Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Inadequate Words

My dad died Sunday morning. The call from the hospital came in at about 3:30 and I pounded out a few thousands words, which I never posted because, in all, they seemed inadequate.

I have this problem when anyone dies. Last year Freeman Hunt's father died and I think I could only manage to choke out a short tweet of condolence, even though (or maybe especially because) I felt the loss deeply. Just as I do when DarcySport mentions her dad and you can feel the love and longing in the words. (One of my dad's favorite movies was Coppola's Peggy Sue Got Married, particularly when she goes back in time and sees her grandparents. I remember being singularly unaffected by that at the time and him saying something to the effect that I should wait a few years.)

So if you've sent condolences and gotten only a terse reply, understand it's not that I'm not grateful. I am, and thank you all for your support.

11 comments:

  1. Blake, I'm terribly sorry to hear about this. I actually heard it earlier but hesitated to write because I news was traveling below the surface (but between and among friends).

    Let me know if there is ever anything I can do for you. We are just on opposite sides of LA afterall.

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  2. Blake, pain at the loss of your Dad means that you loved him, as a child and as an adult. Good for you!

    Not all adults have reached that maturity, and estrangement with parents is all to often the result.

    My Dad is now 87 and has moved near us. Each visit is noted with my quietly inventorying the changes I observe, visible an invisible, since the last visit.

    It's a difficult thing, as you know, as do some of our other friends. And we're all better for having been there when we were needed, whether at the bedside or in the heart.

    Peace.

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  3. I am sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Allow me to pray the requiem:

    Eternal rest grant unto him.

    And may Perpetual Light shine upon him.

    May his soul, and the soul of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

    Amen.

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  4. Blake, you have my deepest sympathies.

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  5. Condolences and support from us all, Blake.

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  6. Blake, I'm so sorry. I miss my dad every day, and your missing yours will be a testament to his life and that may be a comfort to you someday. My condolences to you and your family.

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  7. Blake, my deepest condolences to you and to your family. I was informed by a mutual Althousian, and was stunned to hear the news.

    I'm glad that your father lived to see what a fine man he made, although as they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

    With prayers and hugs, ever,

    Victoria

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  8. I am so very sorry for your loss, my friend.

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  9. Thank you all so much.

    I'm still feeling inadequate to express much about it, but your thoughts have given me solace.

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  10. Hang in there my friend. Remember him always.

    You honor him every day by the way you act as a father.

    I am sure he is very proud of you.

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