Today we said our final goodbyes to a great man. He was not a famous writer, or won a Nobel Prize or a great sports figure. But he was the epitome of what it is to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ here on this earth.
For the past couple of days, we were told time and time again that he was a kind, good man and was never judgmental and treated every one the same. If he had a difference of opinion with someone, he always respected their viewpoint and never argued with anyone. He was always quick to give someone a compliment and a helping hand. He was tall and strong, yet meek. And he was always considerate of everyones feelings.
He also had a corny sense of humor and we could always expect a joke whenever we saw him. He loved to see people smile and would make people laugh even if they were having a bad day.
He loved his wife and children with every ounce of his being. My mom and dad were married for over sixty years yet still acted like newlyweds at times. Sometimes my mom would be walking by him and he would reach over and give her a little swat on the rear.;-) And something that will be with me for the rest of my life is how they always give each other a kiss and hug and said, "Love you!" if one of them was going out.
Early Saturday morning was no exception. As my dad was drawing his last breaths here on earth, my mom was saying her goodbyes and telling him how much she loved him and giving him hugs and kisses, he took what was the last ounce of his strength and reached up and hugged her. That is something that will always be with me. That and the look of peace that overcame him as he took his final breath. It was truly a blessing.
I will miss my dad so much. But I have peace in knowing that he is reunited with his loved ones who passed before him and he is free from all of the pain and suffering. And most of all he is with our Lord and Savior and basking in the glory of God.
I am closing this post with a couple of bible verses that my mom had written down that had given her comfort in challenging times. I hope this will bring comfort to others as it gave us comfort:
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears off all faces.
Isaiah 25:8
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever."
Isaiah 32:17
Oh Pam,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, I was on one more little summer get-away with my kids and missed this post. I'm sorry that your Dad is no longer with you, but I'm also glad he did not have to battle cancer for years. I'm also glad to hear your faith is sustaining you. What a blessing that you were with him and that you had such a wonderful relationship. Please express all of my sympathy to your mom and siblings. I'm so glad it sounds like you are close to support one another.
Hugs,
gnee