My Dad passed away yesterday, Tues. Oct 19th, at 3:40pm. He left this world for Heaven with me, his wife Ellie, my sister Jenny, and my mother-in-law Pat by his side. He left peacefully and quietly, just like he wanted it to be.
I have watched God's hand move so many times over the past few weeks, and yesterday was no exception. When I arrived to visit him, he was far worse than the day before. He was completly unresponsive, and he breathing had become shallow. The Dr told us that the end was coming, but we weren't sure exactly when that would be. Ellie left the room to make a phone call, and I felt the overwhelming urge to talk to Dad. So, I kissed his forehead, hugged him, and talked to him. I told him how much I love him and how badly I will miss him, and I told him that when God comes for him, that he needs to go with Him. I reminded him that he has never let me down ( he has felt guilty about leaving us ), that I am proud of him and that he is loved. Then, I looked at his face, and there were tears streaming down his cheeks! I knew that he had heard me! He had tears several more times during the next 2 hours when we spoke to him and talked of wonderful memories we have together. About 3:30 I was feeling anxious and squirmy and decided I was going to go out and get a breath of fresh air. But, just as I had the thought, my mother-in-law Pat ( who I refer to as mom ) walked in the room. I didn't know she was going to visit, but she said that she had the strong feeling of needing to come there. She hugged all of us and talked to us for a minute or 2, then she walked over to Dad. She kissed his head and whispered softly to him that we all love him, and he could go in peace now. Then, he took a few breaths, then a deep breath, and was gone. Honestly, I fell apart right there. Sounds came from my inner belly that I have never heard before, and really never want to hear again. He left and I know that a part of my heart went with him.
In all things, blessing abound. If Mom hadn't walked into the room, I would have went outside and wouldn't have been there to walk my Dad to the entrence of heaven. And, I know that everything I said to him, he heard. Wow. I am already missing him so much, but I have such peace to know that his pain is over. He is cancer free. And he is in Heaven and having a family reunion with my Mamaw, Papaw, and Uncle Ronnie.
All of you have shown my family such support and love, and I will be forever grateful. I have posted the picture of me, dad, and Jenny in Put in Bay in 2008. Our favorite place to go, and some of my most treasured memories of my dad. I will forever miss you, Dad. Maybe the title of this post should be see ya later , because we will see each other again.
I have watched God's hand move so many times over the past few weeks, and yesterday was no exception. When I arrived to visit him, he was far worse than the day before. He was completly unresponsive, and he breathing had become shallow. The Dr told us that the end was coming, but we weren't sure exactly when that would be. Ellie left the room to make a phone call, and I felt the overwhelming urge to talk to Dad. So, I kissed his forehead, hugged him, and talked to him. I told him how much I love him and how badly I will miss him, and I told him that when God comes for him, that he needs to go with Him. I reminded him that he has never let me down ( he has felt guilty about leaving us ), that I am proud of him and that he is loved. Then, I looked at his face, and there were tears streaming down his cheeks! I knew that he had heard me! He had tears several more times during the next 2 hours when we spoke to him and talked of wonderful memories we have together. About 3:30 I was feeling anxious and squirmy and decided I was going to go out and get a breath of fresh air. But, just as I had the thought, my mother-in-law Pat ( who I refer to as mom ) walked in the room. I didn't know she was going to visit, but she said that she had the strong feeling of needing to come there. She hugged all of us and talked to us for a minute or 2, then she walked over to Dad. She kissed his head and whispered softly to him that we all love him, and he could go in peace now. Then, he took a few breaths, then a deep breath, and was gone. Honestly, I fell apart right there. Sounds came from my inner belly that I have never heard before, and really never want to hear again. He left and I know that a part of my heart went with him.
In all things, blessing abound. If Mom hadn't walked into the room, I would have went outside and wouldn't have been there to walk my Dad to the entrence of heaven. And, I know that everything I said to him, he heard. Wow. I am already missing him so much, but I have such peace to know that his pain is over. He is cancer free. And he is in Heaven and having a family reunion with my Mamaw, Papaw, and Uncle Ronnie.
All of you have shown my family such support and love, and I will be forever grateful. I have posted the picture of me, dad, and Jenny in Put in Bay in 2008. Our favorite place to go, and some of my most treasured memories of my dad. I will forever miss you, Dad. Maybe the title of this post should be see ya later , because we will see each other again.
Jill i love you. i am sorry that you are hurting i wish i was there. miss you
ReplyDeleteJill,
ReplyDeleteMy deepest, deepest condolances on the loss of your father. I know how close you were to him. No matter how old or how sick a parent can become, the loss is traumatic. Peace will come in time. Your love for your father and your deep devotion to him was a beautiful witness to your son, Aaron. God will bless you for that witness. Your father passed away on my sister Celesta's birthday. I'll remember him on that day also and I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God Bless.