Remembering Papa, Part II

(See Part I here)

Five days after returning to Texas, I headed to the airport once again with Florida on my mind. There was just one complication: Tropical Storm Bill decided to move into Dallas the night before my scheduled flight.

(I may or may not have been stalking this Twitter account.)

Ready for the flash floods!

In anticipation of the storm, I sought an earlier flight, but the airline was unmoving. After a mostly restless and stormy night, I left for the airport as planned, doubtful that I would actually leave DFW. The flight to Florida just after mine was cancelled, but mine departed as scheduled, and on time even! My dad called me just as I was boarding to ask whose name he should list on the programs as the accompanist. My dear friend, Erin, had graciously agreed to step in for me if I couldn't make it.

As it turns out, I did make it to Florida, and I did play the service. I pulled up in front of my parents' house less than two hours before the start of the service. A quick shower and rehearsal with the music director later, I began the prelude music.

The service itself was lovely. It honored my Papa and, best of all, gave glory to his Lord and Savior. It was a sweet time of remembrance and joyful celebration. The overall theme was that of faithfulness. Our home church pastor gave the eulogy, focusing on Papa's faithfulness to his country, job, wife, and Savior. In all areas of his life, Papa truly exhibited faithfulness and devotion -- not perfectly, but with conviction and steadfastness. I saw this especially evidenced in his life as he lived in our home, cherishing and caring for the wife of his youth, even as the hideousness of Alzheimer's reduced her lifelong memories to mere shadows of reality. Papa's ardent loyalty to Grams is one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed, and something you couldn't help but notice.

Papa also influenced my musical career. He taught me the early basics of the piano (including my first song, as he made sure to tell my college professor at my senior recital ;) and was my biggest fan! In high school, I learned Maple Leaf Rag, and he never let me forget it! Several times each week, he'd request it, though in actuality I only played it on his birthday and special ocassions. Even when his dementia had worsened, he loved music. I had the opportunity to play several times at his memory care facility. One of the times he was more lucid, the nurse wheeled his chair right up to the piano. I played my graduate audition repertoire, all the while hearing, "That's my granddaughter. That's MY granddaughter."

It was my joy to play some rag time one last time at his memorial service. Untraditional, yes. But it was the best tribute I could think to offer my Papa.

The following day, we went to the Florida National Cemetery for Papa's interment. I had never been present for a military burial, but it was stirring and sacred. The Navy Seal who spoke blessed our whole family with his words of honor. It was an intimate family time -- one for which I am so grateful to have been present.

The words Captain Frank Winget gifted our family.

I love you, Papa! You are greatly missed, but I wouldn't wish you back. It is enough knowing that your joy is now complete in Heaven, as you live in the presence of Jesus and have been reunited with Grams. Thank you for walking faithfully day-by-day. Your legacy has inspired your children, grandchildren, and even your great-grandchildren. You finished the race well, even in the wake of disease and left an example that we might all follow.

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." - 1 Thes. 4:13-14