Goodbye

 

I was in Middle School the first time I swiped this sweater from Dad's closet. I say first. It was likely the only the time I swiped it. I probably just willfully apprehended it. I found it cool: retro, a throwback to a different time. Even then, I tended to swim upstream. Anyway, the sweater came with me to college, entered a marriage and has made multiple moves, always safely finding a home in my closet and a source of comfort in trying moments. 

I'm currently wrapped in this sweater in Virginia as the rest of my family is waiting to see Dad. 

His right lung collapsed overnight. 

There is an emergency procedure we could have opted for, but the likelihood of survival was just so slim and the treatments just weren't taking hold. 

So it is time to say goodbye and send Dad home.


Becky took this picture yesterday. It reminds her of the Trinity. 

The Father

The Son

The Holy Ghost

Comments

  1. CLRughBileddoJanuary 5, 2021 at 8:30 AM

    Sending love, hugs and prayers. I am so sorry, he was so tough in fighting this. Love you all

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJanuary 5, 2021 at 9:43 AM

    It's Deb. My heart has just cracked. I am so, so sorry. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to share this journey with us when you have been in so much pain yourself. I keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lynn MallakJanuary 5, 2021 at 10:39 AM

    Sue and family,

    Our heartfelt condolences go out to you from the JFK Assembly. We prayed a decade of the Rosary for Dale at our meeting last night; there will be many more prayers for him and all of you.

    With much sadness,

    Lynn Mallak
    Faithful Navigator
    JFK Assembly #1593

    ReplyDelete
  4. GailJanuary 5, 2021 at 10:48 AM

    Sending love and prayers to all of you. He was a great person. He will be so missed, Sue. See you over Jordan, Dale. Love you always.
    Gail Staples Ewing

    ReplyDelete
  5. JPJanuary 5, 2021 at 10:52 AM

    Your bravery and generosity, taking the time to share your journey, is breathtaking. Sending wishes and prayers for a peaceful journey -- for all of you. This is a loss for the world.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJanuary 5, 2021 at 11:31 AM

    All I can say is “What a mans man! An everyone’s man”
    God gained a soldier like he’s never seen before! Loved ya Dale!
    Dennis Mannion

    ReplyDelete
  7. Joan NelsonJanuary 5, 2021 at 11:44 AM

    Becky's friends from St. Edward send love and prayers <3

    ReplyDelete
  8. KateJanuary 5, 2021 at 12:14 PM

    Carrie and family, I am so so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and wishing we could give you a hug in person

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownJanuary 5, 2021 at 12:19 PM

    Carrie: I am so sorry to hear of this. Sending you love, hugs, and prayers. I know it's a difficult time. May God give you strength and peace!

    ReplyDelete
  10. CarolJanuary 5, 2021 at 12:19 PM

    We are so sorry and heart broken, Dale was very special. Thank you for your loving, positive updates on Dale and including us in this very unique journey. Sending our love and prayers to Sue, Richard, Cathy, Becky and Carrie. Dale was very blessed to have such a loving family and he will be truly missed. May God bless you all with peace and comfort. Love, Carol, Ron, Greg & Bryan

    ReplyDelete
  11. Will T.January 5, 2021 at 12:41 PM

    Keeping you, your family, and your father's soul in our family's prayers.
    Will

    ReplyDelete
  12. RWDJanuary 5, 2021 at 1:05 PM

    Carrie - My prayers are with you and your family. And, thank you for allowing me a glimpse into your dad’s life through the pics that you posted.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Linda OJanuary 5, 2021 at 2:15 PM

    I am so sorry. My heart hurts for all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Bill and Mary Ann DiBerardinoJanuary 5, 2021 at 5:49 PM

    Dear Sue,
    We are greatly saddened for you and your sweet Family.
    There are many hurting hearts at H.N.J. and the entire
    beachside community. He taught each of us how to be
    Jesus to one another.
    Peace and Prayers Dear Family,
    Bill and MaryAnn

    ReplyDelete
  15. ambraaahJanuary 5, 2021 at 6:41 PM

    I am devastated for you all. He was no doubt an amazing man, a wonderful father. May God give you comfort and peace in the days ahead. We are all lifting the family up in prayer
    - Amber, Steve & kids

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ginger HuntJanuary 5, 2021 at 6:58 PM

    My Dear Friend Sue and family So sorry and I’m heartbroken for you. Dale was such a warm hearted ,generous and kind person.He truly was a Knight. God will surely have a special place for him. God Bless You and May He have much comfort and peace for you. Sending Prayers and hugs. Ginger Hunt

    ReplyDelete
  17. Jeanne LeamanJanuary 5, 2021 at 7:00 PM

    We are so very sorry to hear this news. We have been reading your updates and praying for your dad and all of you. Thank you for sharing so many touching stories and pictures. You are a beautiful family, full of love and faith. Your dad will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt sympathies. Love and prayers — The McDonalds — Kevin, David, and Jeanne Ann

    ReplyDelete
  18. Ginger HuntJanuary 5, 2021 at 7:08 PM

    My Dear Friend Sue and family So sorry and I’m heartbroken for you. Dale was such a warm hearted ,generous and kind person.He truly was a Knight. God will surely have a special place for him. God Bless You and May He have much comfort and peace for you. Sending Prayers and hugs. Ginger Hunt

    ReplyDelete
  19. Ginger HuntJanuary 5, 2021 at 7:11 PM

    My Dear Friend Sue and family So sorry and I’m heartbroken for you. Dale was such a warm hearted ,generous and kind person.He truly was a Knight. God will surely have a special place for him. God Bless You and May He have much comfort and peace for you. Sending Prayers and hugs. Ginger Hunt

    ReplyDelete

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