Let the Spirit Move You

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1. French Husband arrived for my father's funeral and will stay a few days.

2. School, the distance, and the timing do not permit Chelsea and Sacha to come, though they arrive in early June.

2A. I am trying not to think that my French husband and I are in California while our children are far away.

3. The amount of incredible food that keeps coming into my mother's home makes the scale tip higher and higher. Who has willpower at a time like this?

4. Holding emotion in is exhausting.

5. Funerals are exhausting, too.

6. The eulogy…or I should say the blank piece of paper staring me in the face is haunting. Where do I begin? Each time I try to put something down on paper, I see my father in the dark hospital room and his gallant desire to live… and I hear myself telling him to let go- Three months of bearing witness to my father's heroic effort and his dying days has my heart far too sad to create a worthy eulogy.

7. My sisters-in-laws are the best, beyond helpful and supportive.

8. Having little children around is natural healing medicine.

9. My mother and my brothers keep my father on their lips. Story after story.

10. I must focus on the eulogy…. please, please give me the words to share and the courage to speak without turning into a puddle. Where does one begin?



Comments

103 responses to “Let the Spirit Move You”

  1. Valerie

    Begin at the beginning. I sense your dad was a wonderful man who was full of love and full of life. Celebrate a life well lived and a life well loved. Ask everyone to be happy for having shared life with this wonderful man and think of him with a smile.

  2. gwenaelle

    Jour apres jour j’ai suivi cet accompagnement spirituel, et aujourd’hui je me decide a vous laisser un commentaire.
    Je vous envoi toute la force de mes pensées positives et de la force encore pour cette journee si particulière,
    et pour les jours à venir…
    Gwenaelle

  3. Writing the eulogy for a loved one can be such a daunting task…when I needed to write my mother’s, I couldn’t think at first even how to begin writing when I was at home or at hers – the emotions there were too overwhelming. Then I went with pen and paper to a coffeeshop, where she and I often had gone. It may sound a bit, but it helped me to feel as though I were having a conversation with her, silently, in my head, asking her, what do you want them to know about you – what are the important things – what was important to you? As I sat there the words finally started to come, as if I could hear what she would say. I don’t know if that is helpful – but I know your writing here is always truly beautiful. Whatever words may come – the truth and beauty will shine through. Keeping you and your family in my prayers and sending hugs – though those hugs from French husband the little ones around you are probably the very best ones in the world right now~xoxo

  4. Ed in Willows

    Corey – For me, the eulogy has already been written. For the last few months, you have been sharing all the great things about your dad with us all. Your father gained so many new friends through your words. Even though they never met him, hundreds of people are better humans for having been introduced to him by you. For those of us that did know him, you have reminded us what a faithful friend,loving father and husband he was. He will be missed but never forgotten. Thank you Corey.

  5. Writing the eulogy for a loved one by a loved one is something I encountered only when I moved to the United States. Growing up in Austria and later, when I came back to attend funerals of loved ones, I experienced a different ritual. Here in Austria, the (Catholic) priest visits the home of the bereaved, – often he has known the family for a long time -, and then talks about the loved one who has passed away. Recalling the life, events, the place in the community, the passions, whatever the family wants to talk about, and from that, together with the family weaves a curriculum vitae, an eulogy, that reflects that persons live. I find this a very comforting ritual, being able to assemble the collective memories, while helping to put together a worthy eulogy at the same time.
    May all those beautiful thoughts you wrote down so eloquently, whenever you wrote about your father, help you write an eulogia you know your father will be smiling about. You have loved him so well, every word of you will reflect that. God bless you!

  6. So sorry for your loss Corey. I lost my father when I was young, interestingly though, as time passes the memories I have of him become stronger and stronger. I’ll be thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way. Sincerely, Robyn

  7. Dear Corey, you have the gift of writing, of putting down words that are felt, that speak…embraced. Just speak from your heart. ((hugs))

  8. I am so sorry about your Dad. My God, has it been three months? You have been so devoted and courageous.
    I agree with the person above that some of what you have shared on this blog can help with the eulogy, maybe the end of it.
    As for the beginning, just think about all the things that made your father special. I remember my mom who did her grandmother’s eulogy and told funny stories, like about how my great-grandmother was lucky, always winning turkeys at church bingo parties…
    Tell stories. You’re so good at it…
    Hugs from the Aveyron…

