What do you say?
Circa 1979
I leave tomorrow afternoon for Minneapolis. I’ve been in Columbus for a little over two weeks now and its time to get back to work. As I am packing and wrapping things up, I always have a checklist. On that checklist, ” say goodbye to dad”.
Dad’s been sleeping pretty much all day. He had a bite to eat, which has been rare. But he can’t really talk. It’s a whisper when he does and it often isn’t understood. I’m afraid that I’ve already lost that chance to say what I want to say, maybe what I need to say. We had some great conversations, we cried together, we were angry together and we laughed. But is that really all?
How do you say goodbye to someone that you will probably never see again? How do you say all of things that you want him to know, but can’t possibly think of? Will he even understand? At the end of the day, he knows that I love him and I know that he loves me. Maybe those words mean way more then we give them credit for?
Photo taken with: Nikon D700, Tamron 28-300 f/3.6
DAVID'S PHOTOGRAPHS 
Have peace in knowing that whatever it is that you want to say,whether it be now or later, your dad already knows it. Parents understand us better than we realize I think. Those three words “I love you” seem so small but mean so much and say more than anything else that we could think of to replace them.
You are an amazing person, I’m sure your dad is very proud of you. You are a loving, thoughtful, and generous son. You’ve spent the last two weeks at his side. Your dad already knows that you love him, but it’s always nice to say it again.
David,
I wish you peace as you travel back to Minneapolis. Remember the good times you had with your dad and always remember to allow the Lord to carry you during the difficult times.
Love and peace to your Dad, you and the rest of the family.
Connie
P.S. What a wonderful picture of you and your dad.
Connie
I’m praying for you David. I know that this trip home will be more difficult than most people could ever imagine. I know that God is giving your family strength that you didn’t even know you had. I pray that he gives you an extra dose as you make your trip home and go back to “normal” life, as normal as it could be. Be safe and know that your family has a lot of help and support. God Bless.
David, I am sure your Dad knows exactly what you want to say to him and how much you love him, just being there was what he needed and loved you for. Rest assured, he knows how you feel and his feelings are returned.
David, Just tell your Dad what comes from your heart! Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. We love you!!
David,
I went to school with your Dad and have talked with him over the past year on chat. I got to know him alot better through that. I lost my Mom three years ago to cancer and my heart goes out to you and all of your family. When I read your blog, it made me cry knowing how much you love your Dad, Mom, and Sister. You are a wonderful son and your Dad knows that in his heart and that’s what matters. I know there is so much you want to say to him as I did with my Mom as she was dying, but as you said he knows you love him and you know that you love him so very much. Just being there with him shows the love you have for each other.
It’s not easy and my heart goes out to you as you must leave him. And yes each time you leave you never know if you will see them again. That’s the hardest part. There are no words to describe those feelings. I just wanted to let you know that I think you are a very wonderful son and many days, months, years from now you will have this to read and remember.
Be proud of your Mom as you know how much she loves your Dad . As you all do. Does one ever know what to say to their dying parent, I don’t really think so. It’s a hard journey and will be for a long time. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for letting us all know your thoughts, you are remarable. I wish you peace, love and comfort. God Bless and Be with you during these sad times.
Brenda
David,
there is no way to really say good-bye to someone so important to you; to someone as remarkable as your dad. The conversations you have had and all the memories- you will not lose, EVER. I hate that your dad is going through this and also that all of you are too. I pray constantly. I love you and I am here for whatever you may ever need. You and your sister are very lucky to have each other, I am so proud of both of you!
I love you guys.
Leza
I agree this is a lovely picture & that sometimes words are not necessary, among people who really know each other & everyone loves to hear they are loved. Sometimes a small touch is special also, if there is an area, you can touch without much pain.