We laid to rest our father, Alec P. Vaughan, Jr. yesterday, April 14, 2015. It was a day to remember with celebration, music and honor. The church was full of our family, friends and loved ones. Dad would have been so proud. We appreciated all that was done to help us. Friends far and near came sending and bringing cards, calls, food, hugs, fellowship and stories; all of which endeared them to us the more.
The day began at the church where our dad was laying in his striped suit, white shirt and burgundy tie to match. He was a handsome 94 year old man with white hair and a clean shaven face. We were pleased to see him look so good being he had experienced a very difficult 4 months with the dreaded Alzheimers disease.
When I saw him, I placed my hand on his chest and just cried like a baby. Only a week earlier, I had done this same thing as he lay alive in his own bed at home. At that time, I thanked him for all he had done for me. I let him know I realized the sacrifices he and my mother made to ensure that my siblings and myself got a 4 year education, had great opportunities and was given a chance in the world in which we live, all because they loved us so.
Many people talk about their parents and I’m sure they too have such fond memories. The thing I know so true about my Father and Mother, is that their very desire for our family was success. From a very young age, he worked in an effort to build success in us. He was determined we would be public speakers and we were apt to tell poems, stories and recite them in front of family and friends early in life. We were encouraged and basically forced to learn poems so that we could have opportunity to stand before a crowd in our adult years. Today, we all are teachers in the public school arena and in Sunday School. None of the three of us have a problem getting in front of a crowd to teach God’s Word.
My parents provided each of us a musical instrument so that we could in some way be accomplished musically. My sister took piano lessons. My brother was purchased a bass and I was taken to Potter’s Music Store to pick out the guitar of my dreams; a Martin 12 string. Each of us used our musical gifts in various ways. My brother and his family all played instruments and sung at his wedding. What a tribute to him for his gift of music.
It was a bittersweet moment letting go of our father on Tuesday but we rejoice in the legacy he built and in all of the good things in his name that will go forward. We thank God for his life and how he impacted so many.
Josie