Happy Anniversary

    It is almost 5 in the AM here in Brugge, Belgium. In the USA, in the region I call home it is almost 10 pm, or 2149 military time. My staying up late is not unusual, nor is there much of anything about today that I would offer as noteworthy. It rained (or sprinkled) all day long. That seems to be the normal weather here. In Florida today it is sunny and in the high 90's. Here it is cold and wet. Really miserable weather does make for some amazing gardens. Brugge is a World Wide Heritage place, and if you get the chance to visit, I would certainly recommend the experience.

     So, I have spent most of the day trying to fill/kill time. Only time I left the room today was to journey all the way across the square to the local swarma/donner store for some sustenance. I do like Mediterranean pita sandwiches.

    I hope I have come close to conveying just how mundane this day was. It is a deliberate attempt to demonstrate just how ordinary this day was................ till just about 30 minutes ago.
  
    A confession: I am simply lousy with dates. I can remember at most a handful of birthdays..... less anniversaries, and unless it is a historical date (which I have some luck at retaining), I just do not seem to have much retention. Not to worry, I am equally as bad with names.

     What changed?

     A simple glance at the calendar.

     Tonight is the one year anniversary of a day of great significance in my life. One year ago this night, my cousin and I stayed up all night to provide company for my father. Dad's health was failing, and we knew the end was near.  Early on the 17th, with my cousin and I by his side, Dad died. 

    Is it not just a little amazing how just the focus on a date can take us to a place and time?  The events of a date so ingrained into the fabric of our life that just the notice of the date causes memories to come............. and take us back to what was.  All the events of the day, the conversations with family and friends throughout the day.  My Brother setting a new land speed record (Chuck Yeager in the Glamorous Glennis made no greater speed records and did not have to worry about speeding tickets) to get to the lake to be there to mark the occasion. 

    What I remember most is an overwhelming surrounding feeling of love.  I am surprised by that.  It seems like I should have said "loss" instead of "love".  Truth is, even after some great reflection, it was love I felt and love I remember.  From Dad?  Always.  I have felt that as assuredly as I did all my life, and still do to this minute.  I felt Dad loving me, but not just him alone.  So many friends and family;  and the collective love being focused through Dad and the occasion of the ending of his life. 

    Damn, I thought I would share something poignant, and maybe something along the lines of a tribute..... but what I feel when remembering the overall experience of the day is....................... JOY. 

    Can there be any other word to describe being enfolded in love? 

    Damn Dad, I don't want to suggest I don't miss you, but the memory of your passing is one of the most profoundly life affirming experiences of my life.  Tell God I said "Thank You".

     And,

     Happy Anniversary in honor of a life worthy of notice.