Emotions ran very high with everyone in the house and I couldn't quite figure out why. I chalked it up to summer coming to an end. Perhaps the kids & I were just done with so much time spent together, except it had been our busiest summer and we weren't all together a whole lot. Someone had always had a camp to go to or a friend to visit, so what was our deal?! Then it hit me, a year ago we all said goodbye to a very important person in our lives.
Arnold Van Zanten, aka Grandpa Beach finally lost his long battle against prostate cancer. So while none of us voiced it, I think deep down we all were dealing with the loss in some way or another. John & I were preparing to travel to Florida to be with his mom on the anniversary and to take Arnie to his final resting place.
As a result, my week of training was off. Twice I overslept for boot camp and Friday's run had to be done on Thursday. I planned to get as much of my long run in as I could while we were there on Saturday morning. My hope was that it would help me get through the emotions of the day. I had no idea how John was going to get through the day & I wanted to be the support he needed me to be. I got in a little over 11 pavement pounding, sweat & tears pouring miles.
The morning was beautiful and the water was so calm. We set out 3 miles off shore with a Captain that Arnie would have loved. He was a diver & lover of the sea. It was starting out to be perfect. We anchored and while John held his dad's urn, his mom & sister said a few words. It was soon time to say goodbye. We toasted to him and continued to regale in stories of his love of the water. We talked about the first diving trip I took with him. I was a mess! I had splinters in my hands from the tow line, a goose egg on the back of my head from the tank, and every blood vessel inside my goggles popped due to a mask squeeze. He just kept telling me, DO NOT tell your mother! I experienced a lot of firsts, things I never imagined doing in the short time I had the pleasure of knowing him and I was lucky for that.
Arnie provided so many opportunities for so many people, even outside his own family. All who knew him were blessed to have been touched by him. I know this weekend doesn't completely heal us but as I sat in church this evening I was reminded that while our bodies will return to dust, our souls go on forever. Until we meet again, I am comforted by the thought that he is always with us and watching over. Love & miss you, Arnie!
No comments:
Post a Comment