Dad

I want to be careful that this column not turn into a treatise about my life, and yet it is entitled, “Intercessions of Faith and Life.” So I often share with you how God is at work in my life.

            Two Mondays ago my Dad passed away.  He had been ill for almost three years, and under hospice care for more than two.  I was fortunate to be able to spend time with him from Friday until Monday.  Of course, parts of that time were much more difficult than others.

            For a little more than a day dad experienced what they called, “Terminal Agitation.”  He was restless and frustrated, and kept trying to get out of bed.  On one occasion I was sitting on the edge of the bed, and reached across to put his foot back in the bed. At that point he put his other foot in my chest and pinned me against the footboard of the bed. There I was, trapped and unable to move, and there was no one else in the room.  It didn’t help that I got tickled and started giggling at what must have been a comical sight. 

            You know, soon after I turned 14, I reached my full height, about ¼ inch taller than Dad.  I made a point to slide up beside him and ask Mom, “Who’s taller now?” He put his arm around me and declared, “I can still take you.”  And 48 years later he proved it true.  You just have to laugh.

            I am truly sad that he is gone. He was my mentor, my ball coach, and even the Best Man at my wedding.  We talked every day after Mom passed in 2005.  I already miss him. And yet!

            I trust that I will see him again.  Paul reminded us that Jesus was raised from the dead, and because of that we, too, will be raised from the dead.  If the resurrection is not true, then all of Christianity is invalidated. But it is true! He is alive! And because of that, we have hope!