Thursday, April 10, 2008

Sadness and Celebration


It is a very sad day as my father went to be with the Lord early yesterday morning. His condition had worsened last week but the end came more quickly than anyone thought it would. He passed quietly in his sleep. Though my heart is very heavy and our family is grieving, I can just imagine the scene as Daddy opened his eyes in Heaven to see his Savior and my mother waiting for him with open arms and a smile. I know his father (who passed away when my father was in his teens) and his mother were there to greet him as well. His older sister was eight years old when Daddy was born and she "mothered" him all her life. She passed away last summer and I know she was waiting to welcome her "baby brother." Our sadness is balanced with the celebration of a long life, well-lived, and the assurance of life eternal. My younger daughter requested the hymn "Victory in Jesus" for the funeral and we asked the pastor to make that the theme of his message. Our prayer is that someone who hears will find that same victory in their life.

















4 comments:

Lindah said...

Karen, my heart goes out to you. Although we know the parting is temporary, the pain of parting is real. God bless you and hold you close to his heart of love.

Kristie said...

Reading this just brings tears to my eyes. Tears of sadness and of joy. I know it is heartbreaking to loose someone so dear but it is a true joy to know that they are much happier and suffering no more, only knowing pure peace and joy. My prayer are with you and your family trying to make it through these difficult times. Just know that we are here for you if you need to talk about it.
Love and Hugs
Kristie

Unknown said...

Karen, I'm so sorry for the very real pain that you are now feeling. My prayer is that God will draw you close and wrap His loving arms around you and give you comfort and peace, and the strength that's needed for each day.
(((Hugs)))

CONNIE W said...

I send you my sympathy. Today is my dad's 82nd birthday and our family all went to eat lunch together to celebrate. Reading your post this afternoon reminds me how lucky I am to still have my parents around. I feel sadness for you, and I hope that you are blessed with peace through the grief.