It was early Monday evening, the eleventh day of May
When Jesus came, and called his name, dear Daddy passed away.
No one heard those footsteps of the angels drawing near,
When God sent them to carry home the one we loved so dear.
We gathered round his bedside, singing the songs he loved,
Echoing those angel voices that were singing from above.
Whispering “Come home, dear one, your life on earth is complete,
Enter into the joy of the Lord, in perfect rapture, sweet.”
“Dear family, I love you all, it’s hard to say goodbye,
But God knows best, trust and believe, He has a perfect reason why.”
“You must go on without me, you have your work to do.
Though God called me away, He’s not yet finished with you.”
How can we take such heartache? Our strong daddy now is gone.
Only by the grace of God can we say, “Thy will be done”.
Dear Lord, we trust this is your will. Our loss is his rich gain.
And so we hope in heaven’s glory, we’ll live with Dad again.
‘Twas only two short years before, with little warning or clues,
We heard dear Dad had cancer, oh, what awful, shocking news!
The doctors did their very best, “Three months to live,” they said.
But God showed man has no control, when he granted two years instead.
All this time, Dad battled hard. He never gave up, but tried his might.
We did all we could, and not in vain. He gained sweet victory in the fight.
Precious memories linger in us, your presence seems so near.
We picture the smile on your face, your words so plainly we still hear:
My stay on earth was short, for reasons you don’t know.
I’m sure it’s hard for you to understand.
But look family and friends, I’m now a healthy man.
God answered prayer, and healed me with His hand.
The love that you gave me, while I was in your care,
Meant more to me than you will ever know.
You did all you could do to keep me on this earth,
But Jesus thought it best to call me home.
I loved to hear your voice, when you gently called my name.
I learned to know and love your tender touch.
And the last thing I recall was you singing me to sleep.
Then waking up in the arms of God.
So family and friends, I am waiting for you to join me, when you come.
But until then, I’ll be resting, sweetly resting in Jesus’ arms.
This memorandum was written after the most tragic event of my whole life, losing my dad and best friend.
Today marks nine years since I sat at my Dad’s bedside as he drew his final breath.
Surrounded by people who love me, today I celebrated this life well lived.
Reflecting on bygone years and reliving memories of my dad is therapeutic for grieving that loss my heart still aches from even after all these years.
Dad, I miss you. I love you.
P. S. I know most of my friends have never known my dad, but if you knew him, and you are reading this blog, please comment a memory that you have of him, or share whether/how your life has been impacted by his. I would be most grateful for any memories shared.
Thank you!!
