Dad & Mom a Few Years Ago
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
My mother called just a little while ago. My dad was taken to the ER yesterday. This is the end. He cannot rebound yet one more time. He is calmly sleeping now while the destroyer within his body does it’s work. Drugs will offer mercy to him until he passes from this life. He is asleep, never to awaken.
I feel like I will write more about this as time goes by … for now I would like for you to say a prayer for my family. This is our second time to be visited by death this year. The first was sudden and fierce, this time was slow and dreadful. Always there is a sting…a temporary victory … a strand of hope.
Harold has been my stepdad for over two decades. He has loved and been good to my brother and I. He has been a good husband to my mother. I love him. His daughters are hurting… they are precious.
On another note, I’ve been having flashes of Halloween with John Robert. Of course it’s been a long time since he was a little tyke. I can remember going door to door … and also to see various church members at their homes. Like all kids, he loved Halloween. Last week was his birthday. I don’t know if I mentioned it or not…but the Jackson County Fair always happened during his birthday. So he almost always got money for tickets to the rides, which he loved. He enjoyed the fair – especially the last few years. But when he was a little kid we let him ride this little dragon roller coaster thing. It was made for kids, but he didn’t think so. I think he only rode it once. I wish I had a picture of his face. Terror! This was a time of year that John Robert enjoyed.
Last time I was at my mom and dad’s, my dad cried at the table because he missed John Robert so much. So do we. I’m sorry my dad had to endure the loss of his grandson before he left this earth. But I have hopes that he will see John Robert soon…before I do if everything follows its natural course. He told me that he hopes that John Robert and he can go fishing together in heaven. I hope so too.
I appreciate your prayers.
Praying for you, Bro.
Through the storms of this life
how comforting to know the peace that
heaven will bring…
and to think that two of your loved ones
will share that rich reward
must bring a certain hope for your future!
My love and prayers to you and Maggy. Once again you are ministering to others who are hurting tonight, by sharing your own pain. I know this is not a ministry you would have ever chosen, but GOD works powerfully through you. Your life glorifies the Father.
I love you, buddy. Prayers for all of your family!
You and your family are in our prayers daily.
We love and miss you.
Our prayers are with you and family. It’s been a hard year for you and the family. We see the Lord working in your life as always.
I’m sorry John. You and Maggie continually remain in my prayers. I love you, brother.
Sending a prayer for your family.
My heart hurts for your family.
John,
Praying for you, Maggy and the rest of your family.
Love,
Linda
God bless you in this time of sorrow and pain. My heart goes out to you and your family.
God bless.
“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.”
God, hold this family in strong and loving embrace.
Love from the Jarretts
I’m sorry for all of your pain! I’m thankful for the God of all comfort!
Love,
Tim, Kristin and the girls
in our thoughts and prayers!
huggs
John
Prayers for you and your family. When I got your twitter this morning, I thought about JR greeting his grandpa and how happy they were to see each other. Love you all.
Viv
Praying for you and your family. I’m so sorry!
What a year for you and your family! I’m saddened by this news and will be praying for your family and that the final breath is a gift from God.
Oh John.The anguish doesn’t end.Your father is now in Heaven and I’m sure he and John Robert are at the Fishing Hole in Heaven.
I love you and Maggy, John. I will keep praying for you. I don’t know what else to say.
I read the latest post first, but this one still made me cry and smile. Much love brings much pain…but will again bring much joy.
Carol and I are mourning with you. May God’s peace envelop you and your family druing these hours and days.
Royce