It's my dad.
He lost his beloved wife of 60 years recently.He spent the last 11 years of their marriage caring for mom after her stroke. She fought, and with his help, became somewhat independent once again about 9 years ago.
But the past year was tough. Mom was hospitalized 4 times. She suffered fractures easily. Daddy was right there. Us kids took turns coming to care for them both.
And in May, we said goodbye to her.
How dad has handled his loss has been astounding.
He devoted his life to her.
He misses her.
But not a conversation goes by where he doesn't tell me how blessed they were.
How lucky he was that she said, "Yes."
That they had 6 great kids. That we had so many family beach trips with all thirty-some of us getting together.
That they had been able to travel some. To Germany. To Hawaii. To Canada. To Alaska. Each of those trips was to visit one of my siblings or travel with them.
He tells me how much God had blessed them.
I had only heard my dad cry three times in all my life. Until mom passed away. Now he cries almost every time I talk with him.
But he assures me he's okay.
Even in his deep loss, it's not all about him. He asks about me, my husband and about each of our kids.
We talk about growing up. About our life as a family. About mom.
She was special. And I'm grateful.
I know mom would want us to go on. Living. Being happy again.
Because her hope was not tied just to this earth. Her hope was in eternity. In God's love. She was at peace. And we are, too. We miss her. But one day...I'm humbled by my parents. Their deep faith has gotten them through some tough times. And now, to hear my dad express his gratefulness, even in the most difficult thing he's ever faced, is humbling. His faith in God is giving strength to those of us in the family.
He has suffered a great loss with grace. God's grace.
And for that, I am thankful and blessed.
May you see God's hand working in your life today.
My mom would be the first to tell you how good God is.....
