I am back after the sad overwhelming loss of a wonderful man, my faithful father. He passed away Wednesday, June 24th 2009 at the age of 81 due to acute leukemia. God granted his prayers to die at home (just the day before he was in the hospital). My mother, my sister Donna, my brother Kenney, and my sister-in-law Sharon were in the home during his passing. God granted our prayers, he died in his sleep with no suffering.
A beautiful funeral service was held in his memory at Jasper AL as well as a graveside service near his birthplace. My father died the same week as Michael Jackson, Farrah Faucet, and Ed McMahan. Much ado was made over these celebrities' lives. But in my book, none of them hold a candle to the life my father lived.
He lived his life with integrity. He was a realist, a practical down-to-earth person. He stood for "truth." He has taken care of my bedridden mother for the past three years. Words can't fully describe my father, you had to know him personally to understand him.
Coping with the grief has been tough, it's hard to let him go. I've cried a sea of tears. I greatly miss him, with great sorrow and affection he shall forever be in my memory.
Thanks to all of you who offered prayers, words of encouragement, and sent cards/flowers during my mourning.
Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you."
Psalms 36:5 "Your love, oh Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies."
Showing posts with label Father. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Father. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Father
Of course with my daddy fading away, I've been giving a lot of thought to him that I'd like to share. He is quite a complex person, so he may be hard to describe, but I'll give it my best attempt.
He's not a tall man, standing at 5'10." Once, he had brunette hair, but now it's almost all gray. Growing up, I always thought he was quite handsome. He always dressed well and carried himself with assurance, that made me proud.
He is a man of integrity, having high morals, and expecting the same from others. He didn't drink, smoke, lie, cheat, or steal in my lifetime. My father was an avid bible scholar. He knew God's word backwards and forwards. Not only could he quote scriptures, he could tell you the book and chapter to just about any verse. He could tell you a bible patriot's name, the father, the mother, the sons/daughter, and the residency. I always admired this ability.
He was the type of man who had plenty of practical know-how and knowledge, but at times, he could have a know-it-all attitude. He's mostly known to others by his occupation (minister and mechanic), hunting, friendships, and church affiliation. He always had a bounty of energy, few people could keep his pace. For most people, working forty hours a week is adequate. My father only knew to work most all waking hours.
He was a realist, driven to speak the truth as he saw it. Most people prefer to leave well enough alone, but not my dad. He was sure to make his opinion known.
Like all people, he had his strengths and weaknesses. As a loved one nears the end of their life, you tend to want to dwell on their goodness. I appreciate my father for caring, protecting, and providing for his family. I know that God will richly reward him in heaven for his faithfulness.
He's not a tall man, standing at 5'10." Once, he had brunette hair, but now it's almost all gray. Growing up, I always thought he was quite handsome. He always dressed well and carried himself with assurance, that made me proud.
He is a man of integrity, having high morals, and expecting the same from others. He didn't drink, smoke, lie, cheat, or steal in my lifetime. My father was an avid bible scholar. He knew God's word backwards and forwards. Not only could he quote scriptures, he could tell you the book and chapter to just about any verse. He could tell you a bible patriot's name, the father, the mother, the sons/daughter, and the residency. I always admired this ability.
He was the type of man who had plenty of practical know-how and knowledge, but at times, he could have a know-it-all attitude. He's mostly known to others by his occupation (minister and mechanic), hunting, friendships, and church affiliation. He always had a bounty of energy, few people could keep his pace. For most people, working forty hours a week is adequate. My father only knew to work most all waking hours.
He was a realist, driven to speak the truth as he saw it. Most people prefer to leave well enough alone, but not my dad. He was sure to make his opinion known.
Like all people, he had his strengths and weaknesses. As a loved one nears the end of their life, you tend to want to dwell on their goodness. I appreciate my father for caring, protecting, and providing for his family. I know that God will richly reward him in heaven for his faithfulness.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Summer
Summer is on its way to the NW, and it is a season of delights to be sure. Flowers blooming, birds singing, children playing - signs of life and beauty are all around us. Occasions to celebrate abound, and I do love a good celebration, don't you?
My immediate family recently had a "get-together" in honor of Mother's Day. It was a glorious gathering with my beautiful one year old and four year old granddaughters running around. My husband smoked meat for southern pulled pork sandwiches (delicious). My sons brought me flowers and cards. My husband gave me M&Ms, specially made with my picture on them and words saying #1 Mom and #1 G'ma.
I like to start each day with a grateful heart. I certainly have countless reasons to do so. I'm surrounded with beauty - in my garden, home, and loved ones. All these things are brimming with inspiration.
Recently, we built a new deck, half is covered. Eventually, we will screen that portion to keep out insects. I look forward to finding a quiet sitting place on my back porch where I can relax and soak up the refreshing feel of a true summer.
News: I am so sad to reveal to readers that my father has been diagnosed with acute leukemia and has been given two weeks to two months to live. This has been quite a shock, we've always felt he'd outlive my mother. He will be 82 years old on his birthday. I would covet your prayers at this time. He is a believer and an honorable man.
My immediate family recently had a "get-together" in honor of Mother's Day. It was a glorious gathering with my beautiful one year old and four year old granddaughters running around. My husband smoked meat for southern pulled pork sandwiches (delicious). My sons brought me flowers and cards. My husband gave me M&Ms, specially made with my picture on them and words saying #1 Mom and #1 G'ma.
I like to start each day with a grateful heart. I certainly have countless reasons to do so. I'm surrounded with beauty - in my garden, home, and loved ones. All these things are brimming with inspiration.
Recently, we built a new deck, half is covered. Eventually, we will screen that portion to keep out insects. I look forward to finding a quiet sitting place on my back porch where I can relax and soak up the refreshing feel of a true summer.
News: I am so sad to reveal to readers that my father has been diagnosed with acute leukemia and has been given two weeks to two months to live. This has been quite a shock, we've always felt he'd outlive my mother. He will be 82 years old on his birthday. I would covet your prayers at this time. He is a believer and an honorable man.
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