Celebration of Don Hall
I’ll love you forever, Gramps
It’s no surprise to me that some of the very first memories of my life that I hold closest to my heart occurred in the exact same room where we said our final “I love you” and last “good night” to one another. Looking back on our incredibly photo-documented family archives (that we are so fortunate to have), I am reminded that the best memories and times took place in the always comfortable - yet physically so tight and overcrowded dining room - inside of the brick house on Route 63. It was always a new challenge with how many table settings were at the table and the number of people you managed to fit into the room at our dinners and gatherings. We gathered in this space for the greatest of celebrations - birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, graduations, promotions, and retirements to name a few. My favorite gatherings were those “just because” get togethers, though; the ones where someone was passing through town on a trip, or because it was a Sunday evening and lamb was on sale at Hannaford’s that week. The perfect reason to be together was always “just because”. This room became the family’s safe space; our sanctuary; a place full of laughter and happiness; our place of quiet prayer and peace; and a place that has always held the greatest and deepest love guided by the most amazing example of what family is, thanks to you. It will forever hold pieces of all of our hearts, as regardless of when we last saw you, it likely involved time in this space. On our last day together, I was getting ready to pack up to head back to Alaska after being so fortunate to spend a few weeks with you. That afternoon together, I told you I would be packing up “my office” in the living room later on. You seemed surprised. I told you that I was going to take the next day off from work to spend it with you and the family before flying out that weekend. It was in the most peaceful and calm response to me that you said, “I think I’ll pack up my office, too”. You smiled first, and I returned a smile and squeezed your hand, not realizing at that moment you were letting me know it was time. My heart felt like it broke into a million pieces when we lost you the next day, but I know now that was because my heart needed to break in order to fit the pieces of your heart you left behind into mine. This new patchwork heart that I carry is sewn together with memories and your love that I’ll cherish forever. You wore many hats: brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor, friend, husband, father, grandfather (lovingly known by most of us as Gramps) and great-grandfather (the greatest, in fact) - known to these lucky greats as Bubba or Buddy. You excelled in every single one of these roles and leave behind big shoes to fill for the rest of us. My example of love and life will always be what you have instilled in each of us through your subtle examples. It’s pretty incredible how versatile you were throughout your life - to think of how unique each one of your loved ones are - and to consider those pieces of you that they will carry on in this world during their time here. Your legacy will carry on through each one of us. Your love of travel, animals, music, family, community, documenting memories, water, and of course, snow blowing the driveway to include the most particular route around the back of the house, and lawn mowing skills that we will all forever aspire to (although I think Chucky might be pretty close!) will be thought of each and every day. You lived a long and full life, nothing short of amazing. No matter your earthly age, those of us left behind will forever be missing you and wishing there was more time. You are a one-of-a-kind soul and those that are forever connected to you are the lucky ones. We are never living without you, but always learning to look for and find your love around us; through the light breeze and sound of wind chimes on the perfect summer evening, the smell of fresh cut grass, the surprise of a rainbow around the corner, the magic in building a snowman after fresh fallen snow, and forever through the love you continue to sprinkle down from the sky in your many ways, filling our lives with the greatest love. I’ll love you forever and miss you for always, Gramps. Love, Stephie.