  9. I , too , had to write the eulogy for my father. The words started to flow after I looked through old poetry books and found the perfect poem by Judith Wright to be the closing words for it. ( I also found the first line of the Lords Prayer to be extraordinary “Our father – who art in heaven…”)
    For what it is worth here is the Judith Wright (Australian Poet) poem…
    “Now let the draughtsman of my eyes be done
    Marking the line of petal and of hill..
    let the long commentary of the brain be silent.
    Evening and the earth are one, and bird and tree are simple and stand still.
    Now, fragile heart swung in your webs of vein,
    and perilous self won hard out of clay,
    gather the harvest of last light,
    and reap the luminous fields of sunset for your bread.
    Blurs the laborious focus of the day and shadow brims the hillside slow as sleep:
    Here is the word that when all words are said, shall compass more than speech.
    The sun is gone, draws on the night at last; the dream draws on.”
    I am so glad French Husband is with you.

  10. Many people have already suggested this, but you’ve written so many lovely things about your Dad, perhaps you can find your words in some of your posts.
    Take care Corey, I’m glad that your husband is with you.

  11. Start with the words, “Dad was… ” and keep going. The words are all there, they’re just dammed up behind all that emotion. Give them a little sluice room, let them trickle slowly one by one. Every adjective you can think of to describe your father will elicit some memory for you and for everyone listening to you. Sharing your view of your dad will let him walk amongst you all again…

  12. It must be so hard to see through the grief to what the wonderful things your father was.
    Maybe it would be helpful to look back through your blog posts so that all of those images block out the hospital scenes crowding your head.
    Pick one story and talk about it, or even read it directly as you had written it in your post. Maybe the rest will flow forth more easily.
    It’ll come to you 🙂

  13. Corey,
    Well, you are going to turn into a puddle so accept it and move forward. xxoo.
    If it were me, and it isn’t, I would start thusly; I love you dad and I miss you. You taught us many things:……..
    You will be fine Corey.
    rel

  14. You knew him well, Corey. How did he want to be remembered?

  15. Happiness is being loved
    & celebrating it every single day.
    My dad…………….
    you wrote that somewhere in this blog of yours…I had been looking high and low for the post with you and your dad in the pick up…he telling you about the farms nearby…& those clouds! I remember that day in your photos were beautiful…YES I believe most of your lost words can be found right here Corey:) I’m glad your FH is now with you! You will find the words when needed 🙂 luv you!

  16. Your strength will shine, your words will come, Corey…trust yourself…….xoxoxo

  17. Happiness is being loved
    & celebrating it every single day.
    My dad…………….
    you wrote that somewhere in this blog of yours…I had been looking high and low for the post with you and your dad in the pick up…he telling you about the farms nearby…& those clouds! I remember that day in your photos with your dad in his pick up it was one of my favorites!…YES I believe most of your lost words can be found right here Corey:) I’m glad your FH is now with you! You will find the words when needed 🙂 maybe your words don’t even need to be written…speak from your heart ….luv you!

  18. Corey, speak those words you spoke to him all of these past days. The love, the happiness, the legacy of family he created. Its there in your heart and the hearts of each of your brothers. Ruth

  19. Dear One,
    You wrote it yourself in that many days you’ve written for the blog.
    Those we love, who have gone before us, stay alive in our memories, and in the faces of our children and grandchildren.
    The dance goes on even after we’ve gone to the bosom of our Father.~~Dee

  20. Corey, you have such a beautiful way with words……you have been writing his eulogy
    during his final journey. You shared with us what a wonderful man and father he was.
    You showed us the amazing love that is shared in your family….Just speak from your heart and let your emotions flow. I am so happy French husband is there with you now. Love and prayers!!!

  21. Where you are at this moment is the place to begin. Special words from a special place, from the heart, unspoken and unshared until now.
    The words of love are unending and the tears are droplets of love overflowing use them they will guide you.
    All my love and prayers.
    Ana

  22. Blessings sent to you for today.

  23. It’s probably the most difficult thing you will do. How do you pare a long and full life and all the beautiful relationship down to one word, one paragraph, one page. Impossible I think.
    I had to write such a piece for the funeral of my best friend’s daughter. I was almost frozen because I wanted to say something profound and lasting. I’m not sure I succeed but there was meaning in the effort.

