Four years ago today, I was in my father’s hospital room knowing soon, he would be taking his last breath and waking up in heaven. Watching, waiting, hoping for more time for my reality to be my dad is still with me...
I spent the night that July 4th and watched out the window with mom as the fireworks celebration began. Though dad did not fully comprehend everything, it did not stop us from using every adjective we knew to describe to him this spectacular view; the celebration of independence for our nation!
Looking back to that night, I realize there was an adjective I missed…
As the night went on, my precious mom finally closed her eyes to a much needed rest. So, I stayed up at dad's bedside keeping my eyes wide open, allowing my mind to capture new snapshots of this man I admired and loved. He has always been in my heart and a treasured photo in my home, but, soon, the touch would end; soon the last breath would arrive. I realized nothing tired me as I cherished those moments.
Every now and then he would seem frustrated and very fidgety with a fear in his eyes… “It’s okay, dad. I’m right here.” Stroking his head seemed to ease him. But, what brought the greatest calm was God’s word---as it always did. So, the very last scripture I quoted him was the 23rd Psalm.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I thought I had missed the adjective, but it just wasn't time for it's use nor to describe the decorations in the sky. Then morning came when dad took his last breath here on earth, and with his eyes wide open stepped into an eternal view that I'm sure would be described as breath-taking.
My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I thought I had missed the adjective, but it just wasn't time for it's use nor to describe the decorations in the sky. Then morning came when dad took his last breath here on earth, and with his eyes wide open stepped into an eternal view that I'm sure would be described as breath-taking.
He now celebrates freedom on the unending road of happy!
For those who are a part of the Shepherd's flock, I pray the 23rd Psalm will give you a calm and assurance He has never left your side. Those of you who want to know Jesus Christ as your Savior and your Shepherd, repent of your sins and receive His grace. No sin is too great that the blood of the sacrificial lamb can't wash away.
Thank you, soldiers, for the freedom to sit at my father's bedside quoting scripture. Thank you, God, for the freedom in You through the blood of Jesus Christ!
Thank you, soldiers, for the freedom to sit at my father's bedside quoting scripture. Thank you, God, for the freedom in You through the blood of Jesus Christ!
HAPPY JULY 4th! HAPPY FOREVER!
My loves, my heart, my treasures; my parents.
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