A time to be born, and a time to die; Eccl 3:2
I got a call earlier this week from my stepmom; dad was in the hospital and wanted to say something to me.
She handed him the phone and through his labored breathing I could hear, “I love you… I love you… I love you.”
He wasn’t doing very well at all.
After I got off the phone I began to think about things.
Our relationship had been strained over the years and we’d grown distant; still, he is my dad.
He was there the day I came into this world.
I am who I am because of him and perhaps in spite of him.
My life, my relationship with my wife and daughters is strengthened because of the lack of relationship I had with dad.
I remember crying my eyes out over the divorce and became determined to never have my children go through this same feeling.
Nevertheless, he is my dad.
When the call came that it was very critical, I drove the 2-hours to the hospital.
They say that the hearing is the last thing a person loses, so I spent some time talking to him.
Within another 2 hours, he breathed his last; in an instant, a moment, he was gone.
I rejoice in the fact that dad professed a relationship with our Savior.
Dad, you were there when I came into this world; I was there when you left.
I’ll catch up with you later!
Morning Thought with Pastor Tim 
VERY GOOD ,our prayers are with you .
LikeLike
I am so thankful that you were there when he passed–its a very sad time..Praying for you and Linda today as always..We love you both very much..
LikeLike
Very profound and beautifully stated!! Love you. BTW who ministers to the minister?
LikeLike
My dad was in my arms, he regained comsciousness, and spoke to me with his eyes. He had tubes everywhere. I spoke to him about Jesus waiting on the other side with His arms open wide. The bigest tears fell from dads eyes. I knew he was remimbering acts from the past. I assured him that Jesus loves him. Dad closed his eyes. I’ll know for sure, when I too, stand in the presence of our Lord. Jesus has given me peace.
LikeLike
We are happy for you about the peace that Jesus has given to you and that you are doing good. Our hopes too are that we will see our dads when we stand in the presence of Jesus! Have a blessed day!
LikeLike
I close my eyes and visualize three Swanson daughters and five Swanson sons reunited with their mother and father. I see Victoria with her faithful Bible. Romanticizing? Yep! This morning, I reached for the last journal in which our beloved Victoria wrote daily. The year – 1979, her scripture entry on May 12 of that year was: First Letter to Timothy: Chapter 5: 1,2 – Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as if he were your father. Treat the younger men as your brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with all purity. She then noted “family responsibility” next to it. The enrty continued with “Thank you God for a cool and dry day – 60 degrees. Had a nice day, Helen & Otis came to visit a short while, brought me a picture album with photos taken of Tim & Linda for Mother’s Day.” Her written words have aged thirty-two years, yet remain an impact of simple words, simple actions and abundant love. Her legacy and Christian wisdom carries me, you and all blessed to have known her onward. Your loving heartfelt tribute to your Dad is priceless. How proud I am of you. Victoria is beaming! Lovingly, Rita
LikeLike