Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Change of address


Many of you know that my dad died unexpectedly last Monday, just like he wanted-- quickly and peacefully. I don't really have words yet to write about it but I wanted you to read the blog by my dear friend and pastor, Heather Bean. Just click on Keeping It Real with Heather Bean in my blog list. The post is called The Circle of Life and touched me deeply. It gives a different perspective on the passing, or "changing of address" as one friend wrote me, of a loved one. My dad got to his destination and we can celebrate that. We celebrated his life and what he taught us and realized how very much he meant to each of us. Life does go on, but it will be different now. I know that God's grace is sufficient for every day and we lean on Him. Thank you for your cards and prayers and many kind messages. God bless you each.



This photo says a lot about him. He always wore a red hat--felt or straw--and people could seeing him coming and know exactly who it was. He was a cotton farmer and some of my family went out in our field and picked the cotton bolls to add to the "Yellow Roses of Texas" arrangement. The little smiley face hidden in the arrangement was another of his trademarks. When he retired from farming and growing Christmas trees (in West Texas), he kept busy using old plow parts to make smiley faces. That's another story. For now, his work is done. He leaves a big hole in our hearts and lives, but his love for us overshadows that sorrow.