"How Sweet It Is"

These last two weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions and fast-paced events.  In a span of seven days, our precious Daddy learned he had stage four cancer and "expired" (as he always called "dying" in his quirky way).  But he was surrounded by a caring staff of nurses and doctors, his loving family (some via telephone), friends who called or visited, and he was free from pain until the last couple of hours. 

"Tip" Baker was a blessed man, with a long, full life and for 90.5 years, he certainly didn't look or act his age.  He learned to use a computer in his late 70's and had been on Facebook the last few years.  He kept up with world events, encouraged family and friends with frequent "forwards" and The Daily Motivator.  He worked out at the clubhouse exercise room, met weekly with a men's church Bible study and coffee club, took care of his wife's daily needs [sadly, she is suffering from dementia] with the dedicated help of her daughter, Linda, and loved family and friends.  He loved Alabama football, Braves baseball, and listened to Rush Limbaugh.  He enjoyed movies on the television via NetFlix, handled his own finances, continued to drive and as they were able, he and Carole would attend ball games (all sports) played by Carole's great grandson, Adam.

Our Dad was a mess...we spent those latter days recalling funny times and special memories from his childhood and our own with him.  He even wanted his address book so he could go through it, wanting to be sure certain folks were notified when the "time came"...or, "they'll learn about it by word of mouth".  And folks did hear and each of the children and Carole's family, received numerous visits, calls, cards, emails, and texts from people expressing their sympathy over our loss.

Countless times I've been asked "how are you doing?".  I truly am doing well -- I have no regrets and feel so very blessed to have had my father with me and my family for so many years.  He knew he was loved, he was in remarkably good health [even through open heart surgery, stomach surgery due to ulcers, carodid surgery] over the years until the very end.  He had his faculties, good mind, and sweet spirit until the final breath.  There will be moments of saddness and loss, but to know he is back with our precious mother again, and with the Lord, that is priceless. 

As a family, we decided to have his footmarker inscribed, "How Sweet It Is"...he used that phrase often when there was something he liked that had happened, or a really good meal was put before him...and now the very best is yet to come! 

We love you, Little Pa!  Gone from our lives, but we look forward to the hereafter with you and Mom!

The following is a poem written by our great-niece, Kayla Renee Baldwin. She wrote this as a project in Literature class, and finished it the day Daddy died...we placed a copy of the poem in his casket and her older brother, Theo, a member of the United States Marine Corp, read it aloud at the graveside service...

This poem is in memory of my great granddad, Lil Pa.

This writing is based on true events.  Our great granddad Tip Baker has stage 4 cancer with a mass on his colon which metastasized to his lungs, liver, and adrenal gland.

Now that you’ve lived ninety years,
    your time for peace is almost here.
You’ll soar up to heaven’s gate,
   with friends and family there to wait.
With his hand of striking fear, Death
    will take you from those who hold you dear.
You will meet Death with God on your side,
    knowing you’ll have no existing fears to hide.
No more sorrows, no more pain
    no more worries, only peace and relief to gain.
You wish me not to mourn for you,
    so this plea I will try to do.
You wish not to go on anymore.
You have seen what all there is to see
    and lived life the way it’s meant to be.
I will miss you more and more. Your
   Memories I will always keep stored.
Even though this cancerous thief
    takes you from me, I’m happy to
    know you’ll live peacefully for eternity.
Now I say a little prayer in hopes that
    God may hear me and give me an answer.
As you lay you head down to sleep,
    I pray thee Lord your soul to keep.
And if you die before you wake, I pray
   Thee Lord your soul to take.