Signs

Friday, April 18th was the first anniversary of the death of Pam’s father. A sad day for us. It was also the day that was set for the closing to deed the house over to Jan. We saw that as a sign that Dad was pleased. He wanted Jan to have the house. And there were other signs. Pam and her Dad had three seasonal contests—who saw the first robin of spring, who saw the first goslings or ducklings and who saw the first chicory in late summer, heralding the coming fall. On Friday, Pam saw her first goslings. So her Dad was with her too.

And the flowers. How he loved the flowering trees of spring. Dogwoods were favorites of both of Pam and Jan’s parents. These are dogwood trees blossoming in his yard that he planted.


These pictures were taken of him the week before he died, and the last time he went outside. He asked to be taken out to see his dogwoods. He was wearing his gardening straw hat and his cell phone around his neck. The lady with him is Tiffany, his wonderful caregiver, who was so loving and kind. She had such a special place in his heart and ours.


So every year when we see the dogwoods, and the azaleas, the red buds, the wisteria, the flowering pear trees, the robins, the goslings, the duckling, the chicory--all the things of nature you loved—we will think of you Daddy. We miss you.