It is so strange, so final. My dad is no longer here. He went to be with the Lord at 4:20 AM while I was in a plane high over the heartland rushing home to say “Good-bye.” But my daughter Emily was there, holding his hand and praying aloud the Hail Mary while he peacefully slipped away.
Janet and arrived at his bedside with my mom, my kids and my siblings. We had two blessed hours as his emaciated body grew cold. He was there, but he was not there. We hugged him and thanked him for giving us life, for being an ever faithful father and for being an example of how to live and how to die.
Some of his last whispered words to me before he went into a long sleep a few days ago were, “I believe more now than ever” while pointing up.
I’m a bit numb. I am who I am because he was who he was. I have his first Bible and the card he signed in 1953 (a year before I was born) professing his trust in Jesus Christ. It was the center of his life every day from point on. He lived the Christian life in front of me every day.
Will the reality of my loved father gone ever be real? He was the best. He’ll be missed and remembered. “Lord Jesus, greet him for me as you receive him into your presence.”
Dad’s favorite verse from the Bible: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
A picture of Dad a few weeks ago. He died in his bed in this room where he loved to watch the birds on the window feeders.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies….May the Lord grant him eternal rest.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My condolences Steve. Just remember (I can’t remember the exact passage) where Paul said he would rather die and be in heaven but was just sticking around to help everyone. I like to think about that when I think about death in general. I have to remind myself that this life is just preparation for the next life with our God.
I will pray for him, you and your family today.
I’m very sorry for your loss. May your father rest in peace.
I will be praying for him and your whole family.
I’m so very sorry.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family….. May God comfort you in during this difficult time!!
Dear Steve:
Heartfelt prayers for your father. I lost my father, my best friend, so I understand. Time helps lessen the loss – but it will always be there. That’s where our faith is such a comfort – knowing you will see him again where there will be no more tears. God bless you and your family during this sorrowful time.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. You and yours will be in my prayers.
Dear Steve, this is Jerry and Gloria Curtis from Baton Rouge. We were on your
pilgrimage to the Holy Land May 2-11. We are so sorry about the passing of your
father. You will wish him, certainly. Both Jerry and I have lost both our parents
and we just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for you
and your family. May God bless you and Janet and your family.
Love,
Jerry and Gloria
My heart is broken for you. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
Through the intersession of Mary our Sorrowful Mother, we pray for the soul of our deceased brother in Christ and ask Our father to comfort his loved ones. In Jesus name we pray.
Memory eternal, Charles Ray.
And peace to all who love you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Thank you for the sacrifice you and Janet made to be with us at the conference this weekend – we are forever grateful. Our family continues to pray, and I know all who were in Anacortes this weekend with you are holding you, your father, and your family in prayer. You stand as a beautiful witness for life, family, and love. Thank you. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Dear Steve,
God’s blessings for you and your family at this difficult time. May your dad rest in peace. He will be in our prayers.
My deepest sympathies at your loss.
God bless the Ray family!
our deepest condolances. We are so sorry——- WE too lost my mom, on 6/6/12. We had been her caregivers for years. Now she’s gone. You’re right, it’s so strange, so final. and more ——We went to Israel with you, on your fist tour.
May your fathers soul and the souls of all of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace amen
My condolences.
RIP “Dad Steve”
I will pray for you our dear Steve.
Amos from Kenya
May God be with you, Janet, and your entire family during this time.
Dear Steve,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father, may he who has died in Christ, rise in Chrst. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family at this time.
Aidan from Ireland