On Tuesday of last week, after a long struggle with lung cancer, my Father quietly passed from this world free from the pain that had been his constant companion here in his last days. And the kindness and generosity that myself and my family have seen since then has been a bit overwhelming. To this end, I would like to take a few moments to say “thank you” to some people who have made this time of sorrow a bit less painful….
To the Nurses at the NKC Hospice House…..thank you for making the last week of my Father’s life free from pain and full of love. The kindness and consideration that you showed him, the care you gave him as if he was your very own family is a true reflection of your dedication to your craft. And the fact that you are able to do this for each and every patient that comes to your House shows a level of compassion and love most of us are not able to muster.
To Dad’s friends at the Good Times…..if I could for just one week, I would stand at the door and give a hug to each person who was in my Father’s circle of friends there. Since I do not live in town my Father and I would talk frequently over the phone. And in most every conversation we had, we discussed the great times and the joy he had there. Whether it was with his Fantasy Football league or just an afternoon spent with his many long-time friends regaling them with stories my Father had an undeniable joy when talking about his favorite haunt. I would be remiss if I didn’t humbly thank you for the impromptu surprise birthday party that you hosted for him. When I spoke with him later that day, the joy he had in being with friends and family that day was unmistakable. There was a bit of energy in his voice and for once I could hear the emotion in his voice that belied his gratitude.
Personally to Dad’s buddies at the Good Times….a Thank You for making yourself a part of his life, listening to his stories, sharing a few of your own, and being there for him. You made him feel like family and nothing was more important than family, whether by blood or chosen part of his close circle.
Personally to Denny at Good Times…..a big thank you for the food on Friday and the friendship you gave my Father all these years.
To my friends here on Facebook…..a simple and heartfelt “Thank You” for your prayers and well-wishes for my family and I. There are many of you that have reached out, both publicly and privately, that I am a bit overwhelmed. I do not take lightly that you took a few moments of your time to say a prayer, send a note, send flowers, call me or even come to the Visitation or Services.
To my Mosby friends…..thank you for the dinner on Friday afternoon for our family and friends. The food was wonderful, but more than anything seeing old friends warmed the heart. To be able to walk the halls of the Mosby school and relive the flood of loving memories surrounded by friends and family was overwhelming. To Sally, Betty, Sherry and Julie (if I left out anyone else please forgive me) we thank you for all your hard work planning and setting up the dining hall. A special “thank you” to Betty for letting the Kilgore Boys take a peek at our old church haunt….you’re lucky the ladder to the church bell was not working….otherwise one of the Kilgore boys might have snuck up and rang the church bell like he did in one of his misspent days of his youth.
To Billie, Sherry & Norman, Gary and Terry, Terri Dawn, and the rest of the Kilgore family……thank you for being there for us, and with us, during this time of grief. Your love and support for all of us at a time that you were also feeling the loss of your Uncle/Brother-in-Law is not forgotten.
I know that as I write this I am probably forgetting someone, and for that I apologize. But please know our family deeply appreciates all that you have done.
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