Sadly, the miracle we awaited did not happen … My wonderful Dad passed away on 16 Dec 02 -- He died peacefully at home with us Â… we (all, but Ed's Mom who tended bewildered dogs and quiet house in our absence) headed for his funeral and burial in Tacoma, where Dad and Mom are finally together again Â…
When Dad first took ill, our son Stash in Oregon came out to be with us -- so wonderful to have him here, especially when my Dad was still at his best. We all shared much time together and many talks. Majka, who goes to the Art Institute of Chicago, was also able to head down to St. Louis for several weekends to be with her grandfather and stay overnight at the hospital. Our oldest, Karla and her Mike, who live in Lebanon, and their Gia were an incredible help to us all, and kept Dad's spirits up. Dad's eyes always glowed as he looked on his only great-grandchild who, even at almost eight and in the second grade, still sang and danced for him.
Dearest Friends,
Your outpouring of sympathy was unexpected Â… yet so helpful, so welcome. So few of you knew my father, "Charlie" Drazul, yet you took the time and trouble to comfort us -- an act we found touching and deeply appreciated. Those of you who did know my Dad knew him to be wonderful man -- as my daughter said at his funeral, "Everyone should have such a grandfather and father" -- we were indeed blessed to have had him with us for so many years!Â… Thank you all for your expressions of caring -- please continue to keep him, my Mom -- also "the most wonderful Mother and Grandmother" (and us) in your prayers Â…
Gratefully,
Myra and Ed Koszykowski
Despite all, we consider our Christmas joyous Â… in our Catholic belief, a miracle has occurred, and that is the miracle of Dad's birth into eternal life -- a bit of a switch on the Christmas story, but it has made Christmas all the more meaningful for us ---
Here was a man who truly enjoyed his earthly life -- and is probably keeping quite busy improving the palates of the heavenly hosts. During WWII, he was a much sought after mess sergeant -- as Ed is fond of saying, "Charlie had generals eating out of his hand!" His least favorite client was General Patton, and am sure Dad is finally getting to give the great man a piece of his mind!##imported-begin##Myra Drazul Koszykowski##imported-end##