So much for pictures...
Returned the excavator to the rental company today. The deed is done, and it's services are no longer needed.
Early Monday morning, my dad passed away. He's been dealing with failing health for nearly 10 years, and the last few months have seen him decline quickly. We've had our chance to prepare emotionally, and say our good-byes under pleasant circumstances, being able to spend the holidays together, and gathering for dinner with all of our family several times in the past few months. I've wish for my dad to find peace, in whatever shape it takes for him, and been able to speak to him about that wish at great lenth. He was ready... he was tired... he was in near constant pain... now he is not.
His wishes were to be buried on our family farm, on the bank behind the house, in an area he plotted out to become the family graveyard. He wanted no casket, simple old fashioned wake, put him on ice for a simple viewing for family and friends, clothe him in a simple white linen suit (sewn by my mother), wrap him in a cotton sheet and put him in the dirt. It was the most comfortable, sweet, and honest funeral Ive been to.
I was proud to do my part to attend to my dad's last wishes. The rental company offered to donate the use of the equipment, I cleared the area of a few fallen trees, dug out a few stumps, and shaped the ground to suit the needs on Tuesday. Wednesday, I dug the grave with the excavator, smoothed and squared it up a little by hand, and lined the bottom with part of a bale of hay baled on his fields. A few hours later, we laid dad to rest, and with the help of many friends and family, hand filled his grave.
Rest easy ol' man...
