Approximately ten days ago, Mom and Dad and I piled in the family Buick and high-tailed it to Cleveland, Ohio to remember, celebrate and commend my Great-Grandpa Corrigan. After four years of suffering from Alzheimer's disease, he passed away at age 84: Just four days shy of his 61st wedding anniversary. I agree with Mom: I'm glad he's no longer suffering, but it sure is tough to say goodbye.
Great-Grandpa Corrigan sounds like a solid character. Father of 10 children, WWII Vet, stellar husband and community leader, he balanced hard work with humor and appreciated life for its array of human experiences. Could I be like him someday? I watched as four (count 'em, four) scheduled wake times and one funeral overflowed with friends, family, credit union co-workers and customers, neighbors old and new, and faces from as far back as grade school joined us to pay their respects to the man I get to call my Great-Grandpa Corrigan. That's so cool.
And my Great-Grandma - let me tell you - she handled the whole affair with a grace and style that I can only hope to emulate if I'm ever in the same position. Her faith, acceptance and resiliency is an inspiration. Recognized by my Great-Grandpa (even in his final days) as "the love of his life," I pray that my Great-Grandma continues to dwell within the peace that she and my Great-Grandpa shared together.
As a result of the shared family goodbyes, tears, and happy memories, I'm inspired to re-evaluate the quality of my every-day-ness. Our road trip to Ohio allowed me to discover two heroes: of whom I'm sure Mom will tell me about often. As I grow into my own ability to imagine, identify, remember, and emulate, I hope that my spirit and character becomes, in part, a reflection of my Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Corrigan.
Until next time,
Ken
2 comments:
Peaceful things, GG Corrigan. Angie will be waiting for you. :-)
Thank you Ken: your very own Grandpa Corrigan is so very similar to your Great Grandpa Corrigan, I have no doubts between him and your Mom that you will grow up with the same grace and fortitude that has come before you. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with all of us. I really appreciate them and you and your MOM and DAD. Love to you - it was so great FINALLY meeting you!
Love you - Your Great Aunt Katie
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