Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Memories Of The Past Week

For those that stop today my father went to Heaven one week ago today. This will not be a sad post. I just wanted to write down my memories from the last seven days! Thank you!

1. My dad was in the nursing home just a few days before he died. We went to visit him on Sunday and he was having a great day. We brought pictures so he could look at us during the night when he got lonely. We told stories and he smiled many times. I held his hand most of the afternoon. We all told him how much we loved him and he tried to tell us the same. It was a good day for all of us.

2. I was notified at 12:23 am by Lisa at the nursing home that dad had just passed away. Why they called me instead of my mom I just don't know. It took me asking a few times if this was for real until I believed her. I had my husband tell them not to call my mother. I thought that was something my brother and I should do.

3. I arrived at the nursing home about 12:45 am. I was the first one there. At first I was afraid to go see my dad, but then I took a deep breath and said a prayer. I knew I had to see him. He was at peace! Honestly, I hadn't seen him looking so well in such a long time. No more tubes, or machines! No more struggles! PTL! I loved on him and told him I loved him one more time.

4. My mom and brother arrived shortly after that. My mom said the same thing I did. It's very hard to see the love of your life like that, but we rejoiced together because we knew at that very second Dad was with God! We cried tears of sadness and tears of joy at the same time.

5. The next few days were busy making final arrangments for the funeral. My pastor asked each of us to write out memories we wanted to share. My kids each shared a different memory and I, being the big mouth of the family, wrote two pages worth! At first it was difficult to write, but I am so thankful I had the opportunity to tell people what I loved most about my father. I was able to write about his humor, his gentleness and his courage!

6. We were supposed to have nasty weather on that Monday and we prayed and prayed for it to hold off. We had many people coming from hundreds of miles away. The Lord provided and it only rained that day. Our snow and ice came the next morning!

7. Monday was the calling and the funeral. My family picked mom up and we got to the funeral home early so we could see dad again. When we walked in we were surrounded by dozens and dozens and dozens of flower bouquets!! How did I forget that people would be sending flowers and plants and even blankets? Yes, blankets! I guess it's a new thing to do. The flowers kept coming in while we were waiting for the calling to start. The comunity loved my dad and it showed!

8. Dad did look very nice I must say. My brother bought him a blue suit and I bought him the tie to match. It was a deep blue with some little black print on it. They didn't over do him with makeup either. He looked like my dad!

9. So many people came that day. My friends from Pennsylvania drove down for the day. People that I had not seen in years came. People I had no clue who they were came! People from our church and people from Kroger. So many people loved my dad! I was told over and over how well respected he was and how kind also. I've even heard from a man that dad fired once that it was the nicest firing he ever got ;o) Dad didn't have a mean bone in his body. He had severl ornery ones, but no mean ones!

10. Pastor Jim read our memories for us and reminded us of all the great things dad had accomplished! And Pastor Steve did a wonderful salvation message! Just what dad wanted. And my husband and my bestest friend's husband sang Calvary Covers It All. That was one of dad's favorite hymns. And the funeral home taped everything. Mom is finding comfort by listening to it everyday.

11. My brother cried alot, and so did mom. I managed to be the strong one that day. I felt I needed to be for mom. We've cried alot together this past week, don't get me wrong. I just wanted to be strong and talk to all those that came if mom wasn't able to at the time. My son, who helped grandma take care of dad hasn't shed a tear. And that is okay! He knew more than anybody how much dad suffered and he is celebrating in knowing where dad is!

12. Mom and I are getting stacks and stacks of cards everyday. The outpouring of love is amazing! And my mom is also getting monetary donations from all over the place. We tend to hear how greedy people are, but not in this case. Or Kelli's either! It's amazing, isn't it?

13. I've only known many of you for a few short months, but you have taken the time to send words of encouragement and to tell me you were praying for my dad and my mom and even for me. I was a stranger, but yet you showed such love and concern. I just want to say thank you from me and my folks. I love you guys!