Monday, October 19, 2009
With All of my Love and Respect, Dad.
I was not really meaning to take a blogging break, but sometimes life hits hard and other things become much more important and require my time...such has been these last few weeks.
First of all, thank you so much for the sweet comments on my facebook, cards, and emails. Sometimes, just knowing someone is praying out there is so encouraging and comforting during difficult days. As some of you know, my dad went home to be with the Lord recently. He has been ill for a while and just could not get over the pneumonia that he suffered with. His body became weak and he quit eating. We have known for a while that his condition would only get worse with alzheimers and heart disease so really the grieving and difficult days began a while back. It has been hard watching him gradually progress to where he hardly ever recognized us. But, it was always a treat when the look in his eye or the expression on his face showed us that he did recall and knew that we loved him. Through the difficult days, there were some really sweet moments to cherish and I will remember those times the most.
One very vivid memory for me was watching my mom love and take care of my dad...endlessly...day after day...through all the yucky things involved with this disease to the sweet and tender moments of seeing them hold hands. She has been a great example to me of patience, graciousness, and unconditional love. She received no medal of honor at his death nor was she recognized as someone who is worthy of praise, but we all saw and observed and learned. How precious that is to me. I overheard her say to someone during his dying days, "This is what you do when you love someone". And, it is. Such a true and profound statement.
This picture of love spoke volumes to me.
How are you doing in the area of truly loving others? What sacrifice are you making in your life for the well being of someone else? How do you measure up to REALLY putting others before yourself?
Me--not so good. But, I am learning. The Lord is so kind and patient with me and for that I am very thankful.
My dad---A humble soldier...a steady strength...a loving husband and father...one to be remembered with all of my love and respect.
I am a stay at home mother to 4. I am very blessed to have a godly husband who loves the Lord and his family. I welcome the days of much needed grace,the times of sweet victories,and the tears of trials,knowing it is all for God's glory. I want my lifesong to sing to Him,the author and finisher of my faith. Soli Deo Gloria--To the Glory of God alone.
19 Comments:
you and your precious family have been on my heart this weekend...so sorry to hear of your loss.
I've sure been thinking about you a lot, Kim. What a sweet tribute to your dad and your mom. You have been a godly example of how to care for your parents to the end. Thank you for that. May God continue to comfort you as you comfort your mom and your family during the days ahead.
So sorry to hear of your loss. What a great testimony and challenge from your Mom to truly love even when it's hard. Your family will be in my prayers.
Very sweet, Kim. ((HUGS))
I am sorry for you loss. You speak thoughts of service, blessing, family, and Christ into my life just by reading your blog. I'll keep your family in my prayers.
Praise God for the gift of new birth and the gift of eternal life with him - thank you for sharing with all of us very important biblical life lessons in your sadness mixed with joy.
KK McGill
I'm am sorry to hear of the loss of your father, but what joy to hear how God's hand has touched you through your mother's example of unconditional love. And oh how much more Christ loves us...amazing. Praying for peace and joy through the sorrow. Love to you and your family.
Thank you Kim for taking time during these trying days to keep all those who think and pray for you updated. I have had you on my mind and heart a lot and am thankful that His comfort and grace seem strong in you and your mom during this time. II Cor. 1:5 says "For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ" I pray you will continue to experience His comfort in abundance. Your love and honor of your dad is clearly expressed in your thoughts and words.
Well said, Kim. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
Kim,
I am so so sorry for your loss!
I still stop by here occasionally and always love to read your encouraging words.
Your sweet words about your dad show such honor and respect.
Blessings,
Chris
Thinking of you...and so very sorry for your loss. Beautiful words about your mom AND dad. Hugs to you!
oh Kim, I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. I'm behind a bit and just learned of it. My precious Dad went home to be with his Heavenly Father 4 years ago and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him constantly.
The tribute to both your parents is so incredibly touching and will serve as an example to your own children for the rest of your lives. What a blessing to have a Mother that understands this unconditional love.
Sometimes, my 8 year old son still sees me cry when I really reflect on how much I miss my Dad and tonight as he prayed at bedtime, he said "thank you God that we don't have to worry about Papa any more since he is now at home with you".. wow. Here I am, 40 something, and my 8 yr. old is reminding me of God's providence.
May God hold you tenderly in his hands during this difficult time.
Love, Susan.
Continuing to pray for you and your mom. We love you!
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My grandfather had alzheimers as well and while the grieving started years before his passing, it was still tough. I pray that God's grace will sustain and that you will all know His peace. What a wonderful testimony of your mother's love and care.
Praying for you and your family.
Blessings, friend.
The love of a spouse after SO many years has to be a little bit close to the undying love and commitment that Jesus has for us. God bless ALL of you as you deal with the loss of your dad...especially your mother.
I am so sorry. Please know that I am praying. {{hug}}
Kim,
I meant to comment on this earlier but we have had our hands full.
I will continue to pray for you and your family and I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you all and show you His grace during this time.
Oh Kim, I am only reading this now. I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my prayers.
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