As we prepared this issue for publication, my father-in-law passed away. We arrived in time to say good-bye and tell him how much we loved him. In the quiet of the hospital room, time slowed down. Nothing was urgent, not even his passing, as he drifted into peaceful rest.

During the days that followed, he was mourned and–in great Irish tradition–celebrated. There were songs, funny stories and memories galore. Sarah made a champagne toast, Kathleen played the Irish fiddle and Mr. Dubell danced a jig. They celebrated the Dick Murphy who was a paratrooper at the Battle of the Bulge, played professional basketball, worked as an industrial salesman, tirelessly coached youth sports, enjoyed cheering for his favorite teams, and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He even dated Grace Kelly, a fact that impressed his granddaughters immensely.

The girls and I went through boxes of pictures. We wanted to remember him as he was in life, not his final days. The recurring image–with a twinkle in his eye and a boisterous smile on his face–made us all feel better.

In his honor I offer the traditional Irish Blessing–
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back,
the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rain fall soft upon your fields,
and, until we meet again, may God
hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Love, and thanks to all who share
the sorrow of this loss with us.

Lori

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.