Today we celebrated the life of my wonderful father. It was amazing to see so many who loved and adored him. I am eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support from my friends and church family. We have been lavished with love and lots of food all week. Many who have never met my dad traveled to Frankfort from Lexington for a few brief moments to extend their love and support. Many shared with us stories of how Daddy has blessed their lives or been an inspiration to them. Over the last week as I compiled every possible picture of Daddy so many memories returned to me. He was an amazing father, faithful friend, and servant of the Lord. He was so many things to many different people. Over the last two weeks of his life as he became so weak and frail this was not the man I knew. To me he had always been a symbol of strength. In the last few hours of his life it seemed as though there was no strength at all remaining in that withered body, but yet I know that he was holding on until all of his children and family were able to spend time with him and tell him how much we loved him. Even though he was unable to speak I know the love he had for us as well. Although everyone but my mom and aunt had left the hospital that afternoon, hoping to return the next day, I feel certain that Daddy released himself to the Lord so that most of us would not be present for the most difficult moments. Even my mom had gone to get dinner for my aunt and herself. My aunt called her quickly back to the room and mom was able to be there with him in those final moments. I wonder if he was even trying to spare her the pain of being present when his spirit left his body. Daddy’s desire was to donate his body to science. We were able to accomplish this through the Genesis program. http://www.genesislegacy.org/home.htm After six to twelve months we will receive a report noting all of the things doctors were able to learn from their study of his body. My prayer is that his sacrifice will provide answers that will lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment or other terminal illnesses. Daddy’s wishes to donate his body were so representative of how he lived his life, for the good of others.
At the service we sang two hymns, On Jordan’s Stormy Banks and Ring the Bells of Heaven. Two other songs were played that Daddy loved, Living Prayer by Alison Krauss and Above All by Rebecca St. James. Adam gave a brief tribute to my dad through his reading of Matthew 5:38-48. His illustration of how Daddy would go two miles with you even if you only asked him to go one is a completely accurate picture of my dad. As Paul commemorated my dad he spoke of how Martha said to Jesus when Lazarus died, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21. Although we feel that we did all we could to preserve Daddy’s life there is still the feeling of what if we had done this or that, would he still be alive? Even though that is not what the apostle Paul is pointing out here, but instead he is noting that only our faith in Christ will provide us with eternal glory with him in heaven. Only Christ can provide us with this promise of eternity in his presence. I am so thankful Daddy knew the truth that Jesus is “the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26
Although I am filled with sadness and will forever miss my dad, I can’t imagine the overwhelming loneliness my mom feels. She said that no man could ever compare to Daddy. She is certainly right about that. He was the peace maker of the family, the comforter, provider, and was made completely in the image of God. In spite of the peace we have that Daddy is standing before his Savior, cancer free, pain free, and rejoicing like never before our selfishness wishes he was still here. My prayer is that as a result of my dad’s Christ likeness, our struggles and witness to others, or however God may work through this struggle that others will come to know Christ. I must find peace knowing, “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
All week I have struggled with wholly understanding that Daddy is no longer living on this earth. Today's events made this fact a reality. Although the visitation and memorial are now over, the hard part truly begins now.
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