The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.
Job 1:21b
Daddy has gone home.
He fought the good fight.
He is at peace.
At 10 pm on September 20 I gave daddy the meds to keep him comfortable. It had been a rough day as his breathing had gotten louder due to the fluids building up in his lungs. I gave him a kiss goodnight and told him I loved him. I told him that I was so glad that God had given him to me as my daddy, that he was the best dad. I also told him that he was doing a great job and that I was proud of him. I headed to bed but I couldn't fall asleep. Around 11:30 I heard mom get up; she was sleeping in the same room as dad. I got up and headed in. She saw me coming and told me that she thought he was gone. He was quiet and it had woken her up. I felt him and he was still warm but his chest wasn't moving and we couldn't find a pulse. Tears started but there was peace. Daddy was no longer in pain and he is with Jesus. We talked to daddy, cried, gave him more kisses. I'm very glad that mom and I had that time with him. Joey, his dog didn't want to get on the bed with him but looked at him from the other bed. Poe, my parent's cat jumped up on the bed and settled on his chest. She laid her head on his hand and curled into it and kept moving her head so he was petting her. She got her time with him to say goodbye.
We called hospice and a nurse came. She got here pretty quickly. We were pretty happy that it was the nurse that first came when Dad came home. She is wonderful and I'm so thankful for her support. Everyone with hospice was amazing; from our aid to the other nurses, they treated dad with compassion, kindness and kept his dignity.
Mom told me that after I gave dad his meds she told him that she loved him, was proud of him, and that he was a good a faithful servant. She reassured him that we would be fine and that it was ok for him to go home. As she got into bed she said "I love you hun."
Dad went home in God's time. While there were tears there was also peace. In addition to the peace there was joy. One of the first things I said was "He's home! He's not in pain anymore!" It's been surreal. I can't explain the sorrow, joy and peace I have all at one time. I can say that it is truly well with my soul.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not
give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and
do not be afraid.
John 14:27
I praise the Lord that your daddy is at home with our Father, praising Him and no longer in pain. I am also so sorry for your pain and loss. However, I'm grateful that you and your mom have the promise of being with your dad again one day. My prayers are with your family.
ReplyDeleteWith you in spirit and in prayer... I grieve with you and will rejoice with you as well. He has fought the good fight and will now reap those rewards. May the God of all comfort continue to bless you and your family with great peace. Love you -- Tammy and Dave Schutt
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss..but happy for Heaven's gain! What a wonderful testimony you have given, not only about your Dad, but about God's goodness.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you and your Mom.
Blessings,
Shirley
I am so sorry for your loss. I love that you feel so much comfort now though knowing he is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Always know your daddy is there when you need him.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I'm continually amazed by your strength and grace through this amazingly difficult time. I'm glad your dad is st peace although my heart breaks that you had to endure this. Again, I'm so sorry. :(
ReplyDeleteGod looked around his Garden and found an empty place.
ReplyDeleteHe then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.
And knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw your path was difficult, he closed you tired eyes,
He whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,
We would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.
You've left us precious memories, your love will be our guide,
You live on through your children, you're always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you on the day God called you home.
My deepest condolences, PK.
Love you Shanna... Thank you for sharing these intimate moments and for writing them down for yourself. I will see you soon.
ReplyDeleteShanna - Thank you for your heart-thoughts through this journey. Your dad was given a great gift to spend these last days with you and your mom at home. My love and prayers are with you now. His comfort will strengthen and uphold you.
ReplyDeleteWith love,
Karen
I am so sorry for your loss, but so happy that your dad is in a better place. Your faith is keeping you strong, and I am truly inspired by that.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your family! You are in our thoughts and prayers. What a comfort, to know that your dad has truly gone HOME, and is celebrating with Jesus- and that we will join him someday as well. Love K.L.
ReplyDeleteTo say I understand is true yet not, because your relationship with your dad was unique and you will grieve his passing in whatever way is right for you! Isn't it an awesome thought that your dad is with Jesus RIGHT NOW!!?? Believe me, there will be times that that will be the only thing that will comfort you, but it's okay because that is more than enough! Your dad was a great guy, a great husband and a great father, but he was also a great Christian man who loved his Savior and was always willing to share his faith. I'm sure that as God welcomed him home, He said, "Well done, thou good a faithful servant."
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this, but I am happy for your family that your dad's suffering is over. And that you and your mom were able to say goodbye. Death is never easy, but knowing he is in a better place free of peace is comforting to know. I'll pray for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your Dad. I'm so glad you and your Mom were able to spend this precious time with him. Keeping you and your family in our prayers!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for you loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteMay his memory be a blessing to all who loved him. You and your family are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for you and your family. I am glad you had those moments with him and were able to be there for your family, what a blessing indeed.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. While there is peace, there's also sorrow. And sometimes it's hard to find a balance. Let me know if you need anything.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss, but glad you were there with him these last few days and that he's at peace. My prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad you and your mom are at peace in knowing he is home. I'm here for you and yours if you need me.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss, but rejoice with you that he is now in his Savior's loving arms. God will bless his people with peace.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers.
My heart and thoughts are with you and your family during this time. xo
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your loss. Your father is at peace now. You will be in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear of your loss but I rejoice with you that he is at peace in heaven with Christ. No more pain. Healthy and happy. You will see him again. I pray for your continued comfort as well as for your family and friends. What a beautiful way to say goodbye.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had more to give you than just my words, but please find comfort in knowing that I (and many others) are praying for you... for God's comfort, peace and love to surround you and strengthen you during this time.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear, but I'm so glad he's not sick anymore, and so glad you and your mom were able to be with him and give him so much comfort and love. I'll be praying for you guys.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteYour faith and devotion are a testmony of your upbringing by your daddy who loved you, your mom, and Jesus! Blessings to you and your Mom!
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss! I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI am so so sorry for your loss, he's a better place now, free of pain..
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got to spend time with him on the last few days. *hugs*
I'm SO sorry for your loss. I'm so happy that your faith and your family has given you the strength to get through this now and in the future :). I'm also so happy that you did get those years with him--having him there as you grew up and him walking you down the aisle. I know that must've meant a lot to you. Also, as a nurse I'm glad hospice was involved and you had a good experience with them. I worked with some hospice nurses in school and they were incredible.
ReplyDeletePlease let me know if you need anything. I know there's not much I can say that will help (but you sure have found lots in the Bible that has helped...and I'm so thankful for that, that you've found some comfort) but you know I'm here, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. *hugs*
Prayers for comfort and a sense of calm for you and your mother now. Praise God that your Dad has entered the kingdom of Heaven, and is with his Heavenly Father!
ReplyDeleteBless your whole family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your Daddy is home now.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for you loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for you, you and your family are in my thoughts.
ReplyDelete