Bill Sherlock, R.I.P.

Daddy (we called him Bill most of the time!) died today, March 13th, at 1pm.  About twelve hours earlier, as I sat by his bed with my niece and cousin, I typed some words into my phone – trying to capture how I felt and hold on to the love that was around his illness and bed but somehow I managed to lose those words.  Maybe I wasn’t meant to have them … maybe they were not needed.  I’m not bothered about losing them but I am bothered about losing him.  He was a genuinely good man.

He missed our mother so much but continued as best he could to be cheerful and active.  He manged the cheerfulness but his activity lessened.  His world became quite small – living life, more or less, at home.  He was blessed to have good support and care.  He counted his blessings and blessed those who made them possible.  One niece, he promoted to the role of “Guardian Angel” and even though she did not fully accept the title, there’s no denying there was truth in it.  All his grandchildren stood by him even if, for some of them, location and circumstances meant it had to be at a bit of a remove.

Thankfully my brothers and I were close to him as well and I think, more often than not, got it right in caring for him.  He was anything but demanding.  Whenever you’d do anything for him, be it take him to a hospital appointment or wash his hair, he’d say “I’m sure this doesn’t suit you at all” and alway there was thanks.  He appreciated everything and voiced that appreciation.

Anyway he’s with Mary again.  No doubt she’ll have a few things lined up for him to do.  Maybe he’ll revert to his old ways – often he’d fall asleep sitting near her and she’d shout over at him – “Are you asleep Bill?”  Without opening and eye, he’d answer “Sound to the world”!!!

I want to put a few more bits and pieces here but just want, for now, to ask you to say a prayer for my father – may he rest in peace.  “Are you asleep Bill?” “Sound to the world”!!!

Side by side – then and now – Bill and Mary

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