Gratitude Blog: Life, Death, and Dogs

In Memory and Honor of Cecil C Compton

Welcome to the Gratitude Blog, which celebrates the life of Cecil. He truely loved and enjoyed life. He was filled with gratitude everyday for the beauty and wonder of the world. He was my soulmate, my love, my best friend, and my hero. I miss him terribly but hope to learn how to be always grateful and enjoy each day as he did. I think the blog will help me through my journey and I hope you all will add to the blog with your sweet memories of Cecil. I love and miss my sweetman more than anyone can know, Paulette Compton

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Life, Death, and Dogs

This is a photo of an amazing moment. Molly had come to the Hospice Unit everyday and laid on Cecil's bed next to him. This photo was taken a few moments after he died. She had been on the floor but stood up on the side of the bed to be lifted up. When I lifted her up, she first smelled his mouth and then laid down on his chest and immediately closed her eyes. This is what sorrow and loss look like on a faithful dog.

Cecil always said dogs know so much more about life, and apparently death, than we humans do. Molly continues to comfort me with love and kisses in all my moments but especially when she believes it is her self appointed task to lick the tears from my face.

1 comment:

Mary Al-Saleh, PhD, RN, CLT said...: Paulette,
Your celebration of Cecil is so wonderful. I just spent some time reading, crying and enjoying your blog. The pictures, and your thoughts are so touching. I know these days are hard, just close your eyes and he will be with you again.; May 1, 2007 at 6:57 PM

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Cecil's Obituary In Arizona Republic, March 18, 2007

Cecil Charles Compton, 71, of Phoenix, AZ died peacefully on March 15, 2007 surrounded by his loved ones in the Hospice of the Valley Maricopa Hospice Unit. He had a joyful soul with gratitude for the wonder of life, verbalizing everyday, ‘Life is good.’ Cecil had a rare exuberance and love of life that always made us all feel a little happier, a little livelier whenever we were with him. He had a amazing zest for cooking, preparing and serving his delicious food to others. He loved fishing, camping, beaches, and his dogs. He was known by all for his warmth, sense of humor, and desire to help others. He treasured his Glide Church, where he was a member and usher and supported the important social service work of Glide Cecil is the precious and beloved husband of Paulette Compton. He is the cherished father of Cindy and Diana Compton and step-father of Jessica, Stephanie, and Joseph Liebman.. He is also survived by his dear sister, Mary Annie Jackson; brother-in-law, Conrad Jackson; sister-in-law, Kat Boatman; brother-in-law, Armand Boatman; nephews, Kenny Jackson and Eric Jackson and their families; and his precious dog, Molly. He will continue to be loved and live in all of our hearts forever. Cecil was born on August 25th, 1935 in Woodward, Oklahoma, son of Elry and Lola Compton. After attending Oklahoma State for two years, Cecil joined the US Navy to serve our country as a pilot. He was trained and flew fixed wing aircrafts, blimps, and helicopters. Cecil is a member of an elite group of navy pilots known as the Triple Qualified. Following his active duty Navy service, he continued in the Navy Reserves. He retired from the Navy Reserves after twenty years as a Captain and Commanding Officer of Reserve Squadron HS-85 in Alameda, California. He completed his degree at Oklahoma State and his MBA from the prestigious Wharton School of Business in 1965. With this degree, Cecil moved to Pennsylvania to work for the Container Corporation of America which later transferred him to New York City. Cecil afterward moved to California to become a commercial real estate broker in San Jose and continued his work as a broker in Phoenix Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Cecil Compton at 6 pm on Tuesday March 20th at the Grimshaw Mortuary, located at 710 West Bethany Home in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to his beloved Glide Church, 330 Taylor St, San Francisco, California.