05 January 2010

30 Years Ago

today. My father, Stuart Maupin Weedon, died of cancer at home at 2719 Munson Street in Wheaton, Maryland. He had turned 59 less than month before. The snow was falling gently, and he had wanted to see snow again before he died. We gathered around his bedside as his breathing became erratic and we bid him goodbye as he took his final breath. We were all there: Mom, Butch, Sis, Joe, Maup and I. The hush in the house was one I'll never forget. I was 19 years old. When things went back to "normal," the house was so oddly quiet. We had to put the dog to sleep about the same time (she's in the picture with him - got her when I was five). So it was just Mom and I kicking around (all my brothers and sister were living on their own long since). I remember how we snacked on tuna on crackers and sipped our tea together many a winter's evening that year. We switched bedrooms too. She didn't want to be in that room anymore. And I remember well two events later that winter:

A snow storm stranded me at the college - the buses stopped running. I remember being really worried about what would happen to Mom at home all alone that night. She didn't drive, and I had ridden the bus to school that day. I remember thinking: if Daddy were alive, he'd come get me. And the utter relief when my future father-in-law showed up in his little Volkswagen (he is a huge man - 6' 7" - and barely fit in!) and brought me home. I will always be grateful.

And later that winter a friend, Bruce, drove up with me to Bronxvville to check out the College. While there his car broke down. Needed work. We were stranded for a couple days. Again, the thought: "If Daddy were alive, he'd come get us; fix the car; something!"

It was very unnerving, setting out on one's own without that anchor. For he was an anchor. Such a quiet man - and I definitely inherited from him my quick temper - a laborer, not given to deep thought about things; forever starting tasks that he never got around to finishing; shaped forever by his experiences in WW2. He was always an anchor though, always there when I needed him. Until this day, 30 years ago. 30 long years and I miss him more, I think, with each passing one.

Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him!

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Eternal memory!

Rev. Paul T. McCain said...

The peace of Christ be with you, my friend. The feelings of missing a father like this are quite hard to describe, but you have done a very fine job, as always, sharing your heart.

May He rest in peace, awaiting that grand and glorious day of Resurrection of all flesh.

PTM

William Weedon said...

Thanks, Chris and Paul. Jeff Schwarz said the most wonderful thing to me the other day- he said: "I can't wait to get to heaven to meet your parents." It took me by surprise. What a wonderful perspective. Can't wait for you all to meet them either!

Past Elder said...

Well, I'll be in line too.

It's only been since 2001 for me; mine made it to 91.

Funny how so many things I said I'd never want to be like about him, first, I am like, and then, want to be like.

Would that I would do so well with the resources available.

William Weedon said...

Terry,

My grandfather made it to 91; sadly my dad only to 59; my brother only to 35. Mitten wir in Leben sind...

William Weedon said...

IM Leben. Dang it all!

Anonymous said...

Losing a parent is very hard. I was only 14 when my Dad died at the age of 42.

May the blessed hope we have in Christ sustain us all until that joyous reunion that awaits us with those who have gone ahead and now dwell in His glorious light.

Christine

LambertsOnline said...

I'm very sorry for the loss of your Dad at his young age. However, you are fortunate to have many great memories of him to cherish.

Anonymous said...

Brother (Father) Weedon,
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt memories concerning your father and his passing from this veil of toil and tears. Bless you.
In my years of Christian life and service, I have become even more convinced that this life we live is more and more about "remembrance" of loved ones and holy things... as we too prepare to enter into eternity through this most mysterious of "portals".
Praise be to the Incarnate Son that He has walked that path and in His glorious resurrection- transformed it into a royal highway for saints and martyrs to dwell in the light and joy of His presence. As we sing the Sanctus - let us also remember that we sing it with the angels and archangels- and those who are with Christ the Lord... on this side of eternity- and the other. At that moment- our voices unite, and as our praises ascend we stand together. Oh! - that the veil soon be lifted and we join in glorious song together before the great throne of grace! The Lord give you and your family comfort and hope until that day...
"Come quickly Lord Jesus." Pax ~
Pastor Cole- Pensacola