Things I've Learned

My father suffered a massive heart attack on November 15. He died, without regaining consciousness, on November 16. We buried him November 21. I've learned many things since then.

• Some people can cling to life, until the last member of the family has a chance to say good-bye.
• One person touches many different lives.
• When someone passes away, people will take up the work of the departed.
• When you get called away from your regular life, people will step in for you.
• Neighbors will come to your aid.
• People deal with grief in many different ways. Some people cry, others get to work, and there are some who delay their grief.
• Family members will surprise you with strengths you didn't know they possessed.
• Grave-side funerals for veterans are beautiful, a 21 gun salute, a bugle playing Taps, a Bible and flag presented to a widow.
• The ties to remaining family deepen.
• Write a will, and a living will, your family will thank you for it.
• Working through grief takes time.
• Feelings of sorrow do not know when the proper time or place is to start welling up in your heart.
  
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