Final Resting Place

With all the build up and excitement that comes before our trips, this one had an element of unknown. This would be the first time I was back home since the passing of my Dad. I had gotten used to my new normal back in Washington, missing the weekly phone calls and chats we had on the phone. The first time on his birthday I could not call or the first Father's Day with him gone. I was not sure what it was going to be like or how I would feel walking into his house again with him not there.

I also knew that we would be spreading Dad's ashes during our visit. Whether or not it was fate, coincidence or strategic planning by my brother, the day that was selected was 6 months to the day of his passing. Cory picked me up and then we headed to Barron to pick up our Step-Mom and his boat. Once we were all loaded we began the journey.

Our first stop was at the cemetery. While there we visited the burial sites of Dad's Grandparents. He always spoke highly of them and really loved his Grandfather. We then walked over to his brother Steve's marker. Steve was killed in a car accident at a young age. Dad always had some good stories about his little brother. The final stop was at a headstone that was placed down for Dad. Seeing his name on a headstone was a bit of a jolt and was another phase in the healing process.

After the cemetery we headed up north to visit a couple locations filled with memories. The first one was at a cabin in Gordon, WI. The cabin sits just up the hill from a river that provides some beautiful views. Dad would often just sit and watch the deer and other animals as they made their way down to the banks of the water. Cory and I waded out into the water and spread some of the ashes and watched them be carried away by the flowing waters.

Our next stop was to a lake that he loved to fish. We launched the boat and the three of us climbed in. Cory set the motor at a trolling speed and we just cruised around the lake. Cory had a pole in the water and managed to hook a few along the way. We told stories and enjoyed a nice evening out on the water. After making our way around the lake once, Cory took us back to a spot that Dad particularly liked. The motor was silenced, the lake was quiet, the sun was just above the trees. A nice breeze blew gently across the water. It was in that spot that together we helped Dad to his final resting place.

The three of us sat in silence and let the current take us where it wanted. After a bit we realized that we had drifted to the middle of the lake. The conversation picked up again, the motor was started and we began to make our way back to shore. As I said earlier, I am not sure if it was fate or coincident, but the day provided us with beautiful weather and a gorgeous sunset. The journey helped bring some closure and the healing process continues.