Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Being Happy in the Sadness

My Dad is dying. His heart is giving out after serving him well for 78 years. He has gone from approx. 215 pounds to under 140. He is on oxygen at home and he cannot speak easily because of fluid on his lungs. He never smoked but his docs think he might have lung cancer. They don't want to do a biopsy or drain the fluid because of his frail condition and the invasive techniques that are required.

Dad is at peace about his death ~ he knows the Lord is waiting for him with open arms. Last night I spoke with Mom and had to apologize for snapping at her (I had a tension headache, nausea and a bad backache). About 10 minutes later Mom called back, said Dad wanted to pray with me and put me on speaker. It was beautiful listening to my Dad, who loves me so much, pray with complete assurance that even with his halting speach his prayer would be heard and answered. I cried.

All of the funeral arrangements have been made except for the date. Three of Dad's pastor friends were at his house last night ~ discussing the service and praying with him. They were able to have a short communion service with Dad and Mom, which they all appreciated.

I'm very glad that I was able to attend the last Sunday morning service (in July '09) that Dad was able to lead. He's been my pastor since I was 7 or 8 years old and I still compare every preacher I hear to Dad. 

There are many reasons I'm blessed to have had this man as my Dad. I'm crying again thinking about him being gone but I know he doesn't want us to be sad. He'll be waiting for us with open arms when we go Home.

I spent 3 weeks with my parents last summer and I am, Lord willing, going to see them again this Friday ~ it will be much harder this time.

2 comments:

Mermaid said...

Beckaroo ~

My thoughts are with you at this time. I'm so glad you can find the happiness amidst the sadness ~ that is a beautiful comfort. Your father sounds like a lovely man. I'm sure he is as blessed to have you as a daughter as you are to have him as a father.

Travel safe, and my best to you and your wonderful family.

With kindest regards,
Mermaid

SmagBoy1 said...

Oh, Beckaroo, I so hope that you were able to make it home in time to be with your father. I know that, either way, you'll know that he's at peace, but, that knowledge doesn't stop me from hoping one last vist for you. Your father certainly sounds like an exceptional man as told from you lips and I'm certain that he is. It's a blessing and a testament to be so admired by one's adult children, and in that way, it seems as though your father is quite special indeed.

I wish you peace of mind in this time of transition. I know there will be pain, but I hope there will also be happy memories.

Sincerely...