2019 ACFW Carol Award WinnerAll week they’d said he could go at any moment. There wasn’t much time left. He would be taking his last breath… soon.
But my incredibly intellectual, stubborn, always-in-control father held on. I wasn’t sure I would make it in time to see him, but I did. I wasn’t sure my son–Dad’s first grandchild–would get to see him, but he did. And then… on a Sunday… the day of the week that for five decades Dad had faithfully taught the Word, he took his last breath.
Mom had a feeling he would do that. Wait for a Sunday. 🙂 And he did.
A month ago today, we had a celebration of life service for my father. Mom asked all of us kids to share during the service–one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. But it was beautiful. Full of tears, yes, but also full of joy.
People keep asking me how I’m doing. My honest response is that I’m thrilled for Dad because I KNOW where he is. I know he’s no longer suffering. I know dementia can no longer lay claim to him. The other side of being thrilled for Dad is that grief is a BEAST. It’s so much harder than I imagined losing a parent. Thankfully, I have my amazing husband. He and God are my Rocks. My mom, brother, and sister, are all a beautiful support system as we journey together down this road. I’m so grateful for my family.
For now, I’m slowly getting back to social media. Diving back into my real world which ironically enough is fiction. 🙂
God is good. One day at a time.
Keep on keepin’ on my friends.
Comments 21
GOD is right there with you. I am sending prayers for comfort.
Thanks for sharing, Kimberley. I appreciate your story. We lost our sister and then our mom a few years back. Now our dad is in his last days due to cancer.
Family-of-origin losses are significant. Grief takes time to process each loss. Writing about it helps, praying about it, and talking about can help, too.
If you need help going forward on this grief journey, may I suggest GriefShare? This program has helped me on my journey. So much so that I’m now a facilitator.
Anyway, praying for you and your family during this time. Jesus is there with you.
I know you’re missing fellowship on earth with your dad, Kimberley! Praise the Lord he is fully healed in the presence of Jesus his Savior. I pray your sorrow will quickly turn to joy as you reflect on what a blessing and wonderful example of a godly person he was in your life:)
Terra Calhoon
I am glad that you made it to your Dad’s bedside before he died. When my Mom was rushed to the ER in a hospital over two hours from my home, my husband and I made the trip as soon as we got the call from one sister. We arrives a few minutes after she died so didn’t get to say goodbye. Even though I knew she was in Heaven and no longer suffering, the guilt of not arriving before her death bothered me. One brother was the same because he had about the same distance I had to drive and arrived shorter after I did. It has been 27 years but I still remember that. You and your family are in my prayers in your time of grief but glad you have a strong support system.
So very sorry. Our prayers are with you and your family! Looking forward to seeing those faithful loved ones and friends in Heaven. That’s our hope all because if Jesus. Saying goodbye is so hard but there’s a reunion ahead.
I agree, grief is a beast! But God is greater than the beast and can carry us through it!!
Losing our parents is one of the most difficult things we go through. I still miss mine after 22 years.
May God give you peace and hold you in the sad moments that will come.
Continuing to pray for you Kim and each family member
Jane Bowdle
Huntsville
I’m so happy that I was also able to be with both of my parents during their final time in earth. I pray for you and your family during these early stages of grieving and I trust you’ll find great comfort in knowing where your Daddy is!
Oh my condolences! Losing a loved one is the hardest thing we have to endure in our lives. I have lost so many – my mother, father, two of my best friends, and the hardest of all my dear husband. It never gets any easier, but Jesus will see us through. He stood by me with each and every one, and still holds me up today. And yes knowing they are waiting for you in heaven is the most comforting thought! You will see your dear father again, whole and happy waiting for you with open arms. Hold on to that. Many blessings.
Dear Kimberly,
May the good memories you have of your dear Dad give you comfort.
You will miss your Dad forever, he will always be in your heart.
My deepest sympathies, Kimberley. Losing a parent is hard. Thank God for heaven and for His comfort. I’ll keep you and your family in prayer.
Praise God that you know where your father will be spending eternity. My mother died many years ago of the same illness but I know I will see her soon. I don’t know how people can live without God and not knowing or thinking where they will spend eternity.
Prayers and love to you and your family.
Michael Persons
Bluffton
Sending you great big hugs. I’m glad you got those special last moments, they will help you through the tough ones ahead.
May you truly feel GODs loving comforting arms about you as memories sneek up on you at the most unexpected times.
💘 love you
I know exactly how you feel, my dear. The loss of my parents has been like walking through a fog this past year and half. Much love and prayers. Big hugs.
Hey Kim,
I have been praying for you all in the loss of Garry!! He was a special man to my family; this you know!
I second the mention of GriefShare as I am now a co-facilitator for this at my church and wish I had been able to do it soon after Dr. Jack died. There was so much to do afterward in selling his practice, learning my new job there, wedding showers and festivities for Grace and continuing to oversee my mother’s care that I truly did not have the time. When loss #3 (a friend) after Jack’s & Mom’s deaths I intended on going to go to GriefShare but Covid hit a month later. Now I see it is so Biblically based and helpful that I recommend it to anyone who has lost through death a loved one. I wish I could have gone earlier. Please let your family know about it!
Much Love,
Kelley
I am so sorry about your father. You are so right. One day at a time. Starting that day out with God in prayer. I have lost both my parents and I know they are both in Heaven, with no pain and waiting for the rest of the family. God is our rock and our foundation. Be sure to keep your family and friends in your circle. And dont let pride stop you from talking to them when you need it, weather crying or just talking. It is healthy to cry and let your emotions out.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I lost my Daddy in 2004. Daddy had received several miracles from God and I really thought we would be blessed again. But Daddy was sick and tired, so very tired so God called him home. I was lucky because I had Mom almost ten years longer. But Mom suffered from dementia. She would forget that Daddy had died and she was sad so much of the time due to her not knowing if she was still back home on the family farm, taking the little ones to school. I understand and I miss my Daddy and Momma every day. But I wouldn’t bring either one of them back. They are healed and with our Savior. Hugs to you!
God is our might and strong tower. I am so sorry for your loss. I feel your pain as I lost my close dad on Jan. 9. Both of my parents are with Jesus now. And that is my comfort. I have no children or husband. Just my strong and steady Friend. Keep on runing the race and being a light for Christ through your work. And we will meet in heaven one day. Much love my friend.
So sorry Kimberley and praying you can carry on like he would want you to. You are so right that grief is a beast. It’s one of the hardest things to go through. I lost my daddy 10 years ago this month. I still have my mother. Then almost 19 months ago I lost my husband to cancer that he fought almost 11 years. I miss my daddy very much but he didn’t live with me for almost 45 years like my husband did and I am really finding it hard to do without him. There are so many things my husband did around the house and in the house and I also miss that. He had retired and was with me 24-7 and I can not even get used to the idea that he will never be here anymore. I’m very grieved even now and I wonder if it ever gets better. I know with God’s help I’ve got to carry on.
Praying for peace and comfort in your loss. Although I lost my mother many years ago, I am blessed to still have my dad, who is 92 and remarkably, still in good health! I can’t imagine my life without him.
Continue prayers for you. And for God’s love to embrace your family in this time.