Today is the 1st anniversary of my father's passing from this life to the next. A few months before his death, he pulled me, my brother, and my brother-in-law aside, made some confessions, and asked, "How do I make it right with God?" It blew me away. I saw a humble and contrite heart. My response to him was, "You just did, Dad. You have exactly what He wants...a humble spirit." We prayed for him and spoke into his life. We cried. We forgave. It was a moment I will always cherish.
Several more times in the months that followed, he pulled me aside to tell me something he just wanted to get said and off his chest. I believe he "cleared his plate" before he checked out. I believe when he breathed his last breath, he was clean and right with the Lord.
The moment he died, he was surrounded by my mother cradling his head, and me and my 2 brothers and three sisters touching him. We prayed him into glory. He died with a smile on his face and the most peaceful look I have ever seen. I know he is at rest.
It was an honor to do his eulogy. His life was so full and rich, and there was plenty to remember, plenty to speak of. Because he had one of the best senses of humor I have ever known someone to have, it was easy to joke and tell funny stories about him. I know he would have been proud to hear all the funny stories, and might have thrown in a few of his own. I wish he was still here to tell me stories. There was so much he didn't finish sharing that I wish I could have heard.
For such a little guy physically, he sure was a giant mentally, spiritually and morally. He loved my mother to his last breath. He not only told me, he showed it. He taught me about women (what he could) and was always a good example for me. We cleaned his closets after he died. There were no skeletons. He was a man of integrity. I struggle sometimes trying to fill those shoes, but I know if he was here, he would tell me I had my own shoes to fill. I cherish the times I heard him tell me that he was proud of me.
I miss him a lot, but I am comforted with the fact that one day I will see him again. He was, and always will be my father. I am proud to be his son.
3 comments:
Hi Pauly...Loved the blog today. I miss Dad terribly. I try to keep thinking of all the good, funny, and crazy times we had with him. He hated being sick and all the nurses that took care of him couldn't believe he was dying. He was an inspiration to everyone. I love you!--Margie
What a beautiful post. God bless you and your family..
~Peace~
Wow, Paul. That`s a really great story to relate. Its funny how last moments are so important, no matter what passed before. You`re a lucky guy to have that memory forever. My father died when I was 15 and the circumstances weren`t nearly as closed and definitive. Great blog, by the way, and thanks for the comment on my blog!
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