This is a continuation of the Christmas post. My dad was operated on for a broken hip 2 days after his fall. The operation was a success and he was transferred to a rehab facility. He did well in rehab but after three weeks he could still not walk on his own. Because of policies, he was transferred to another facility where he continued with rehab. Unfortunately he got pneumonia while he was there and was transferred to a local hospital where he was placed in ICU. He had pneumonia in both lungs and the hospital gave him antibiotics to try to clear his lungs. Because of his age and weakened immune system, he could not overcome the pneumonia. After over a week of trying, he was transferred to a life care facility where he was given comfort care. My dad passed away on February 27, 2015 with my sister and daughter by his side. He was 92. He leaves a great family including his wife, 6 children, and 13 grandchildren.
From the outside, he may have seemed like an ordinary man who lived an ordinary life but he was so much more. He worked 6 days a week including weekends and a second job to provide for his family. We were in no way rich in money but we were rich in love. Dad was always there for us. I have memories of playing catch and playing baseball at the local field. This was after he put in a full day's work at the factory. I never remember him saying he was too tired even though I'm sure he was tired on some days. And he was the same to all of his children. He always had time for all of us.
As everyone grew up and got married, the grandchildren starting arriving. Dad couldn't have been a more proud grandfather to all of them, Again, he had time for them and I can remember many a cookout at Dad's house with all of the children and grandchildren there running around and playing. And of course "pops" would join in the fun. There were many croquet, baseball and badminton games in the backyard. And Dad loved to go to the beach in Maine to be with his family. He also had time for others too. He delivered the morning paper to neighbors who could not get out. He did this well into his 80's. He took time to visit with them when he could.
As Dad aged, he couldn't do as much but he was still there for us. There were many discussions about his Yankees and the Red Sox. He was well read and had opinions on many subjects. And every Saturday night there was a pitch card game. It was always the men against the women and Dad never was one to win or lose gracefully. If someone in front of him bid 2 or 3, he would often bid one higher even if he didn't have a good hand. He loved to tell the story of how he made 4 on a bare jack. We'll continue to play pitch on Saturday night but it won't be the same without him. Maybe I'll bid 4 on a bare jack in his honor. I probably won't make the bid though.
So, how do I end this? There are so many more memories and so much I could write about Dad. Last night there was a wake for this "ordinary man". The line extended outside of the funeral home throughout the wake. Everyone that came in to offer condolences said what a great man he was and how we were so lucky to have him as a father and grandfather. We all "rattled the cubes" as he called it with a shot of blackberry brandy. There wasn't a dry eye there as we toasted this husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was so loved by all! Rest in peace Dad. I hope you are enjoying a toast with your brothers and friends in heaven.
