Two days ago, Dad died from an aneurism in the middle of the night. It was fast, he died quickly.
Only a couple weeks ago we celebrated Christmas at our house in Oro Station. Dad came, feeling good. It was positive and cheerful.
Now he's gone. I've been trying to put into words how I feel, knowing Dad (and Mom) have passed away. He was 87, so every time I saw him, I kinda thought, "this could be the last time". We talked a lot recently about death, wills and estates, memories, burials, looking at his childhood photo album and talking about the best memories at our cottage. So, while I knew that anytime could be "the time", the feel now is a bit like - he left without saying goodbye. He just left.
I went to the hospital to see him after his passing. My brother went in the ER first and came out a bit freaked. "He looks like a dead man. His mouth is open and he's pale." He cautioned me and I worried that this last visit might really mess me up, but I felt compelled to go in. I stroked the bottom of his foot for a few moments. I couldn't get any closer and I couldn't look at his face - it was a bit freaky. I spoke a word of son-to-dad thanks, and left.
I'm glad I went in to see his body. It makes his passing real. I know he's moved on. He's not coming back. (As he wasn't a Christian, only God knows where he is.)
Dad (and Mom) were supportive of everything I did. They backed me in my pursuit of radio, moving from town to town. It was hard for us all when Janice and I moved to Nashville but soon we were back, and in Barrie, where God had something very big planned for me. Even as far back as 1979, when Janice moved to Kingston where I was working, they gave their blessing, although reluctantly. (We were married two years later.)
Here are some memories.
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| Christmas 1995 at home in Toronto. L-R Mom, Dad, Janice Shirley (back), Crystal (front), Me and Brett. |
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| Dad and me at The Waterford. I beat him at pool, maybe twice. Granted I am a poor player, he was pretty good with the cue stick even behind his back! |
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| 50th Anniversary in Barrie. |
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| May 1995 - Dad's birthday in Toronto at the house I grew up in. |
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| May 1981 - Dad's birthday. (L-R Mom, in mirror my aunt Shirley and my Grama Baird (Dad's mom), and my Dad. |
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| Mom and Dad - 25th Anniversary, at the cottage. |
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| 1981 - my Mom and Dad's favourite place - our cottage in Hastings Ontario on the Trent River. |
Such a difficult time. I do pray for the Lord to comfort you and your family. The one thing I wanted to share was that no one knows what happened in your Dad's last moments. I'm sure the things you've said and shared would have come back to him, as well as all the other testimonies he would have heard/read throughout his life. The thief on the cross made it into Paradise with his "last minutes" confession and change of heart. It is very possible for him to have had a change of heart once he saw it was actually the end. May the Lord bless you and keep you and give you His peace.
ReplyDeleteScott & family Laura Par here ...... What a wonderful collection of memories ! the pictures & Stories are awesome ! As a proffesional caregiver i can tell you this .... I believe that our loved ones know when it is their time and that's why you hear of many stories where people have been by their loved ones side for days , weeks, months or years and then they drive home and they have passed hmm more common than not .... I always say nothing is a coincidence it's a God incidence ....how awesome to know that your dad had it "all figured out "I once heard the saying most people don't plan to fail they fail to plan .... your dad had a plan he sounded like he had his wishes in order how awesome is that !!! regardless of your dads beliefs i have been with clients that have called upon the Lord in the 11th hour so never say never xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteYour father supported you, you are your ministry and yes you guys(your family & staff are world changers ! Remember in life there will always be would haves, should haves,could haves we long for one more day one more minute I have been with clients that have longed to see their children and they never came .... hold onto the memories of wonderful parents xoxoxo You were So courageous to see your father been there done that with my ministry it is never easy however it is the realization that you can now celebrate what a wonderful man whom brought you into this world it is honoring in more ways than one xoxo You & your family are such a blessing xoxoxoxoxo you mentioned how your parents loved your family cottage at the lake and look at your wonderful home on the lake !Your dad was a smart man he had it all "figured out " A memory tree would be a wonderful idea on your property ! For your family your children & your childrens children as they grow so will your memory tree deep rooted in love Blessings to you all with comfort & Love xoxoxoxoxoxo