With the diagnosis of congestive heart failure and cancer, Daddy came home yesterday to prepare for his final journey.
The hospice care preceded him home with all the paraphernalia we will need to make Dad's last days more comfortable. As I watched the man assemble the bed that Daddy most likely will die in, I wondered how I will feel when he returns to break it down and transport it to someone else who has just learned they are on their final journey. I know that I do not want to waste this experience even though I already know it will be too painful to anticipate.
You see, there are not many men like my Father. He is a man of integrity ... there really aren't many of those around any more. He is a man of compassion ... many men have trouble with compassion. He is a man of extreme love for his wife of 64 years ... he never degrades her but continually praises her and says constantly, "She is the greatest woman I have ever known." He is a man with much love for his 3 girls ... he has been proud of us no matter what and he has loved us with an unfailing love. He is a man who loves the Lord .. he began preaching when he was 16 to make sure he told as many as possible about the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