  24. and the Spirit will Corey…
    (((hugging you)))

  25. Corey just say what is in your heart.
    Don’t think just write
    Alison

  26. Give yourself a time limit of so many minutes and then let go of that emotion and write it. He is alive in you and your words Corey. You will be brilliant. Thinking of you here.

  27. Genevieve

    Dear Corey –
    This morning I’ve offered a prayer to the Holy Spirit ( the great commnunicator) to descend upon you with comfort, strength for this last leg, refreshment (I’m not talking about that green bean casserole that just came in the door!) and inspiration to write a eulogy for your wonderful father. You are a force of nature, and so, it seems was he.
    Bless You –
    Genevieve

  28. Begin with his eyes, with his vision of what his life was. I can tell from how you wrote about him, photographed him, that he was a man who loved unconditionally, who lived every day to its fullest potential. He was a man who knew that his prescence here was important, that he had purpose. His purpose was you, and your brothers and your mom and his service to a Heavenly Father that he loved. Start there. His life was lived for each of you and all of the things you need to say are in your heart, where he is.
    Much love to you, Corey.

  29. Don’t think about what you want to say. Pick up the pen and put down on paper whatever comes to mind….don’t think…
    I started my dad’s with the following words:
    “Heaven needed a master gardener, and you were chosen….” and I know in my heart, that indeed heaven’s garden is much greener and the wisteria is blooming deliciously since my father took over his duties up above….
    I send you and your family my love.

  30. Dear Friend,
    When my grandmother died a few years ago, I briefly spoke at her funeral, I quoted alex haley,’when and elder person dies, it’s like a library burning’. It’s so true. All his stories are gone (from HIS point of view). The first thing I’d like you to do, after the funeral, is to find away to preserve his stories. As for what to say-well, you have so many wonderful things to say about your father, your most difficult task will be what to leave out, not what to say. He sounds like a wonderful man. Though I of course never knew him, I feel blessed just to have been given a glimpse of him with the stories you shared with us here; the motorcycles, the energy he had, the love for life. Can you see the impact he has had on the younger men in your family? I would imagine so. Perhaps mention that, or your favorite memory, or just how much you two loved each other which is so lovingly tangible here in the pages of your blog. Anything you say about your father will be the right thing to say.

  31. okay that should read the first thing I’d like to ENCOURAGE you to do. I’m not giving orders! lol

  32. Deb Smithson

    Dear, Dear Corey,
    Just let the emotions flow. Let go and your words will come… speak as you always do of the abundance of happiness, the deep love, the overflowing joy and even the pain … celebrate the grandness that was his amazing life … So glad French husband has arrived … My thoughts are with you and yours today. Deb

  33. Corey,
    I’m so glad your husband has arrived. It is there that you can let out all the emotions you have felt the need to hold.
    I’m sure it is difficult to write your father’s eulogy. Not what to share, but how to pare it down. You write beautifully, and it captivates your audience, so that is not the problem. You have shared so much with us, we not only feel you are a friend, but that we have come to know your family, and your father, and that we will also miss him.
    You have been in my prayer today. May you feel the presence of heaven today, this most difficult day, and in the days to come.
    Debbie

  34. Jeanette

    I think the best place to start is from your heart. That is where he is and will always be there…let him tell your story of his life. If you turn into a puddle I am positive their will be more then one out in the church doing the same. I know your family there will be tears of joy, pride, sorrow, happiness, grief and loss. But with those tears will come healing. Remember his strength and that will help you through this time of sorrow. Blessing and prayers to you and your Family, Jeanette

  35. Oh, where to begin? I have no idea I’m afraid, and I have yet to experience similar. But having read your blog for a long time now, I know that you will find the words from the heart that fit.
    sending love, g xo

  36. Sending love to you, Corey.
    And to your family as well.
    lj xo

  37. Sending you prayers for Ease and Peace.

  38. Corey remember your post: The back Roads with my Dad, read it and remember… this post is a favourite of mine….
    God bless you and your family

  39. Corey,
    It is already written in your spirit dear. Put the pen on the paper and don’t even think. the words will fall on to the page by themselves.
    I feel so much love for you today, it is coming right out of heaven itself
    God be with you.

