With Each Passing

This has been on my mind for a while and I think it is appropriate that I finally have the time to write this. It is Father's Day and my dad has been gone for 2 1/2 years. Of course, I think of him often and know I was so blessed to have had him as my father...from strong grumpy young dad to older loving kinder dad (something happens to them when they become grandfathers).

There is a time that really brings him to my mind.

Each time I hear of someone's loved one passing

I relive the last moments with my dad.

Dad choose to go off dialysis after 10 years.
He had fought a long and hard battle against diabetes
with Mom at his side.
We would ask him each day if he was sure of his decision

and

 He Was Sure.

He knew where he was going.

And said he would hold the gates open for us when we join him.

For one week we had a party at the house.

Family and friends came from all over

to share their stories for the last time with him

and to tell him they loved him.

For me it was an amazing time.

He had peace..he had strength.

Each day he would say

"I hope this is the day the Lord takes me home.

I am ready"

How amazing to be that sure.

I guess there is "Blessed Assurance"

I saw it in my dad.

My dad passed as we layed him back down one morning, 

a few more breaths and he was gone.

He saw the face of Jesus at 7:30 am.

It is what we had prayed for.

Now...when I hear others tell

how they watched their loved ones die...

gasping, crying for help, bodies wracked with pain,

or even peacefully,

I relive that time with my dad.

And I am grateful

that the memories I have been left with are good.

We got to say goodbye.

We got to say I love you.

We got to be by his side

as he passed from this life to glory.

So every time someone elses loved one passes

My mind takes me back to

 relive those last moments with my dad.

And

 I know

We Were Blessed.