Last night I was almost finished with the post explaining Rachel’s mysterious mass about the same time the Florida Gators were schooling Ohio State in the subtleties of playing football, when I got the call.
The “call”.
THE call.
The call I had been anticipating for over a year, the call I prayed would come sooner rather than later, the call I dreaded. The call that has made caller ID both my friend and my enemy…my frenemy.
My father died.
God that’s weird to write.
I loathe euphemisms for death, it is what it is no matter how you dress it up or attempt to say it nicely.
I’ve been awake for over an hour now, my sinuses are exploding so I got up to take something… I decided to let y’all know because some of you have asked….some of you have been reading me long enough to know this was coming. For those of you who have spoken when you didn’t know quite what to say, thanks for your words…they encouraged.
My heart grieves, yet I am thankful to have found solace in the arms of my husband, who knew when to both hold ME and hold his tongue, not trying to “say” anything to make me feel better. And when he did speak, he knew to make me laugh–when I said, “I’ve got to get a tissue” he responded with something like “That’s a good idea, you’re snotting in my ear.”
I’m thankful there was a last, lovely moment of beauty that my sister shared with Daddy…she deserved…she needed it the most. As she prayed for him, his eyes brightened, opened wide (his first alert move in days) and then….he closed them, and that was it….
I’m thankful to have spent the day with him Saturday, and “knew” it was time for me to write his obituary, something my family asked me to do a year ago, when we were told then his death would occur in months. I knew after I wrote it Sunday…I just knew.
I’m thankful for a God who understands the pain of watching someone you love suffer, who has a provision for eternity which helps me to keep this temporal sting in perspective.
So, this is all for now. Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers…I know they will buoy me in the days to come.
Here are a few posts/links where I’ve written about Daddy before, in case we’ve just “met” and you have no idea what I’m talking about….
Oh, Robin. I am so sorry. I know we must all face this at some point in our lives, but we are never prepared for it when the moment actually arrives.
I’m so glad your sister was there – she’ll have that moment in her memory for the rest of her life.
You will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers this week.
(((HUGS)))
My condolences on your family’s loss, Robin. I’m glad you have strong support there with and on here as well.
Robin, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s such a difficult thing whether you’re expecting it or not. I pray you’ll find comfort in the strong arms of God.
Praying for the peace that is beyond understanding.
Thanks, guys…
Oh Robin – I am so sorry. I know he has been sick for a long time. May he be at peace – and I hope you and your family are able to heal.
Hi Robin,
I know we just kind of know of each other through other comment boxes, but I want you to know that my sympathies are with you and your family. I lost my mom a year and a half ago. I’m thinking of you.
for some reason I missed this before, but I am very sorry!! I have to go with Karmyn’s words, may he and your family find peace!
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. There really are no words *hugs*
Robin, I am so sorry to hear “the” news. Words always fail me at a time like this. I just want you to know that you and yours are in my prayers. {{Hugs}}
I feel badly that I didn’t see this this morning. I popped my blogline and just picked up the first one – and passed it quickly.
I lost my dad in much the same way. His death was a release for everyone who loved him, as the grieving begins much earlier in the ordeal.
…your words continue to encourage…thanks for taking the time to let me know you’re checkin’ in :).
I am sorry for your loss Robin.
((hugs)) and prayers
I’m sorry for your loss Robin. I am just re-emerging after Christmas and will mention you in my prayers now that I’ve read your post.
Robin – you and your family will be in my prayers. . .
I am praying for you, Robin.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
(((HUGS)))
.
I can’t imagine. Just can’t wrap my brain around what it would be like.
I will pray a special burden be put upon me to remember to lift you and your family up in prayer. I’ve never done that before, prayed for intercession, but I know God will hear us. I will pray on your behalf.
I pray your time of Mourning be healing and turn into Joy.
Daddy’s Hands…
I remember Daddy’s hands, folded silently in prayer. And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.
You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.
I remember Daddy’s hands, how they held my Mama tight,
And patted my back, for something done right.
There are things that I’ve forgotten, that I loved about the man,
But I’ll always remember the love in Daddy’s hands.
I remember Daddy’s hands, working ’til they bled.
Sacrificed unselfishly, just to keep us all fed.
If I could do things over, I’d live my life again.
And never take for granted the love in Daddy’s hands.
Daddy’s hands were soft and kind when I was cryin’
Daddy’s hand, were hard as steel when I’d done wrong.
Daddy’s hands, weren’t always gentle
But I’ve come to understand
There was always love in Daddy’s hands.
Dear Robin,
I am so sorry about your loss. May you find strength in your faith, your family, and your friends, and your memories.
I’m so sorry, Robin. I remember that call when it happened to me.
I’m just so sorry.
I am truly sorry Robin… you have been on my mind for the last few days and now I know why. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, may God bless you with His Grace, Love and Peace.
I’m very sorry to hear about your father. Death is so sad, but I believe it’s a good time to celebrate the person’s life rather than focus on the loss. It makes the whole mourning thing a little easier. Hang in there.
Yikes, I had no idea – I’ve been regrettably absorbed in my own self-pity about my job search.
I’m very sorry about this, Robin. My heart goes out to you.
BIG HUGS!
Hey Robin…just dropping a line…still thinking of you and sending hugs!! Hang in there…
Sorry to hear this Robin. You’re in our prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Nan
May our Lord continue to see you through this hard time, my friend….
(((hugs)))
Robin, Robin, Robin.. Wow, I wish that this didn’t have to happen to anyone. I’m late at finding you at Typepad because I was wallowing in my own self-pity and reading this just made me see that my little fender bender yesterday, and the 14th storm since early November… are nothing. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
I want you to know I am thinking of you.. sending you hugs.. it’s never easy.
I’m going to call my Dad right now. Your post reinforced the importance of right here, and right now, and how quickly things change change.
You are in my thoughts friend.
I’m sorry I missed this earlier, Robin. Not sure how that happened.
My heart goes out to you in your loss, my friend. I’ve been there so I know what it is to lose one’s father.
I pray that God would grant you peace and composure, joy in the memories, patience with all, and most of all an abiding sense of God’s purpose and His presence.
I am so sorry, my friend.
So sorry for your loss.
I know I haven’t been around much, but you know that I’ve been praying.
I just read this, and I’m crying for your pain & loss. I’ll continue to pray for you & your family, especially in the days ahead, that as you grieve and change, God will bring to mind the joyous memories & comfort your heart with the joy of eternal hope.
Trying to send you an email. I seem to be able to receive, but not to send.
Here’s the copy/paste:
Oh, Robin.
My heart aches for you. Next week marks the 3rd anniversary of my dad’s death. Alzheimer’s. http://she-lives.typepad.com/she_lives/2006/06/she_takes_a_wal.html
I am so sorry. How on earth did I miss your posts? Where was I?!?!? Please know that I am sorry. So sorry about your dad and so sorry I wasn’t “there” for you during that time.
When my father died, a friend sent me some words of comfort that I’ve held on to. I want to pass them along to you now. She said, “Just remember that you will always be your daddy’s little girl.” So now, whenever I feel the pain of losing my earthly daddy, I climb into the lap of my heavenly daddy – I’m His little girl, too.
Praising Him…