  40. What a wonderful idea Muriel has…”Back roads with my Dad”! I love that post.
    I know the words will come, Corey…you have such a gift “of words”.
    Thank goodness FH is there with you!

  41. Corey,
    You have such a way with words. Don’t overthink it. Just let the words flow from your heart onto the paper. Your father will be proud and he knows you love him…..

  42. Corey, I am thinking of you today. Hang in there, we are all here for you. Your beautiful descriptions of the last three months will stay with me forever. Take care, sending a hug.

  43. I only just read your last few entries and am so sorry about your dad – he sounds to have been a wonderful person. How amazing to have had you there with him in his last moments on this Earth. I lost my own father on the 12th April. It is still so surreal, but I can’t help but think that our loved ones never really leave us – their presence is still all around, with us forever, and one day we will finally rise ourselves and meet with them again. I send you all the strength and goodness possible to help your through this difficult time. Thank you for posting such wonderful words.
    -Jess

  44. Dear Corey,
    I believe this community of support you have here must be of some comfort and I add my most sincere love to the outpouring you have received.
    x…x
    steph

  45. I suspect the challenge isn’t in feeling…but in giving form and structure to your feeling. It’s like framing a photo — the things you see move you, but the frame gives them the power to move others.
    That said, here are some links to poems that may help loosen your pen:
    http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16210
    http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15377
    http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/19168
    And, mostly, know all your invisible friends are with you.

  46. Corey,
    Just go back through what you shared with us. Most of the things you shared would be a worthy tribute and others need to hear what we got to read on a daily basis. We’re still with you in love and support. Laurie

  47. Corey: “…and his gallant desire to live.” These are the words that I hold from the three last months we’ve been accompaning you and your loving Dad. His strong and endless desire to LIVE… to see the ones he loved, to walk on Willows roads, to ride his motorbike, to pray in honor of life itself.
    As you found the words and the silences to be with him during all this time, you will find the words to say the eulogy. Don’t worry about puddling, just do what you always did… and let your heart speak the words of love.
    Big hug*

  48. Everything you need to say is here in your blog. It feels like I know your father from reading these past months. You´ve said such beautiful things!

  49. You, your Mother and brothers, have so many stories of your Dad. Celebrate his life, in eulogy, with some of them. As long as the stories are told he will live on. Everyone there will recall those stories too, and have some of their own.
    It’s okay to smile through the tears.
    I will be with you in spirit..
    hugs
    xx

  50. The eulogy is the hardest part I know but you are much better with words than I will ever be. You will start writing and it will just flow out of you. Your are right about children and thank God for them. On the eve of my Mother’s funeral my son arrived from out of town with my new 6 week old grand daughter and it just seemed to lighten my mood and make things easier to bear. My thoughts are with you, take care of yourself…ciao

  51. martina

    The “Roads” post is one of my favorites too. Just speak from the heart, Corey, like you always do. Your Dad will be there with you, encouraging you. It is going to be a tough day but if anyone knows how to say things eloquently and beautifully-it is you. We will all be there for you emotionally. Can you feel us all standing behind you, waiting to give you hugs? May you, your mother, husband, the family and friends find great comfort today.

  52. Corey,
    Start at the end and begin your Dad’s eulogy by remembering his last hours. Many in the church will not have witnessed that, and you are their witness. They need to know that the man they care suffiently for to surrender time to be at his funeral, was loved and cared for at the end of his life and the start of his journey to paradise.
    Then recount the things you remember as an adult, until you remember your childhood memories. And that will probably cover all the things he did that made him the man he was to everyone in the church.
    Just don’t forget to mention the person he made you, and the hopes and joys you bring to so many others via your life, your friendships and your blog. Well done Corey, you brought your dad into our virtual world.

  53. You could take small sections from each of the posts you made while you were with him in the hospital and you’d have a eulogy in no time at all. So many of your posts were sad but, so wonderful during that time. You are an excellent writer, so I know you can do it.

  54. I wish you strength, Corey. Today will be a hard day. Remember, though, that you will be with family and friends who love you and your father. And Yann will be by your side and that man loves you deeply. You’ve written many beautiful posts about your father here so why not take excerpts from these posts?

