My Dad

Hi everyone,
Just wanted you to know that my dad passed away yesterday about 8:15 am. He slipped away without pain at the age of 87. The past several years have been difficult for him, both knees replaced, the same right hip replaced 4 times, a story in itself. The gradual dementia and Alzheimer's actually was a blessing because he could no longer remember his past, thereby removing the sting of incapacitation. A stroke June 10 of this year sealed the inevitable.

Like all of life if we dwell on the bad it will fester and bitterness will be the fruit. If we think on good things we will remain in peace. My Dad, though not Godly was a good man. He loved my mom, faithful to his wedding vows, a good example of fidelity to his family (5 boys and 1 girl) in this era of broken promises. He took pleasure in simple things, holidays with us, his family, football games, boating, parades and later in life his grand kids and great grand kids. He always loved to laugh, and was an artist at bathroom humor.

Early in my Christian life 40 years ago he and I had a conversation about God. He said he believed but I never saw fruit. When I finally was converted about 1982, he and I had another talk, this time I lead him in the sinners prayer, hoping with all my heart that he would enjoy the peace that God alone gives, yet again no fruit. I prayed for years until finally I received a word from God that me and my household would be saved. I still prayed but took comfort in hearing a promise that, while not written as a promise, God being no respecter of persons, what He did for one He would do for another.

Most recently after his first stroke, my brother Toms' daughter, Andrea, lead him in the sinners prayer again. I never saw a miracle, though God showed Himself faithful time and time again. Through out dad's entire ordeal he hardly ever complained of pain. About a month or two ago, my dad became fixated on having a talk with his family about God. He was so distressed that he called my sister Sue to talk about how he had not fulfilled his duty as the older to direct us about God. His entire life he never had any input about God other than sending us to a catholic school at my moms' insistence,though he never winced once at the cost. Sue set up a time for all of his family to meet but he could no longer remember his intention. But God does.

To who much is given much is required. My dad never received much of all that God is. He could not stop himself from using the name of the Lord in vain, though he did have a deep respect and reverence. I receive that "random thought" as a sign to something going on in his heart. Something between him and God never expressed to me. His failing mental capacities has kept him from using the Lords' name and racial slurs. Two things, on the not much given scale, that mean allot to me. I thank God for all who lifted up my Dad to God. Sarah, my oldest daughter just told me that she lifted her grandfather, by name, every day. While I suspect that many did, you never know until they speak. Thank you all for your love and compassion. All things work together for good to them that love God and are called to His purpose. I thank God for my dad being an example of faithfulness to my mom as Jesus was to the church.

Love, Joy, Peace and the Holy Ghost to you all!
Dave