Deciding what to write about an event that changed my life was really difficult. I could write about the births of my four children. That certainly changed my life, and God was certainly present! I could write about the many little things that happen almost daily, which remind me of His presence.
But I decided to write about the day my father died. That was a day I will never forget. I’ve never experienced such grief, other than when my Grandmother died. His cancer changed him from a joke-telling, prank pulling, hard-working master plumber/carpenter/electrician, and guitar-pickin’ singer, to a very sick, weakened man who could barely speak. He had just retired from the School Maintenance Department. He and my Mother were going to travel around the States, visiting family and friends. They had planned to go to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary.
He was always giving to others. Fixing things for the community -for those who were elderly, or for those who could not afford it otherwise. He was always pitching in by playing music for the fundraisers held to help others.
The day of his death, he was surrounded by his family. Not just myself, my mother, and my brother, but his brother and sisters, his nephews, nieces, cousins, and grandchildren.
When the Hospice nurse told us he was gone, as I was crumpling inside, and holding my Mother in my arms, I looked over at my Uncle Clinton (Daddy’s brother). He was an Assemblies of God preacher, and was at the foot of the bed. In my grief, I saw his face. You see, Daddy had given his soul to God long before he stopped being coherent. Though Uncle Clinton had tears streaming down his face, he had the most beautiful, peaceful smile. In that, I saw God. I knew Daddy was walking through the gates of Heaven, meeting Jesus, and reuniting with his loved ones.
Though I still struggle with accepting Daddy’s death, I hold onto that moment, and it gives me some peace. John 13:7 says, “Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand”. I have faith that I will, and I suppose that’s all you need.
Prayer: Lord, like Job, we struggle to find wisdom and understanding at times, but we know that through faith in you, we will find all the wisdom and understanding we need. Amen.
Prayer Concern: those who mourn.
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