why.

Life will be different going forward. A little empty without Dad in it, but more focused on happiness and peacefulness. I have again found patience. I think that was dad's wish for me. Heaven knows I certainly needed to find that again. Thanks Dad. Although you could have helped me find it under BETTER circumstances. :-)

Every cloud has a silver lining

It's been exactly one week since my dad peacefully collapsed on his bed and breathed his last breath. So much has happened in this week. Lots of pain and sorrow, lots of sadness. Not only did I lose someone I dearly loved, but my dog, Bear, who had been a part of my life for 16 years passed on as well. It's been a week of loss, a week of pain.

But as sad as I am for myself, I'm actually peaceful in knowing that these two things I loved are both in a better place. They are free of pain. They are free of burden. They are at peace and in a better place. I realize everyone has their own view on religion, in fact my father and I even differed in our own personal views. However I know in my heart that there is something else out there, something better than this earthly world where there is so much pain and suffering. It's a place of peace, acceptance, comfort, joy.

This past week has shown me that there are SOOOOOO many wonderful people in my life, so many wonderful people who knew and cared about my dad. . . . who thought he was an amazing person, who enjoyed his company, laughed at his jokes, were touched by his generosity. This is the silver lining. Going through the motions of a funeral, wondering HOW you are going to get through this difficult process. Finding this sense of peace as each of these awesome people connected to the person you love hugs you, reaches out and touches you, tells you how much YOUR loved one made a difference in THEIR life. How much your dad loved YOU, how much he talked about YOU, how proud he were of YOU, how sorry they are for your loss. Knowing there is a hole in their heart as well.

I'm learning through this process that each day truly is a gift, a "present". Never assume you'll be able to give that hug tomorrow, because you may not be entitled to a tomorrow. Tell the people you love how you feel TODAY. Seize the moment, life each day to it's fullest, be thankful for what you HAVE, don't fret over what you don't have or what you think you should have or even what you want to have.

"In acceptance there is peace". Accepting something doesn't necessarily mean we agree with it, we welcome it or we're HAPPY with it. . . .it just means it's a fact of life and we understand that. There's a bigger plan, who am I to question that plan? There are so many mysteries in this life, so many questions. I'm thankful my dad now has all the answers. I just hope to find peace for myself and put a smile in his heart while he watches over me for the rest of my life.

Peace be with you all.

Good bye again

What a week. Last night we lost Bear, our 16 year old Black Lab. She's been with us from the beginning. Healthy as a horse, went suddenly. Everyone thought she was going to live to be 100. Even when you know death is imminent. . . . .it STILL doesn't get any easier.


I sure hope that's it for now. My heavy heart cannot take any more.

Good bye Dad

Good bye Dad. I will miss you more than you'll ever know.


John "Rafe" Dale
3/26/39 - 4/14/09

Easter

Started with Easter celebrations Saturday. The theme, Hawaiian Luau (Thunder dressed accordingly).


Temps didn't cooperate for FEELING warm, but fun was had anyway. Andrew's first Easter egg hunt was ON, Grandma almost beat him by collecting eggs as well, but he pulled ahead and won in the end.


Later in the day the crowd shifted into the belated birthday celebration for Lt Dan. Theme still Hawaiian Luau. Chicken shish-ka-bobs for dinner, Sing Star (uuugh - sorry everyone), lots of conversations here and there.




Sunday was Family Easter for the Nighs/Sprungs. Another Easter egg hunt (it's harder to find 6 eggs in a rec room than one would think), lots of food, one minor catastrophe - nothing broken, one niece wearing nearly her whole glass of sparkling wine. One Easter pyramid made with 4 "pyramid virgins". Yes, I know some people are annoyed by my pyramids. If you're one of them, don't read my blog.

Glacial Blue

Is beautiful. Trails are awesome. Can't wait to go back tomorrow. Maybe if Thunder plays her cards right, I'll take her back again. She LOVES to follow my wheel.

It's the little things

I'm watching my German Shepherd chase a bottle cap around the kitchen like it's the best toy EVER.

Who need so spend money on expensive toys? Plastic works wonders.

Guess I should snag it now before she swallows it.

Dang puppies are just like children.

Some days

Some days are SUCH a challenge.

Last minute trail work

Couldn't decide what to do today, so we headed down to Blue and did some trail maintenance. I can't believe how great of shape the trails are in down there. Probably cuz we did all the raking in fall. :-)

There were several large trees down, so Bill hauled the chainsaw in and took them out of the way. Thunder chased sticks all over, helped put some back ON the trail, and guarded us against the very dangerous leaves. We also raked quite a bit, cleared off some more sections of trail so people can FIND it.

If the weather holds, I'll be testing the trail this week. Of course I have to go get my bike from the shop. . . . it seems to have a problem of some sort. With Pedal Fest going on, I know no one's had a chance to look at it. Oh well. . . I rode it like that in North Carolina, I'm sure i can't hurt anything more by riding it another day or two. :-)

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for NO SNOW and a bit of sunshine this week. That would make for a most excellent week. I guess we'll see!