In life, we have many incidents in which we consider as landmarks and refer to them as the “before” and the “after”. The happenings of the past few days have brought into sharp focus that fact in a very real way as adjustments are made and plans for the “after” are made. However this is the very normal passing of time and it should not surprise us. But are we every really ready for those kinds of interruptions in our lives?
I would like to share yet what Phil wrote up yesterday in recounting the events of the day on Sunday. His account I think very well describes the sentiment of the experience we so keenly felt as Dad stepped over the threshold into glory. May Dad’s testimony of life, real eternal life, live on in our hearts.
Good morning.
After the update Sunday morning things changed very quickly. These are, of course, my perspectives.
Dad had gotten up as usual and had eaten a good breakfast. That was when I had written the last report.
As I look back, I think he had probably rallied for the children’s arrival. Once we were all present and had spoken to him, he was ready to go. He had said that when all the children were here would be a good time to die.
We noticed that every time we would check Dad’s oxygen levels they were very varied and fluctuating. Joe’s daughter had told that that could mean congestive heart failure. I kept checking and as time went on, the levels were bouncing all the way from in the 40s to the 90s. Something was different.
Since all ot the siblings were here, we decided to have our own little service at Dad’s house at 10 am. Tim wasn’t present and Duane and Ruth were going to be late because Duane needed to go get a shot for her Covid treatment. I asked Dad if he wanted to be with us in the living room or if he prefered to stay in bed. I noticed that he seemed extra weak. He said he preferred just to stay in bed and listen from there. We were a little late getting started and he (who was always very punctual) began to ask why we weren’t singing. We had a wonderful time of singing together. Dad said he could hear from the bedroom. He put his hands together as in prayer and when we would stop, he would ask why we aren’t singing.
Suddenly Joanna interrupted and said Dad is saying “help me!”. We alI ran in expecting the worst, but then he was just saying help me go out to the living room. We all relaxed and laughed at the scare and helped him up and into his wheelchair. Then he wanted to sit in his recliner. So we helped him sit back and relax. I noticed that he was very very pale but I didn’t say anything.
We began to sing again and he seemed to be enjoying it. Duanes then arrived and our children who had gone to church just drove in as well. I noticed that his breathing was getting more shallow and rapid. So I checked his oxygen levels again and they were all over the map. I tried to check his pulse but couldn’t find any. By then we all saw that the time had come and gathered around him. The oximeter suddenly went totally blank. He began to breath harder, then made perhaps 3 or 4 hard gasps and his body relaxed. It was 12 o’clock sharp. Even in death Dad was on time. 🙂
It was such a sacred moment for all of us. Mom was sitting beside him, holding his hand. He suddenly looked so peaceful. We all had such a sensation of peace and joy. God seemed so very near. Victory at last! At the moment, there was almost no feeling of sadness; just sacred joy. Don’t get me wrong, the separation and emptiness is also here. But the overriding attitude is of joy. Mom was very much at peace.
We are so grateful to God for working things out so perfectly.
We carried the body into the bedroom and laid it on the bed. Then began the hectic preparations for the funeral.
The first thing was letting family and friends know of Dad’s passing. I called the Dr. Since she knew the case, she didn’t even need to come out, but prepared and signed the death certificate and sent it digitally. Since the cause of the death was Covid, the legal protocols are very strict. The government has given the authority to the funeral homes to see that they are obeyed. The law says in this kind of situation they must pick up the body at the house, put it into a plastic bag, then into a special sealed coffin, and deliver it immediately to the grave site, and stay there until it is buried.
I called the funeral home. We will be forever grateful for their understanding and confidence in us. They immediately said they will come out with the coffin and pick up the body. When they arrived we asked about the possibility of giving us some leeway. He told us what the law says but then said he is not allowed to leave the body at the house but is willing to take it to the church. Then he will disappear and we are responsible for what we do from there under the condition that it is buried within 24 hours. What a relief. They proceeded to put the body into a plastic bag and into the coffin which was then nailed shut. He then had to disinfect the whole house. They then delivered the body to our church building here in La Estrella.
Sunday night we announced a wake service at 7pm. at the church which is the custom here. It is an informal gathering of friends to be with the family and show respect for the deceased. Snacks are served. Since it was so quick it was not widely known, but I am guessing probably 250 – 300 people showed up throughout the evening. Of course, there was no viewing of the body. We did have some singing and a short devotional there. Around 10pm we closed down and went home for the night.
Yesterday morning the funeral was held at 8:30 am. at our local church here in La Estrella. Our facility is larger and is open sided which is more favorable for Covid protocols. Jimmy Ramirez was moderator, Edwin Hershberger was song director, Duane read the obituary, Chente Mejia had the message. After the service we moved on to the cemetery in La Merced where Dad wanted to be buried. That’s about 20 minutes from here.
Our church has been wonderful through all this. They have provided food for the family since Sat. evening. And they served the snack at the wake and a meal after the burial yesterday to everyone.
God has been so wonderful through this whole process. First for giving Dad grace these last 5 years that they have lived here. After losing his sight and then the ability to walk on his own. Then as he grew weaker and lost his ability to care for himself with the loss of dignity that comes with it, he never complained and was always very gracious and grateful. Secondly, for giving Mom peace and grace for every day. We want to stand by her as she adjusts to life without Dad. This coming Oct. they would have celebrated their 70th anniversary. Thirdly, for working things out so beautifully during the time of Dad’s passing. All ten of us were able to be here for the goodbyes and to send him on his way to his eternal reward. For the generosity of the funeral home in allowing us to even have a funeral even under the circumstances. For the legacy that our parents have left us. The challenge to be faithful. We will be forever grateful.
And now life will go on, but the “after” is something we need to face, especially Mom. Keep lifting her to the Father as she faces a very “new” life in her old age. Thank you to all for your prayers and support through this time. It has meant so much.
Sanford Yodel 