There is a blessing that comes with being able to tell a loved one, one last goodbye.
I can't describe the closure I felt the last time I told Papa Bud goodbye.
As I walked out of his hospice room, something was telling me that this would be our last goodbye. And it was. He died barely 12 hours later.
I felt an overwhelming sense of peace that I was able to share that last goodbye with him.
When I heard Billy was in hospice on Sunday, I didn't think I would get a chance to tell him goodbye. But on Monday evening I received an email from one of his sons.
It read simply, "Dad is almost home, if you want to tell him goodbye, call this number".
They held the phone up to Billy. I could hear his labored breathing, it sounded so much like Papa Bud's and PawPaw's........for a second it took me off guard .........."Billy, I love you", I said it loudly. "save me a spot up there when its my time" I said. And then Tate, who loved Billy too, said to him, "Billy, it's Tate....Put it in the hole".
His family in the background said he opened his eyes and it seemed he knew who was talking to him.
I hung the phone up and cried. Tears of joy that we got a chance to say goodbye. Billy has raised a family of fine people who even in the midst of their grief, thought of me...a friend...and allowed me such a tender moment.
I was able to watch Billy's memorial service on the internet today. Another blessing.
What our Pastor Pete said about how "one of The King of King's soldiers is now standing beside his King" made me smile.
The gift of goodbye is truly sweet.
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