It’s Sunday afternoon. I just got home from the hospice where my Dad-in-law is just about to cross over to the other side of eternity. It was a day I will remember forever. Lots of family gathered to say good-bye.The hospice is beautiful. Completely unexpected. Huge rooms with couches and an extra double bed and a quiet private patio. We had pictures of Granddaddy. One from 1940 and one more recent.
We stood around his bed and talked about the impact of his life. Each with a story to tell, different, but with strong similarities.
…our niece’s husband told of the time “Granddaddy” had a talk with him…
“I love God with all my heart” Granddaddy started, “next, I love my wife with all my heart. I expect you to love my granddaughter just like that. With all your heart.” Many of the stories about Granddaddy centered around his love for God and his love for his wife. Also, around his gentle and tender spirit. This is the legacy he’s leaving. The legacy that will live on…
At times today, I felt like we were standing on holy ground. Sacred. Significant. Today mattered. It was precious.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.(Psalms 116:15)
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My Dad-in-law went to be with Jesus about 3:00 this morning.
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Robin:
How wonderful that we have the hope and promise of heaven.
Your words about your precious days are also precious. Just like life is.
Condolences,
C
.-= Celesta´s last blog ..Old Farm Days =-.
Prayers were said this morning before I even saw this post. You and Mike and family will be remembered.
.-= bill (cycleguy)´s last blog ..Passing the Test =-.
What a beautiful legacy of words of love for Mike’s father.
My love,
Julie
I’m so sorry for you loss dear. I lnow his gentle spirit will be missed by all. But how happy is the day that he gets to stand with God and thank him in person. I can’t wait for that day!
Thinking of you!
Hopeful Housewife
.-= Janey´s last blog ..Hopeful Home has moved =-.
My sincerest condolences Robin. I know this is hard, but I am sure your family is so comforted that your Dad-in-law is in a better place and singing with the angels. Love, Lanie
.-= Lanie´s last blog ..Blessings… =-.
What a beautiful time of remembrance. It is good that you had a safe, comfortable place to spend your last hours together remembering and loving Mike’s father. My prayers and love are with you and Mike in this difficult time.
.-= Anita´s last blog ..A Writer’s Reference =-.
I’m sorry to hear abt your father-in-laws passing, my thoughts are with you
.-= Jo´s last blog ..Met Monday and Giveaway =-.
Oh sweet family, so many emotions will fill your coming days. Realize that God sends His comfort to you by His Spirit. I love this Three-ness of the Trinity of God. Call upon His Spirit to comfort you and give you the strength and courage to walk through this valley of the shadow of death. The Holy Spirit is better than a warm comforter just out of the dryer. But He is that kind of warm, covering comfort when you call on Him. You all will be close to my heart and in my prayers. I am just thanking God that your father, Mike, belonged to Jesus. And loved Jesus. Jesus has already prepared a place for him and is celebrating his home-going. He is home. May God comfort all of you as you grieve with anticipation of seeing him again.
Love and a comforting hug,
Deborah
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..Out of the Mouths of Babes =-.
My thoughts are with your family…it’s so hard to lose someone you love.
.-= Stephaine @ Geezees´s last blog ..Geezees Blog gets a new look along with my kitchen ! And all new "What’s on the menu Monday?" MckLinky =-.
What a beautiful life. My prayers are with you and your family.
.-= Tippa´s last blog ..Go TIGERS! =-.
What a wonderful man! God will bless him with a special place in Heaven where he will watch over you all. Love and prayers are with you all! XO, Pinky
With tears in my eyes and prayers on my lips I offer my sincere sympathy to both you and Mike and all of your family. What a lovely description of the hospice experience, it sounds serene and peaceful.
You will be in my thoughts today!
Love you!
.-= Vicky´s last blog ..Ice Time =-.
Robin….The experience…. the closure and ….revisiting the goodness…. the family history ….the memories….that was a gift from God….Love on Mike for us and let him know we will keep praying.
Praying for you and your family.
Regina
.-= Regina´s last blog ..A Life That Says WELCOME =-.
Love and prayers for the entire family. Thankful for God’s presence in all of this. It is a holy time for all involved.
Remember that although he can no longer come to where you are- you can still experience something with him now–
He is worshipping around the throne of our Creator- you can experience this WITH him when you worship there as well.
.-= sherri´s last blog ..A blogversary and a lesson and the answer to "How did I end up here?" =-.
You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers.
Sending love to you both. Some of my most beautiful moments have been at Hospice with people I have loved. I hope you are able to embrace it as a treasured time while you are grieving.
.-= gitz´s last blog ..Brought to You by the Letter E =-.
so sorry to hear about your loss robin. praying for your family as you walk this tough journey.
.-= brandiandboys´s last blog ..Control… =-.
So sorry for your loss! Praying for you and family!
Sweet memories to hang on to. You and your family are in my prayers.
Blessings,
Shelia
.-= Shelia´s last blog ..Changes to Suit My Mood =-.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Love you and praying for you all. Ruthie
Hello Robin – thank you for sharing these difficult, but sweet posts. Will be lifting you and your precious family up in prayer as the Lord ministers to your hearts.
Blessings,
Marie
.-= Marie´s last blog ..pumpkin farm surprise! =-.
Dear Robin, prayers sent to you and Mike and the entire family…Mike’s dad sounded like he was a wonderful wise man..Know that he is with God now, in no pain and perfect once again, and you shall all be together again at some time.
God Bless
Barb
.-= Barb Boyack´s last blog ..Pink Saturday…once again! =-.
Robyn,
I haven’t seen you since Lynn’s Monday morning book study. I miss your honesty and get to keep up with you here. I’m so sorry about your Dad-in-law and happy for the special day you had together yesterday.
God Bless,
Dana
What a beautiful legacy. How sweet to be able to reflect on that and count all the blessings.
May Jesus wrap you all in His tender love and peace.
So sorry to hear about your loss. Your Dad-in-law must have been an amazing man! Thanks for sharing this beautiful post with us. May God give you peace at this time. Love & blessings from NC!
Sorry to hear of your loss, Robin. And it’s wonderful to hear of the influence this wonderful man chose to have. What a blessing.
.-= Aubien´s last blog ..Yay for school field trips! … =-.