An era has passed

The end and the beginning came peacefully this afternoon for Arthur L. Billings, Jr., a member of the "greatest generation" who served with the U.S. Army in World War II. More important, he was my wife's father and my daughter's grandfather. He was in his late 50's when we first met. He could ski circles around me on the slopes. He was a good man. His marriage of 69 years to Marge, Marjorie Albright Billings, was exemplary, a model to follow. Even in his last years and suffering with dementia, he was still in love. The two of them were like adolescents in love when we could have them together. He loved to listen to Marge play piano at Beverwyck. He loved cuddling. Who doesn't.

We followed the advice of hospice and hospital staff and let him know that we would all be OK, that it was alright for him to let go and move on, to let God. He gave a thumbs up to Alison and Pete when they visited on Friday and reminded him of their engagement. That may have been his last real communication. Shirley spoke to him and whispered to him, as did I. Told him I loved him, that we loved him. Told him it was alright to let go. Stroking his head. Holding his hand.

He was the last of his generation in our circle, the final patriarch lost. He will be missed by me and by many. I mourn. I cry. I reflect. Death is never easy. I don't like it and yet my faith tells me this was a transition today, not an end, not a finality. He is again with Marge, continuing that 69 year marriage and 70 year relationship. God speed, Arthur, we love you.