Tribute to my Father

My father, Lloyd G. Frey, 87, passed from mortality April 10, 2010 at 11:40 a.m.  I had spent most of my time the past 14 months caring for him.  It was the last great gift he gave to me in this life.  Difficult, yes, but what I gained far surpassed the sacrifice.  His last five weeks he was in a care center.  They were kind and did a beautiful job of keeping him clean and happy.  I stayed with him the last night of his mortal life.  He couldn't speak nor open his eyes but he was aware.  He wanted me close by so I moved a lounge chair next to his bed and held his hand most of the night.  I felt and watched life ebb slowly from his body. The nurse thought all the signs indicated he would be gone by 8:00 that morning but true to his usual tenacity he held on until 11:40.  All four of his children were there.  About 5-10 minutes before he went I felt some kind of shift in the air.  I went over and sat down by him and whispered in his ear, "Daddy, it's time to go.  Others are waiting for you.  They want you to come.  Thank you for all you have done for us.  We love you.  It's ok to go."  His breathing shifted to soft and gentle breaths.  He took a few and then a few more and then one last one and that was it.  Very peaceful. His body relaxed.  Everything grew still.  A beautiful silence filled the room.   We were now orphans.  I will always hold dear the memory of being with my three siblings in unity of heart during the last few hours before and after my Dad's death.  As we looked upon my Dad, my only brother George picked up my Dad's razor and with tears on his own checks gently shaved the scruff my Dad had acquired the past few days.  My Dad always liked to be clean shaven and performed this task religiously every morning until that last week.  It was one of the most beautiful moments I have witnessed between my brother and my father. 

We held the funeral the next Friday in Denver, Colorado, my parents long-time home.  It was a small funeral but a handful of dear, life-long friends along with a large posterity and some extended family were present.  He received a military burial in Ft. Logan Cemetery in honor of his service in WWII.  I think he was pleased.  He and my mother are now together both in spirit and in body. 

So long Daddy, I love you.  Thank you for your example of love, service, honesty, gentleness and devotion.