and neither could my Dad! He went home to be with his Lord on Friday, February 6th. The sun was shining so bright that day, after many gloomy days prior. The call came to me just before 1:00 p.m. just as I was getting my lunch around. I almost didn't answer my phone, but something told me I should. I was not expecting to hear my brother-in-law on the other end, as the call came from my Dad's phone. I was told the news was not good and I immediately thought he may have fell and was taken to the hospital. But no it was much worse, my Dad was gone. It took several minutes for it to hit me, because my Dad was not ill. I was later told he had gone to lunch as he always has on Fridays with his older brother and a few others. He did not feel well, but he went. Apparently he became sick at the restaurant and they decided to turn around and get him home. He was ill on the way home as well. He was settled back into his favorite chair and small talk was made as this distant relative sat with my Dad. He became ill again and as she returned from getting something for him, he was gone!
I am told he looked so peaceful! I live too far away to have made it before he was taken away. But I know he is with my Mom now and that's how it should be!
Thursday will be a very difficult day. My parents were blessed with 19 grandchildren and to count, 37 great grandchildren. I believe most if not all of the grandchildren will attend. My family is spread far and wide, it takes time for them to gather. So sad the occasion for which this gathering is for. My father was a very religious man and his love for all of us was felt so profoundly. Our gathering together is our way of showing one last time our love for him!
My Dad would not want us to grieve but rejoice, because now he is in Heaven!
With his Lord!
I think a few of us need a little bit of time and I'm sure my Dad will be okay with that!
I love you Dad and will miss you greatly!
