Dad

Its been nearly a year since my dad died. Although it was a sad time, it was uplifting also, because my impression was he was transformed to somewhere better, that he was released from his frail body. It was a mystery revealed for him, that remains to be discovered for us.

I had gone on a hike the Sunday before he died, and led a nature program the Thursday before. Both times I noticed hawks on their spring migrations, riding the thermals. On the nature program a group of children and their teacher and I watched as a hawk rose slowly, then soared at high speed to the east, an awesome sight.

On Friday while my sister and I were alone with Dad, the nurse saw his oxygen level dropping. Although only an hour before they had requested that we transfer him to an extended care center, the nurse suggested we stay close by for the afternoon. Jeanne and I resolved to do that, and since I hadnt eaten I decided to grab a snack at the cafeteria. Jeanne asked if I would get her some coffee.

On the way I detoured outside, faced the mountains, and while thinking of those hawks I said a prayer to the God of the mountains I know so well: 'take care of my Dad.'

When I got to the cafeteria a nurse approached, and said my Dad just passed away.

I had a dream where I recalled those times at timberline when I have stood in awe before the clouds, trees, peaks, beauty and order, above and beyond me. My vision was that the end of life one might be in a place like that, then solid footing with the earth gives way, and we move forward into it all.