Today is a day of remembering. If my dad had not left this life on October 1st, he would be celebrating his 87th birthday today. I suppose that in Heaven, where time is no longer relevant, such things are not important. But I just wonder if there isn't some kind of acknowledgment of it. Like, maybe he and his mother and dad were remembering that happy day 87 years ago. Who knows?
Here are some pictures I took the past four years. First of all, his 83rd. Mary Ellen and I went to my parents' house for supper and then played Dominoes, his absolutely favorite game. I was never quick enough to compete with him!
On his 84th my parents, Mary Ellen, and Doris's family came to my house. We had cake and ice cream together, then sang around the piano, his very favorite thing to do.
On his 85th all of the PA adults of our family got together at my parents' house for a meal. I love the picture of him and Elvin in the sun room. It helps me to remember happier times.
On his 86th we local ones went to my parents' house for the evening. I think that every year we privately wondered if it would be his last birthday because of his congestive heart failure. Praise the Lord that a year ago today we could be together laughing and having a great time, totally sheltered from the knowledge of what we would experience in the coming year.
I miss him so much. He was such a source of strength to me. I know he prayed for me every day. At his funeral my stepbrother Lester said that he had found my dad's prayer journal. He said, "I want each of you children and grandchildren to know that you were prayed for every day by name." He also emailed our entire family every Monday from the time we got him a computer (2001, I think) until a month-and-a-half before he passed away.
Needless to say, the one who misses him the most intensely is my precious step mother. They were so in love with each other and had the most beautiful relationship. Say a prayer for her when you read this post. She's an amazing lady, full of life and humor and spunk, but she spends many hours alone in a house full of memories. She's getting back to quilting again, a craft she thoroughly enjoys. Here's the one she was working on last year when we were there for Dad's birthday.
7 comments:
I certainly will pray for your step mother. It must be so hard for her there in that house full of memories. My heart just hurts for her.
I'll pray for your step-mom and all of you too. These special days bring back memories that are joyous but hurt at the same time.
I have to say that I'm looking forward to meeting your dad in heaven!
Thank you, Jeanie, for your nice tribute to Dad. I had to think of him a lot today. I sure miss him and his prayers for me, and his good bass voice and laughter. I wished to visit with Mary this evening, but that was not possible with this evening's snow storm. Was interesting to see the picture from 2006 - I had that sweater top on today.
What wonderful memories you must have of your very special father! But what comfort it must bring to know that he is HOME. What absolute joy he must be experiencing. I will include your sweet step mom in my prayers.
Hugs!
Kat
Thank you so much, Jeanie. It feels like I missed out on so much, but the pictures help.
Jean, I love that picture of him sitting back in the chair around the piano. He looks so comfortable and at home. I'm so thankful that you know where your Dad is today. And, I'll just bet they have something special for their birthdays there...maybe...ANGEL FOOD CAKE!
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