Five Generations

Field Notes February 9, 2022

Dad called this morning asking if I could gather the family for a dinner tonight. He said that he had been thinking about eternity (without us) and he was afraid of the possibility that there was nothing after this life. I tried to reassure him, again, that there is something after this. I keep telling him that he will be pleasantly surprised. I truly believe that there is something beyond this life and actually it is more real than life on earth. But he doesn't believe, and he is the one, at 95, nearing that journey into uncharted waters. I was thankful for technology that morning. I was able to send a text to everyone and within minutes my phone started pinging with responses. Everyone said yes, they were available that night, even my great niece Chloe, who had to adjust her work schedule. I was so impressed that they were there for dad as well as for each other.  In the photo below: I'm standing next to my sister Gloria. She is standing next to my nephew Tony and behind him is his dad, Joe. Then there is my great-nephew Conor holding his son, Jameson. Next to Conor is my great-niece Chloe holding Conor's daughter Mia. Next to my dad is Conor's oldest son, Aiden and on the other side of dad is his wife MeiLing. 

These photos and the memory of this night will be good to carry into the future. No one knows how long they have on planet earth but at 95 you know that each new day is a precious gift that might be your last. Dad rarely feels well now and is experiencing anxiety. He ate well that night and was happy for a little bit surrounded by love. In the picture of him meeting his great-great grandson for the first time is a smile I have not seen in many years. Tender moments creating tender memories.