Monday morning my Dad died. He was 96 years old. He finally got his wish to go to heaven. He has been wanting to go for such a long time. I am so happy for him but a bit sad for myself...I will miss seeing his familiar face even when he couldn't remember who I was. Having a family member with Dementia is hard.
A few years ago Dad got a glimpse into heaven when he had an episode with an irregular heartbeat and was in the emergency room. He said "My body just floated up and I was above the bed and there was the most beautiful light, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Then the light went away and I was back in the bed." That was the night that they shocked him numerous times to get his heart back in rhythm. Since that time he has welcomed death...but it took its sweet time coming.
My Mother is doing as well as can be expected. She is very tired as she has spent so much time caring for Dad the past couple of weeks...he was somewhat calmer when she was around. Mom needs a few days of rest.
I am getting old photos together for the funeral next week. Music and Bible verses, obituaries and so many details to take care of. My siblings are doing an awesome job maneuvering Mom through the details.
Far Guy, Jen and I made a trip to the funeral home for a final goodbye to my Dads body before cremation. We will all go back a few days before the funeral.
I am thankful for the 71 years I got to spend with my Dad and I am thankful that his heavenly journey has begun. He was the remnant...all of his brothers and sisters have preceded him in death.
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45 comments:
Sending you a hug! Deepest sympathies!
So sorry to hear that, Connie. Even when we know it is coming and is for the best it is still a shock somehow. Huge change for your mom. I'm glad you have family to rally around each other...be there for each other. Love and hugs.
I offer you my condolences on the loss of your father. Thank you for sharing his vision of the other side from a few years ago.
Connie, I am so very very sad for all who loved him that he is gone.but happy for him that he has walked into heaven. I will be thinking of you & praying for all of you.
I am so thankful for the many years you got to be with your dad - - - but of course am sad for the void it leaves in your families' hearts.
That was a wonderful blessing/gift from God that your dad had that experience a few years ago and shared it with you. I have read of numerous other testimonies of assurance of Heaven and no fear of death for the believer. Thank you for sharing that. I am happy you have others helping with the arrangements because a shared workload can be easier on everyone.
On the Shiny Brite tree, is that strands of tinsel that I see? I do remember that - - - remember that it took forever to put on the tree and look good. My brothers just liked to throw a clump and wherever it landed, it was fine to them for it to sit there like a squirrel's nest. Of course we females had to straighten it because we "couldn't look at that mess".
So sorry to hear of your loss. It's hard anytime, but especially at the holidays. When I lost my parents I said, it was selfish of me because I want them to live forever, but knowing they were at peace was a comfort.
Absolutely love the picture. God's blessings to you and your family.
Steph
So sorry for your loss. Now you can remember him healthy. Dementia died too. I hope the roads are ok for your travel. Sincerely….
Connie, so sorry for the loss of your father. Am happy that he is starting his heavenly journey. Prayers to you and your family, especially your Mom, as you all navigate the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
Jean
My deepest condolences Connie. Sounds like he was ready to go. That maybe only makes it a tiny bit easier for those he leaves behind. Going through the photos will bring back lots of great memories.
My MIL kept saying "God forgot me" the last year or so she lived. Her mind was good but her body had crumbled. She was 90.
My sincere sympathies on the passing of your Dad. He certainly had a wonderful long life, and a loving family. May you all find comfort in your sweet memories.
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm glad that your father is finally where he's been longing to be.
I'm sorry for your loss. My sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. People know when they've had enough and welcome death.
My condolences to you and your family. May your faith sustain you in the difficult days ahead.
Condolences on your loss. The photo is a precious look at a dad. Take care.
Sending our sympathy to you and the entire family! So many knew Jake, 96 years ~ that is a grand journey! Rest in peace.
What a hard, hard time. There is relief and much sadness. I so understand.
Hugs and much love to you, Dear Connie!
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope it's a bit easier knowing he was ready. The ones left behind never are. Sending lots of love to you and your family.
