I just wanted to extend extra thanks to those who continue to support us in our loss. My Dad is well loved and we all shared a lot of stories all week long. There certainly is no doubt that he will be missed. The burial in Park Rapids was nice and we all had a lot of time to talk about him during the lunch we had.
We’re back in town now so if you want to give a call–please feel free.
Adam and Heather: my church read this poem today: It just seem to be speaking to all of us that gathered to say good bye to your dad. I just wanted to share it with you all.
cc
Let’s give Thanks by Max Coots
Let us give thanks for a bounty of people.
For children who are our second planting,
and though they grow like weeks and the wind too soon blows them away,
may they forgive us our cultivation and fondly remember where their roots are.
Let us give thanks for generous friends…
with hearts and smiles as bright as their blossoms:
For feisty friends as tart as apples:
For continuous friends, who like scallions and cucumbers,
keep reminding us that we have had them:
For crotchety friends, as sour as rhubarb and as indestructible:
For handsome friends, who are as gorgeous as eggplants and
as elegant as a row of corn,
and others as plain as potatoes and as good for you.
For funny friends who are as funny as Brussels sprouts
and as amusing as Jerusalem artichokes,
and serious friends as complex as cauliflowers and as intricate as onions
For friends as unpretentious as cabbages,
as subtle as summer squash,
as persistent as parsley,
as delightful as dill,
as endless as zucchini
and who, like parsnips, can be counted on to see you throughout the winter:
For old friends, nodding like sunflowers in the evening time,
and young friends, coming on as fast as radishes:
For loving friends, who wind around us like tendrils and hold us,
Despite our blights, wilts and withering:
And finally, for those friends now gone, like gardens past that have been harvested and who fed us in their times that we might live thereafter:
For all these we give thanks.
Thanks for the update, Adam. Am sure it was hard for you to return home. Please know that your dad will never be forgotten. He was a wonderful man, am sure you learned that from the many people you have talked with over the past week. It’s hard to believe it’s already been a week. I keep thinking if we could only turn back time, but I don’t want to go down that road either. There will be many “firsts” ahead, so keep your chin up. You have a lot of support out here, so make sure you call any of us if you EVER need it. Your cousin, Kathi, is only a suburb away too, in Crystal, don’t forget that! We are here for you, just ask. Your dad would be proud of both you and Brian at how you handled the funeral and burial. The burial was actually an excellent gathering, even with the delay, as if it were almost intentional, the only thing missing, was, of course, your dad, but we all know he was there in spirit…he always will be. Take care of your mom, yourselves, and your family. He was a wonderful man and is now in a wonderful place. Peace and God’s blessings to you all, in Christ’s Love, your cousin Kelli.
thanks for keeping us all informed Adam. Your dad was a great man and will be missed a lot. Bless you and your family alway. Rob