I've been told I should write a book about how I've used social media and writing to cope with the loss of my father at the age of 56. He was gone too soon and unexpectedly. It rocked our family to the core and is still fresh a year and a half later.
Here's what I have written so far:
I remember when the funeral director asked my brother and I if we wanted to play a song before we all said goodbye to dad. We looked at each other and said, "Yea." I immediately thought of "In My Life," by The Beatles. A fitting tribute to a man who had a profound impact on the lives of many. We never knew just how many until the night before, at Dad's wake, as the waiting line grew longer and longer. Many faces. Many stories. Loads of laughs. Tons of hugs. Lots of tears.As we said goodbye, and the lyrics of Lennon and McCartney rolled over us like an emotional tidal wave, I could hear many of those people that visited the night before singing a song (and band) dad loved.
I felt weak. I sang. I felt better and smiled at Dad, wiping away the tears.
There are places I remember. All my life, though some have changed. Some forever not for better. Some have gone and some remain.
This is a story of the memories I, and others, have of my dad -- stories that have gone, yet remain by way of digitally coping with loss. Lessons that I hope others, who have lost loved ones, can learn from.
I'm not sure i will ever write the book. If I do, I might not even try and get it published. I don't know yet. Maybe someday.
