I write this with a sad yet hopeful heart. My dad passed away and went to be the Lord a little over a week ago. I am sad he is gone but hopeful, joyful even that he is most certainly in a better place in heaven. How am I so sure? I have faith…and know my dad was a good man, a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather. Was he perfect? No, none of us are. But he believed in Jesus, believed in heaven. And for me that is enough to believe myself.
My dad loved sunsets…and instilled in me a love of them too. We’d watch together as the sun slipped down over the horizon…over the bay in Ocean City, Maryland or over the palm trees in the distance in Fort Myers, Florida. We’d count down the seconds as we said farewell to another beautiful day in paradise. But I have also come to love sunrises as well…the dawning of a new day, bringing with it life, love, hope.
I have a baby granddaughter on her way any day now…my daughter (my baby, the youngest) is going to have a baby, and that fills me with joy. I know my dad will be looking down and smiling at her when she is born, holding her in his heart, asking Jesus to please watch out for her.
It’s pretty awesome, God’s circle of life…how he may have taken one family member, one soul from this earth, but sends another to be with us. I’m reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, written by King Solomon, which my son read at his grandfather’s beautiful funeral service: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens; a time to be born and a time to die…He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” We also sang “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me, and I could picture my dad entering heaven, probably dancing! Yes, God is good in times of loss and love.
I pray, Lord, that as we face loss, we hold onto love and hope in your eternal plan for those who believe. Thank you for the gift of life each day, from sunrise to sunset. Amen.
Beautiful Michele, I am so grateful to know that we can see our loved ones again, in Heaven. What a comfort. Hugs
Thank you Faith, I am hugging you back! Love you, Michele
Your dad was my favorite neighbor down here in Ft. Myers. We got to know each other on the bench down by the lake. We shared our love for sports and our faith in Jesus Christ. He was the “real deal,” a quality that is sometimes hard to find in this day and age. Your mother invited me over for cake for his last birthday here. I walked through the door singing to him and acting silly, and he got a big smile on his face. He was a brave warrior, and I kept him in my prayers. He is now healed!!! My best to your Mom and you.
Hi Marcia, I don’t check these blog comments enough, I’m so sorry I never replied sooner…I am sitting here in Florida typing this! It was so good to catch up with you, thank you so much for your love and support and sharing your fond memories of my dad. Thanks again for being a good neighbor and friend. Love, Michele
Thank you for sharing some of the loving moments you spent with your dear dad, Michele. May he rest in peace. Love, Shelley
Hi Shelley, I really miss you up here in Maryland! I’m so sorry for my delayed response, was having some computer issues! Thank you for your response to my post about my dad and your kind words…please stay in touch! Love, Michele