COVID-19 is a dirty rotten thief. We generally turn to ritual and custom to help us process loss, but we're robbed even of these options during these crazy times.
And yet, in a strange way, it's fitting that we'll have to get a bit creative to find ways to say goodbye to my grandfather. He could never look at a piece a wood, a bit of furniture, or tool without thinking of something he might create with it. And I'm not sure he ever conceived of a project that might be beyond his skills...with the right materials, and perhaps even with scraps and bits you might come across in life, something was always possible.
So perhaps a bit of creativity is called for now. In that spirit, this wall is for you and this circle of family and friends. For your notes, your artwork, your last goodbyes, and your best memories of John Harper. It'll be here as long as you need it.
My love to you,
Kristen Harper (Granddaughter)
He was very happy at the Benton House. He made it a point to tell me so several times. He didn't need much. He was comfortable. He could work on his projects. He could get up EARLY in the morning and go get his cup of coffee. Most of all, I was close enough that I could stop by to visit or to take him out whenever he had an appointment or needed to go to the store. On occasion Lilian and I would come have a meal with him. He was very comfortable.
COVID-19 broke the routine. He was mostly confined to his room and could not have any visitors. In the end, he passed quietly and alone. There is no one to blame... and on some level, I believe he was ready to go.
Going on his own terms sounds like something Big John would do.