I had been told. Now I know for myself. Life will not be the same anymore.
Today it has been one year since my father passed away as Mom and we children kept vigil by his side. We had suffered with him through Alzheimer’s for several years. I was very grateful that right up to when he lost consciousness—or I should say the ability actively to interact with us, which was about a day before he died—Dad always recognized me. Never a hesitation. No matter how his day was going, how confused he might have been, when I walked through the door, “Hi John.” Followed by a pucker to give me a kiss.
Now I have the rest of my life on this earth to hold him in memory; though not in my hands. There are many things I’ll fondly remember—too many to mention, or count. I’m especially grateful that I can still hear his voice. Saying my name.
It is remarkable how a parent remains with us in ways hard to put a finger on. I sense my father’s presence in how I think, feel, and act. His phrases on my lips; his world-view in my eyes. Not all the memories are bright—to say otherwise would be untrue. But the not-so-good are softened, and even suffused with the good.
Just a few weeks ago we celebrated my first birthday since Dad’s death. Mom wrote to me in a birthday card that she knows how happy Dad was when I was born. I wish I could remember that for myself.
But maybe I can. Perhaps we recall, or in some sense retain, more than we think we recall from our early life. They say that those born with the umbilical cord around their neck have a fear of being strangled. If so, then it seems that things can indeed ‘come through’ from very early in life, can be held in a sort of sub-conscious memory. And surely this means the good things too. Especially the good things.
I know that my father held me, just as in the photo above he is holding my second son. Neither I nor Raphael have, or ever will have, a conscious memory of being cradled in his arms. But neither one of us, I am convinced, would be the same, had he not.
Photo: Christie N. Cuddeback (December 21, 1933-September 16, 2013) holding Raphael Christie Cuddeback, the day after birth. We miss you, Grandpa; and we’ll be holding you, in our hearts, until the day we hold each other again.
Here is the eulogy that I gave, and posted, a year ago.
Here is an article I posted at Front Porch Republic reflecting on how we buried my father.
Here is a gallery of photos of the funeral and burial, courtesy of Spiering Photography.
Husband, father, and professor of Philosophy. LifeCraft springs from one conviction: there is an ancient wisdom about how to live the good life in our homes, with our families; and it is worth our time to hearken to it. Let’s rediscover it together. Learn more.
What a beautiful eulogy and article! I feel so blessed to be receiving your blog comments, and to have had you as a professor through the Institute of Catholic Culture!
Ginger, You are very kind. It is a blessing for me too.
Well John, all your posts are quite something, but I just finished reading this one to Dad as we both cried. I had many of the same feelings when Mom died. I have moved down to Hanover now to be with Dad and Paul. I’m still a member of the prelature in good standing (to quote Dad), but am sorry I won’t be able to have you up to New York for Home Renaissance. How much would you charge to come to Hanover? Home Renaissance is a mobile idea! All the best, mary mccleary
Thank you very much Mary. I’ll get in touch by email. God bless you all.
I remember whenever I saw your father on campus, I couldn’t help but smile. His kind, gentle presence always seemed reassuring, even to one who did not know him well. Judging by the numbers at his funeral, I was not alone in my admiration. I was sad to hear of his passing. You are in my prayers.
Christi, Thank you very much for your kind words. It was a great blessing to have many people at his funeral and burial. Love to your family.
Beautiful reflection on love and loss. I do think we retain so much from the earliest ways we are welcomed and embraced by love.
Thank you Laura. ‘Welcomed’ is a great word! Would that we did better at welcoming others, in so many different aspects of life.