Monday, June 1, 2020
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Dear Karen & Karl,
I’m so sad to learn the news about your Dad.
You will be in my thoughts as you grieve now and in the months ahead.
I’ve shared your Dad’s obituary on my Facebook page.
I’d like to share with you what I wrote.
Joni Granato Dominy
I’m going to miss this friend.
God has each of us on appointments.
We have to open our hearts and make time for God’s plan to be fulfilled. Connecting with Mr. Heck was definitely an appointment.
Late last June, my Mom moved to an assisted living facility. During the first few days, my husband met a gentleman sitting at Mom’s dining table. He came home excited to tell me it was Mr. Heck !
Mr. Heck and his family lived on our street growing up. His daughter, Karen and I would play hopscotch, Chinese jump rope, roller skate and listen to music in our summer living room; aka the garage. I lived on that street until 6th grade in 1973.
Fast forward 46 years later and here’s Mr. Heck !!
We formed an instant connection and enjoyed one another’s company. Often, after I would leave my Mom for the day, I’d knock on his door and he’d invite me into his room. We’d chat away for hours about our former neighbors, Carrier, his service in WW2, his wife and family, my kids, his health and my Mom. He always kept a close eye on Mom. Mom knew Mr. Heck could be trusted. They knew how to communicate with one another despite Mom’s aphasia. She even fell asleep in his room one morning after breakfast. For Mom, that shows how comfortable she felt around Mr. Heck.
I’m grateful for the months of laughter and caring we shared. We all just want to be loved. I’m going to miss you, Mr. Heck.
