When I was about 5-years-old my parents were in a terrible car crash. As I think about it, it's truly a miracle they survived. It was before seat belts and air bags and it was a slick rainy night. The car ended up in a culvert, I believe. I have an image of the moment when the bad news was received on our kitchen phone in our farm house. Two of my older sisters were there and my brother-in-law, Fred. I can't remember what was said, but I knew it was very bad because I've kept this snapshot memory for sixty years.
The next image I have is of my daddy in a chair, possibly a wheelchair, wrapped up like a mummy. His face was nearly destroyed by the windshield. His jaw was wired shut and he had to eat with a straw. Mama broke her neck, or nearly so when she hit the roof of the car. She wore a neck brace for more than a year and suffered pain the rest of her life because of her injuries. My memories may not be totally accurate but my parents lived and I have always thanked God for saving them.
My memories focus now on my brother-in-law Fred, tall and thin with a balding head. When I was a kid I would run to the doorway when my sister and family would visit at our farmhouse near State Center. Fred would always pause in the kitchen doorway where I would grab my hug and some teasing. Who was my current boyfriend? Why was I getting so tall? Fred would make me laugh and I loved the sound of his deep, gentle chuckle. He had the best smile ever.
I didn't know until recently that after the crash, Fred was ready to take over being a parent to my sister and me, if my parents didn't make it. He was such a good man and always encouraged me, as though he knew what I needed.
I don't have all the memories that my sister, Fred's wife, has. Nor the special and ordinary times his children remember, but I cherish my memories as we all say goodbye to this special man.
Why is it that I don't realize how much a person means to me until he is gone? I miss you already, Fred. Thank you for being a brother and a father and a friend to me. I love you.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls," (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV).
That was wonderful, Glory. Dick:s memory has gone the way with many things. He is so patent though and doesn't compain. I am doiong an Art Journal book , using an old throw away book. A gal here is having the class. So much fun and bring back lots of memoryies.
ReplyDelete