my Dad
I just got back from Florida today.
My brother, sisters, some of the in-laws and grandkids left on Wed. the 14th and drove all night determined to get to Florida as fast as we could. 25 hours later we arrived at the hospice where my Dad was. We walked in only to be greeted by the news that he had passed away 15 minutes before our arrival. I felt as if someone had hit me in the chest with a Volkswagon. After much weeping and disbelief we went in and saw him. My Mom was by his side and he went in his sleep very quickly. I am consoled in the fact that we would have had to have been there several hours earlier to see him when he was still awake but it was just not in Gods plans. The funeral was Monday and we left for home yesterday. We would have liked to have stayed longer but it was time to go home. Two of my brothers are still there right now but only for another week. Dad was cremated and Mom will bring his remains back to Michigan to be buried this summer.
My Dad was a wonderful man and beloved by all who knew him. He was very involved in the church as long as his health would allow and was used to go to the prisons to minister to the prisoners there. I went there with him and Mom once, it was a very scary place but almost all the prisoners came up to me to express their love and respect for my parents and what they did for them.
He was an artist, a poet and a master cribbage player. He tried to teach us all an appreciation for art, music and history. During my last trip there we played cribbage. I thought I would take it easy on him and although he was weak and could no longer deal the cards he still managed to kick my butt in all 5 games we played. It was him who taught me to write lymericks.
Dad was a man who taught us how to be good people by his example and if I am any kind of a good man today it is a direct reflection of him.
I will miss Dad every day for the rest of my life but at the same time I will see him every time I look in the mirror as I am his spitting image. his imprint is on my heart and my soul and that will never die.
I love you Dad, rest in peace until we meet again.
God bless you and your family. Your dad touched a lot of lives. God called his good and faithful servant home after a lifetime of stewardship. I can tell by your posting you can find great comfort in this. I am fortunate enough to have both my parents and am grateful for that everyday. My prayers will be with you and your family this Christmas season.
Mary Anne
Hi Tim,
Oh Tim I am so sorry to hear about your father. I know excatly how you feel. I've lost both my parents and my mom died at a Hospice hospital too. It's a very sad thing, especially around the holidays. You have my deepest thoughts with you throughout the holidays. Your father sounds like a very kind man.
Like you said Tim, " everytime you look in the mirror you'll see him" also he'll always be with you bebieve as my parents are always with me!!!
If you ever need to talk you can always email me OK?
Hugs, Cheri
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