Daddio.

choosing a photo that represents who this Man be to me is simply impossible. but these three sing a sweet tune.

we weren’t always sweet to one another, though. the Man i knew as Dad and i struggled and disagreed on plenty. mostly me struggling and disagreeing with him. until his wisdom would sink into my bones and i’d know he was right.

but we got to that sweet place where he knew i was right sometimes, too. he listened to me. he paid attention to my words.

now that’s Love.

Dad went Home to be with Flawless Love Divine yesterday morning in the most peaceful soul transfer imaginable— just slipping tenderly into the joyful arms of Papa.

i felt him go— inside of my skin. a cool tingling in my veins; a warm rush of energy and dance in my Soul. my Dad stands in the presence of Yahweh— and whispers into me, as he weeps tears of overwhelmed joy: “oh, Annie. it’s even better than I imagined.”

. . .

the deep grief of death has not invaded our Shalom Home quite yet— this sturdy dwelling of now three single Women. this palace of wealth immeasurable, provided for and protected by my Dad and our God.

i have worked hard to honor, and be an incredible stewardess, of the blessings bestowed upon us by my Dad’s earthly faithfulness. but in many ways, the real work has just begun.

there is much celebrating and rejoicing to do— remembering and laughing and weeping, too. the days are long. the work will get done. somehow, the planet still spins even though the Legend that is my Father has left his earthly shell.

he is in me, now. closer than before. lighting up the parts of me that are contained in my own earthly shell— that are just so tickled that my Dad-Dad-Daddio made it Home the right way.

. . .

as i walked down the hall towards the room where he lay, knowing that something quite magical had just taken place— just not totally sure that what i felt was what i would see— i peeked my head in the door and waited. “Dad?” i waited some more. “Dad?” i waited some more. Mom was moving past me by now; this part, a blur.

but once i knew— once i knew— the flood of emotion that followed was more pure than anything i have yet to experience in this Life. i clapped my hands together and shouted into all of the dimensions of space and time and energy— “you did it, Dad! i’m so proud of you!”

and that folks— WOW.

in his final act, my Dad taught me that death is beautiful, too.

Love you. mean it.