  55. Dear Corey,
    You are my inspiration! Puddles are OK. I puddled through my mom’s in February.
    xoxo
    Gail

  56. CanadianCarrie

    It’s funny how one doesn’t really know what you’re going through, until it has happened to them… my father in law passed away yesterday morning. Now I am truly feeling everything you write here, I am trying ever so hard to be strong for my husband, he’s the only son (with 4 sisters), so alot of responsibility has been left on his shoulders. I’m not meaning to make this about me, I just needed to share….
    Big HUGS from Canada!

  57. Dearest Corey…you are so eloquent in your posts – I know that a eulogy is different, but whatever you say will be heartfelt and will speak volumes to those that have the heart to hear.

  58. Corey,
    At times like these all you need are words from the heart, start there and they will pour fourth. Perhaps begin with some free writing, just putting pen to paper and let your thoughts and feelings flow. Write until there is nothing left, look it over and you will be surprised that something will emerge. Praying for divine inspiration as you prepare the eulogy.

  59. Dearest Corey! Our hearts are with you. We wish we could be there. Blessings to you all on this day.
    Nancy & Bill

  60. http://willows95988.typepad.com/tongue_cheek/2007/03/back_roads_of_n.html
    YES this is such a favorite of mine ( I tried earler to remember where it was) Murial thank you for giving it a title:) I love how he say Hop in lets go for a ride ! 🙂 ahh Corey I hope by now you’re finding your words! I did not know your Pa in person but he made me smile:) xoxoxo

  61. Corey – you have written so much wonderful stuff about your father on your blog already that your eulogy is already written – it is just a matter of choosing and editing, what is there. Good Luck with it – I’m sure he’ll help you put your ideas together.
    And remember you can’t ever paint the total picture – everyone will have a different snapshot of him – but your angle will fill in everyone else in on another aspect that they will find fresh and help them understand your father even better.
    Good Luck with it

  62. Dearest Corey ~ my heart sitting with yours as the Spirit leads you in honoring your beloved father. I am so very sorry for you and your family. I am so very thankful your dad is in heaven.

  63. Denise S

    Sweet Corey just write it as you do to all of us and it with be wonderful

  64. Ellen Cassilly

    I am holding you in my cupped hands protecting you from distractions and helping you focus on what is is true and timely. (reread your blog – there is plenty of inspiration there)
    Love and hugs, Ellen

  65. My husband had to do this for both his father’s and then his mother’s funerals within a year. He took some time to get away where he could let the memories flood over him and cry, laugh, pray and finally, write. It was hard. But he still remembers those alone times reflecting on each of their lives as a sweet and somewhat healing time.
    You have already shared such a beautiful tribute to your father through your blog posts. The words will come.
    Praying for you,
    ~Kim

  66. You are a wonderful writer and your eulogy will be wonderful. If you find that you can’t read it yourself, perhaps Jan could read it. As long as they are your words. I think you will know best the words to use to honor the love and courage and life of your dad.

  67. Praying for you Corey.
    You can do it.
    With the help of the Lord.
    You will speak the perfect words that God gives you to say.
    He is with you.

  68. Corey, No one else can do it. You could write the eulogy and pass it on to some super strong individual (who would that be? and where do they live?) I don’t think you will find anyone that could speak your words as well you. Or maybe share the eulogy with Matt. Love to you in whatever you decide will abound from all the world wide!! How amazing is that! Love Toni

  69. I can add nothing to the above words. You are so gifted, genuine, and full of love. What you say will be perfect. Everyone who knew your Father already knows the wonderful man that he was. I pray for you as you prepare his eulogy. love Gayle

  70. Dearest Corey,
    Let your heart do the talking as it always has. God will give you the words. He will give you the strength and courage to walk this path because He loves you so very much. I continue to lift you in prayer and pray that you will feel the whispers of God’s heart to yours.
    love and blessings

  71. so happy you have your husband to lean on.i know the right words will come. trust, believe, your faith will be your rock.
    God Bless you and all your family in this time of loss.

