He Rests
Hardest Father's Day ever.
Dad was four days in twilight. Eyes closed, breath rhythmic. Swimming in a sweet gentle chemical pool. Sometimes, sinking to bottom and reliving his best and brightest days. Sometimes, just below the surface, listening, knowing. Aware. We're here. We love you.
Two days given up for dead. But he lingered. He breathed. With every breath I rejoiced and wept. After three days in twilight, they warned me. Not long now.
M (Hospice aide) said she was there for the duration. I could nap. I woke at 2a after a 3 hr nap. I was greeted by Vivaldi's 4 Seasons lilting from the dinky player. M holding Dad's hand for me. It was beautiful. The normally noisy hallway was silent, soothed by Vivaldi's brilliance.
4a and M needed to leave. She had family obligations in 4 hrs. I didn't mind. I took Dad's hand. Vivaldi reached the crescendo and went quiet. We switched to Mozart. I kept hold of Dad.
Once again, they underestimated him. A day came and went. Father's day came. His children had gathered. We told the stories. We tried not to weep. Mum kissed him and told him to go in peace.
A few hours later, to the lilting tones of Vivaldi, Dad went in peace.
I miss him. I will always miss him.
He rests.
My heart weeps. My soul rejoices.
RA Manetti
1932-2015
He loved his family, God, his country, his work, music, and the New York Yankees.
A brilliant, compassionate, and generous man, he died as he lived; in fearless grace.
Dad was four days in twilight. Eyes closed, breath rhythmic. Swimming in a sweet gentle chemical pool. Sometimes, sinking to bottom and reliving his best and brightest days. Sometimes, just below the surface, listening, knowing. Aware. We're here. We love you.
Two days given up for dead. But he lingered. He breathed. With every breath I rejoiced and wept. After three days in twilight, they warned me. Not long now.
M (Hospice aide) said she was there for the duration. I could nap. I woke at 2a after a 3 hr nap. I was greeted by Vivaldi's 4 Seasons lilting from the dinky player. M holding Dad's hand for me. It was beautiful. The normally noisy hallway was silent, soothed by Vivaldi's brilliance.
4a and M needed to leave. She had family obligations in 4 hrs. I didn't mind. I took Dad's hand. Vivaldi reached the crescendo and went quiet. We switched to Mozart. I kept hold of Dad.
Once again, they underestimated him. A day came and went. Father's day came. His children had gathered. We told the stories. We tried not to weep. Mum kissed him and told him to go in peace.
A few hours later, to the lilting tones of Vivaldi, Dad went in peace.
I miss him. I will always miss him.
He rests.
My heart weeps. My soul rejoices.
RA Manetti
1932-2015
He loved his family, God, his country, his work, music, and the New York Yankees.
A brilliant, compassionate, and generous man, he died as he lived; in fearless grace.
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