Oh, Connie, it took me a bit to recover from your first sentence, and then reading on, I recognized the feelings of gratitude that come from having a loved one be able to let go of a life outlived, but well lived.
My thoughts are with you as you navigate another life passage with your family.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. We are so blessed in the hope that we will be with our loved ones again in Heaven.
My sympathies on your loss. What a sweet photo of you and your Dad!
So sorry for your loss. Having a relationship with God doesn't ease the pain of death but it is truly wonderful that we don't grieve as those who have no hope.
Connie, I am so sorry but I know he is at peace and knowing that helps you and your family too. You were so fortunate to have such wonderful, loving parents.
I hope your Mom gets some rest.
Handsome Dad with his sweet little girl.
I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven has gained a wonderful citizen. I have gotten to know him through your blog through the years. and we bloggers mourn too when you lose someone. My mom collapsed on the couch and slept half a day from here exhaustion. Your mom will need lots of support even though she is a strong women. Again I am so sorry.
Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sorry for your loss, but happy for your dad. Sorry for the years you've had to spend caring for him.
So sorry for your loss Prayers for your family
Our deepest sympathy, Connie and family in the loss of your Dad. Losing a parent is so difficult no matter what their age or yours. I know you have so many precious memories, and when you remember things you will smile through your tears. The Lord bless you all with His comfort and Peace at this time of sadness.
Oh my goodness, when I read that first line I was shocked. So sorry to hear about your Dad but after hearing the story about his almost trip to heaven some years ago, I am happy for him. I know it's hard for you and your mom and family, but hopefully, knowing how much he longed to head for Heaven, will make it a bit easier. God bless him And all of you. Take good care.
Dear Connie, you and your family are in my thoughts this day. RIP dear man.
So sorry for the loss of your dad.
Sending a big ole Canadian hug....
It is always sad to lose a parent even when you know they are ready to go. May he rest in eternal peace in heaven's glorious light.
Hugs to you , long and heartfelt. Dads are special people in our lives.
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you have a wonderful celebration of his life.
I am glad to hear that your dad has made his final journey into the light. He was such a presence, even from here through your posts, that I too will miss him. Godspeed to him as he opens his new eyes on a new world.
I've been following your blog for years but probably have never commented. Please accept my condolences on your dad's home going. I'm sure this will be a sad time of adjustment, but knowing he's with the Lord will be a small part of your consolation.
My sympathy to your family
Oh, I'm sending you a big hug. Even though you're happy for him it's still soooo sad to have to say goodbye for now. Sounds like he was ready, but as the 'child' we're never quite ready. I'm so sorry. Sending hugs to your siblings and to your mom especially. Such a sad time.
I'm late with this. But I know your dad finally received his wish to be in peace. I'm sorry and my thoughts are with you and your family.
Sorry for your dads passing. Very hard to lose a parent, at any age. With older loved ones, I always say it is just that many more years of love & memories to miss and hold near to our hearts.
I've followed you for years and if I've commented it was very infrequently. But I had to add how deeply sorry I am for your loss of your sweet Dad. I read where you said you were happy and glad but even though there is a mix of feelings when we lose our parents it's so difficult. He was blessed and so are you. May your Mother find comfort and healing. God Bless your family.
I'm so sorry. The loss of a parent is so hard. It is reassuring they are going to a better place, but gosh, we miss them here on earth. Hugs to you during this sad time and prayers of peace for your family.
I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. What a precious picture at the end of your post. Prayers for your family.
Hang on to the great memories and that shiny brite tree is a memory for me too - we had one as well. It was a "thing". ;) Hugs!
Connie, I was catching up on past posts I've missed when I saw this. I'm sorry to hear of this loss. I've enjoyed hearing about your Dad through the years. It has been easy to see what a special man and Father he was for you all. Thank you for sharing the story about his earlier illness and experience of heaven. I've heard many similar stories and the ones that experience that have no fear of death afterward. I hope your Mom is doing okay and has been able to catch up on her rest. Sending warm hugs.
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