I've been struggling with this post for a few weeks. I thought about skipping it, and just going on with blogging about my boys. But I feel like there will be a void in my archives that maybe no one else will notice, but I will always recognize as the few weeks surrounding the loss of my Daddy.
October 12th, My Dad went to Heaven. After months of Hospice telling us we were close, the day after the Nurse told Mom that Dad was "holding his own", his heart finally gave up.
When I got the call, I honestly didn't believe it. I even called Mom back to make sure it was really over. I am a Daddy's girl. He spoiled me rotten and I am not afraid to say it. Dad worked so hard to give us a life that was great.
For the last year, we have been unsure why this "journey" had lasted so long...not knowing how many more "chapters" God had to write in Dad's book.
(Mom joked that God must have moved Dad's story to a three-ring binder!)
I do not know that we will ever have complete clarity on that, but I do know that since Dad's services, at least two people have come to Mom wanting to understand more about Jesus. If watching our family go through this year brings even just one person to come to know Jesus...that may just be the reason.
My family is going into this holiday season with heavy hearts, but also with hearts that know Dad is better. He is in Heaven with our Jesus and Happy, Healthy and full of Life.
Thank you to everyone who has lifted my family up these past couple of years. Witnessing the love of so many friends has been amazing and watching how God has used it to lift us up makes my heart smile. I have had one really "off" day in the past few weeks. Not sure how to explain it, but I was angry and sad and just down. That day, within an hour of each other, I received flowers and a plant from 2 different high school friends. Friends that I had not spoke to that week for them to know that I was hurting. Isn't God, good? He used them to bring a smile to my face...and for that I am forever grateful.
To my sweet friends who have sent Facebook Messages, flowers, cards, texts or just given me a hug...
you seriously will never know how much I appreciate you all.
3 comments:
What a sweet way to remember your daddy. Love you and still praying for healing for u and your family. Love the Garwoods!! :)
Amber, Your dad was a great friend for 34 years. I wish everyone would have a friendship that your dad and I had. We spent many hours together. He looked after me and would have done anything he could to help me. I always knew I could count on him for help. I guess we talked about everything in our lives. I know for a fact that he loved his kids very much. We shared some great times laughing and cutting up, and even getting in the dog house together. But we could have fun in the dog house too. I have a empty feeling now without him around. But God and time will heal the emptiness. Doug Stokes.
Amber -
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Your dad had to have been a great man to have raised such a sweet and caring daughter. I pray that you and your family continue to see God's blessings and that you are able to heal. Knowing Him makes it easier, though I know that it must be hard. Hugs!
Cheryl
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