  72. My dear Corey,
    Wishing you strength,giving you support, holding your hand in my thoughts..
    Sometimes the biggest act of courage is a small one, I know you have the courage to say, I love you Dad.
    The longest hug ever,
    Aina

  73. Dear Corey, Whatever you write, will be enough and the right thing. Even if it’s as simple as “I love my father”.
    Do what feels right and I’m sure it will be more than fine.
    sending warm thoughts for your family and you and your children back home.

  74. Corey,
    I haven’t commented for a while, but I have been reading your posts and praying for all of you. May you find the words you seek for your father’s eulogy, and the stength to deliver them. Below are bits and pieces of some of your posts about your father that I’ve found especially moving:
    April 29, 2008
    “My father’s mother and father were standing at heaven’s gate with their arms outstretched, smiling, calling their son’s name, “George George come we have missed you!” Their faces full of light, their hearts bursting with joy! Behind them stood his family who have gone before him” . . .
    “Dad, Oh Dad, I saw you as a child running, running into your families welcoming arms!”
    05 April 2008
    “It takes courage to live, courage to grow old and it takes courage to die.”
    10 March 2008
    “The low rumble of the Harley Davidson-
    Fresh toiled fields looking towards planting-
    Lee jeans worn blue and a baseball cap.
    The morning sun, and the sea breeze from Ferndale-
    A faithful pick-up truck-
    The boys in the shop on a Friday night-
    A cup of hot coffee with a steady stream of sugar poured amongst friends at the Black Bear.
    Hand selected tools for the 9O ride-
    A few peanut butter sandwiches, honey-do-s and Mom’s kisses.
    Gathered around home,
    delivered straight into your veins,
    Life support.”
    04 March 2008
    “I am three years old my father and I are walking out to the barn. As we walk along I reach up for his hand. His hand is so large (!) he laughs and puts out his finger for me to hold on to. I reach up and grab it and smile back. I feel safe.”
    03 March 2008
    “At the end of the day the only thing that matters is-
    Did you live your life lovingly?”
    09 February 2008
    “My Father’s faith is his rock. Each time the pain, or the threat of his illness becomes overwhelming he prays for strength, for courage, for grace… ”
    07 July 2006
    “The hands of a farmer and his wife, this morning, on the day they celebrate fifty years of married life. Together. Happily. As they have been and will be. Thank you Mom and Dad for showing us how to hold on and give love.”

  75. I’m sure the right words will come, Corey. For most of us, the memories and lasting reminders (a note written by their hand, mementos, photos) are more important than the words spoken at a rite of passage or grave site. Even if those who attend have not known your father personally, they only need to witness the love and influence he has had in each of your lives to see what kind of man (husband, father, friend) he was.
    So glad to hear that Yann has arrived safely and will be there at your side. Sending showers of blessings to wash over you.

  76. Begin with your blog entries. You have said such beautiful things about your father. You are a lovely daughter. Peace to you all.

  77. ‘Puddles’ catch the sunlight and sparkle with diamond lights. You know , you know what you want to say.
    PAX

  78. How I wish I could be there tonight and tomorrow. Lots of love to you and your family, Corey. And you are allowed to be a puddle.

  79. So he’s gone now. I wish I could give you a hug, there are no words to say in my head…

  80. Jeannie

    In my eyes, you have already written it. It is here, where you shared it with all of us. Relax and tell your Dad’s story, just as though you were telling it to your children. Wishing you strength, courage, and love.

  81. Dearest Corey,
    I believe God will give you the words that you seek. As others have said you’ve written so beautifully about your Father here, that you wouldn’t have to add much.
    Perhaps include a couple of stories about you Father through the years, that would include other members of your family and what your Father meant to all of you and vice versa. When my Father-in-law passed away my husband told all of the grandchildren how much he loved each and everyone of them. Whatever you write will be wonderful!
    I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow and praying that you are able to say everything that you want to convey.
    Hugs to you, sweet lady.

  82. Begin at your beginning with your father . . . it will flow.

  83. I agree. You have already written it. Each beautiful, insightful post. Share with them what you have already shared with us.And may you feel the warmth of all your blogging friends around you as you speak. We are all there in thought.

  84. I agree. You have already written it. Each beautiful, insightful post. Share with them what you have already shared with us.And may you feel the warmth of all your blogging friends around you as you speak. We are all there in thought.

  85. I agree. You have already written it. Each beautiful, insightful post. Share with them what you have already shared with us.And may you feel the warmth of all your blogging friends around you as you speak. We are all there in thought.

