We gathered together, my mom, my younger brother and two younger sisters around my father while he still had the ability to communicate what he wanted. No feeding tubes, no life support, he wanted to die at home. He told us the songs he wanted sung at his funeral, those he wanted to speak and the pall bearers he wanted to carry his casket. He also wanted us decked out in full New York Yankee gear for his viewing. No dresses or suits, Yankee t-shirts. He wanted people to walk in that room and be shocked that we all were dressed in t-shirts and jeans.

A few weeks before my dad passed away my sister, uncle and I went and picked out his casket and bought his clothes that he was to be buried in. Sure, it was heartbreaking and painful, but it wasn’t about me or my pain. It was about honoring my dad and his wishes. It was about showing our endless love for him. Having the conversation, sure we cried, but, we also laughed and reminisced, I will cherish those couple of hours always.

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