he’s free.

I woke up around 3:30 in the morning yesterday feeling nauseous. I laid still, breathing deeply; the kind of breathing that I learned in yoga that calms my nerves and tummy. Finally, the feeling subsided and I went to the bathroom to splash some water on my face and went back to bed.
At 4:30, my phone rang. I hate it when my phone rings during the Do Not Disturb time, because it has to be a not-good thing. I knew it was my sister before I picked up. “His condition has gone downhill fast and they said we needed to call family.”
I turned on the light and Hank said my name. I choked out something like, “I need to go home.” He got up quickly and grabbed his computer to book a flight for me.
At 4:35, my sister called back.
“He’s gone.”
He’s gone. My Dad is gone.
I called my son.
“He’s gone.”
I wandered around and put the most random things in my suitcase. A sweater. (Not sure why. It’s September in Oklahoma.) Ten pairs of underwear. (I just kept putting them in.) My toothbrush. A tank top. A pair of pants. Cut my finger on my razor.
I sat down and dialed my sister.
“I don’t know what to do.”
“You need to come HOME,” she said.
Goddammit. I know that. I mean I don’t what to do.
I hung up the phone and took a shower. Hank made breakfast for me and got me a coffee. I ate. I drank. I went to wake up the boys.
I told them. There were tears, and through them, our 10 year old asked, “Is he happy?”
Oh.
What a beautiful, gorgeous question.
“Yes, baby, I think so. His body wore out and now he’s free.”
He’s free.
Kristin Savory
Beautifully written Mary- looks like the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree. I bet he had his own special lens regarding the world. Jim and I have just been through a similar experience- both his parents passed within the last month. Be strong, have faith, and spread love. XOXOXO
Shiela
I love you, Mary. I wish I could give you the biggest warmest hug right now xox