It was 2 a.m. Thursday morning, and I was wide awake. Give me a break.
I finally got up at 3. KM followed about ten minutes later, after the fire was lit. I made the coffee, and said hello to the ants next to the pot. The early morning was bright as I gathered some firewood, with the high clouds lit by the full moon.
The paper downloaded fast to my iPad, which was up earlier than the paperboy – or is it paperman? We’ve never met.
I went to the obituaries first. Death had been active.
I love reading the obits. I guess someone edits them but for the most part I think we get purely what is submitted. One I read said “he really loved his wife,” and I wondered if it was the wife who wrote it.
It is always interesting to KM and me how people like to write the words for the transition from this life to whatever’s next. Most people from that Thursday issue passed, or passed away, but many went the old fashioned way – they just died. One traveled to greater pastures, another departed this life. Then I came to a man who it said, “passed away Tuesday along with his faithful and constant canine companion, Suzie.” I’m still wondering about that one.
Others read: “went to be with her heavenly Father”; “went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior” (that lady, it went on to say, had a lot of friends, which I believed from the smiling face looking back at me); two went “peacefully,” which I’m all for, of course; a few more “departed this life.”
Then one began: “God opened his arms and welcomed another one of his children home.” That was encouraging; another, “entered into eternal rest.” And another, “died at home after a lengthy illness;” reminding me the great moving on is difficult for some.
Whenever there is a death of a World War II vet I take notice.
On this day, there were four, who all “passed away.”
JAMES THOMAS HOGUE, 88, of Mabelvale, passed away Jan. 13, 2014. He was in the Navy during WWII and worked during his lifetime for the railroad.
CLOIS CARROLL NEEDHAM SR. of North Little Rock Arkansas passed away on Jan. 11, 2014. Needham served during World War II and the Korean War as a medic in the U.S. Air Force and U. S. Army.
Dwight Shelton Meeks, 91, of Bryant, passed away Jan. 14, 2014. He was a radio operator in the Army Air Corps during World War II, serving the majority of his time in France and Belgium. His hobbies were golf and hunting.
David C. Shaw, 91, of Fort Smith, died Jan. 11, 2014. He served in World War II as a Lieutenant with the 44th Infantry Division in the European Theater, receiving the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and 3 Campaign Ribbons.
Then there was one I came to that warmed my heart a bit on that cold, dark winter morn. Here it is -
Charles Rayburn Dougan, 82, of Fayetteville, passed away Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. Charles loved his wife very much and said that she was a tremendous helpmate and supported him in every way. He was a fantastic father who believed in and encouraged all his children to shoot for the moon and be the best they can be. He loved his grandchildren and attended all activities with gusto and good cheer. He edified and encouraged with words and love. He always had something funny and significant to say. He even would cut out clippings from newspapers and mail it for emphasis.
To all of these good souls – Rest in peace.