  86. Dancing Kitchen

    My heart goes out to you. What a task…what a life. Reach down inside and find the words…they are waiting for you. Warm thoughts and good words are spirited through the winds from me to you. I wish you the best.
    ~Cynthia

  87. I am so sorry I haven’t been by. My deepest sympathies. When I read the last few posts, they to me speak elegant volumes about your father. The eulogy is already written. Speak the beautiful words you have already written.
    I have had the honor of helping people go peacefully in the hospital. Caring for them. Smoothing hair. Wiping lips and brows. Holding hands. The letting go is so easy, much easier than holding on sometimes. How brave your father was! And how loving of you to let him go to his reward.

  88. Dearest Corey – Start from your heart. Tap in there, as you always do, and the words will flow. Love, Annie

  89. Corey, I think you are incredibly courageous simply to agree to give the eulogy at your father’s funeral. I know that I could not do it without dissolving into a pile of sobs — not that there is ANYTHING wrong with that!! If you do, so what? You’ll cry, then continue; that’s all, and that is all right.
    I am absolutely sure your words will be heartfelt and eloquent and your dad will be right there squeezing your shoulder to help you through it.

  90. quiltmom ( Anna)

    Hi Corey,
    I am sure that you will find the words and speak eloquently about your dear father. I have read your blog these last few weeks as you have journalled about the love you and and your family share. I have been touched by your eloquent and poignant words and photos that expressed the bittersweet journey as one watched a loved one leave this world. I can not take away the sadness nor the loss – I can only hope that you are surrounded with the love and support of family and friends as you share the memories of your father. My sincere condolences to you and yours.
    Regards from a Western Canadian Quilter,
    Anna

  91. 1. wanting to wrap you in French bubble wrap.
    2. wishing I coud take a walk with you…
    3. …saying nothing…
    4. …preferably in France
    5. say a prayer for Corey and her family
    6. sending cyber lovins
    7. saying another prayer
    xox Darlene

  92. Blessings to you.

  93. corey,
    -almost one hundred voices have whispered thru the ether of the internet to love you and your family…….feel our support….
    love,Missy

  94. Corey~
    You have everything you need and it’s right there inside of you. Simply be you.
    I pray that God guides you, gives you the strength you need and the words that are meant to flow from your mouth. I know He will because He knows the love you hold for your father.
    love to you Corey.
    xo

  95. Marie-Noëlle

    I so much agree with Carole!
    The well has not been dry… Let the bucket go and bring back some of those beautiful words you’ve shared with us …

  96. Corey, you have such a flair and talent for words, I have no doubt that you will write a wonderful eulogy. You could even add some of the stuff you’ve already written here on your blog. Continuing to keep you and your family in prayer. Hugs, Marva

  97. dkmp9293

    I know you will find the right words. You just have to speak from the heart as you do everyday in this beautiful blog.
    The homily this past weekend at our church spoke to Christ’s Ascension–and reminded us how Jesus surrounds us everywhere, all the time, just as he did 2000 years ago, and just as he will 2000 years from now.

  98. Oh dear lady, you must know that your words will be JUST right. You may not even hear what you end up saying yourself, but the Spirit will give you just the right words and it will be beautiful. Your dad will be proud of you, and your family will will be touched. This– words that touch– is your gift. Your gift. Just start, and write from your heart. You never have to try too hard, it will come.
    (((you)))
    🙂

  99. I’m thinking of your family today Corey…and everyday!…and I hope your dad has a fitting celebration.
    Don’t worry about holding emotions…let others hold them for you.
    And though I’ve never written an eulogy, I’m sure if you simply tell your dad how much he means to you, your writing will be fitting and wonderful.

  100. I know that when you get up to speak…. the words will flow.. your words are your art… your gift… and we are such lucky cyber friends to know you and your words. xo

  101. But your Eulogy is HERE Corey!
    Can’t you just hold up a BIG sign with your URL on it? 🙂
    http://willows95988.typepad.com/

  102. i’m so glad french husband can be with you. words fail me at times like this, when i think simple human companionship means the most. words don’t go deep enough, and only someone who can be silent and feel the depth of emotion can be truely comforting. may you find and give comfort.

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