The Longest Good-bye

If you have been reading my blog the last few weeks, you know that my dad has been very ill. His dementia just got so bad that he basically stopped taking in nutrition of any kind. Dad has lived with this disease for more than 8 years and I am happy to say that there are MANY happy memories during those years and funny moments, but no sad memories of him getting lost or mean, etc. He was the happiest man with Alzheimer's that I have ever met. He was always polite, even to the nurses when they were "hurting him" and he always talked about how "God is Good" and "Everything is beautiful". I truly believe that these years were a reflection of his true personality. I had been praying for healing for several years and did get to see him healed of cancer several years ago, but this last week my prayers have been for his peaceful passing. That is what happened. Daddy died this morning in his sleep and went to be with Jesus. So, my final Goodbye is to say..."See you later, daddy". I love you!

Below is part of the obituary that I wrote for the papers.

Willie Morrison Garrett, 74, of Pensacola, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2006.

Willie was born on May 24, 1932 in Clinchco, Virginia to the late Oscar Odess and Augusta Maine Garrett. When he was 18, Willie joined the US Air Force and served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a career military man and served as Military police for President Kennedy. Willie retired in 1972 and served in the civil service for 15 years. He was a resident of various parts of Northern Virginia with is family for 14 years before moving to Pensacola, Florida in 1987.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Janette Garrett, a daughter, Charlene Garrett of North Richland Hills, Texas, two step sons & daughters in law, Thomas & Nancy Blakeney of Pensacola & James and Jennie Blakeney of Stafford, VA, two step daughters & sons in law, Sharon & Mike Franks of Pensacola and Janet & David Dansand of Lancaster, CA, five grandchildren, Michelle, Amanda, Zachary, Sarah, and Melissa Blakeney, and a great grand daughter, Alexandra Campbell, and a host of nieces, nephews, in laws and other relatives and friends. He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Abbie and Prissy.

Willie was a member of Olive Baptist Church since 1987 and we are comforted by the fact that he has truly gone to a better place. The family would like to thank Willie and Jan’s Sunday school class at Olive Baptist church for helping take care of him during these last several weeks of his illness.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 16, 2006 from 6-8 PM at Covenant Funeral Service. Funeral service will be Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 11am at Quantico National Cemetery with military honors following. Arrangements have been made by Covenant Funeral Service, 4801 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408.