I’m pretty sure Jesus isn’t on Facebook, but there is something about sharing grief with people. Often we see “Happy Heavenly Birthday” posts and I have never really understood them…until now. If there was ever a man LESS into social media than my Pops, I am not sure who that would be. His later days were spent, nose into a novel, unlit cigar in hand with a cup of coffee in a little chair in his garage…We taught him the term “man cave” since he wasn’t ever allowed to smoke in the house.
He has been gone for more than 3 months, but I can still sense him, smell the cigars, and picture him reading his bible early in the morning in the kitchen. The house is sold…the memories have been packed up or donated, but no one can take away our hearts for the people we loved.
My brother Rob shared at the funeral that so many in the world look to the internet, social media, their phones for someone to look up to…someone to mentor them, someone to think , “wow…if only I had what he has”… My Dad wasn’t the most subtle guy…he often said things where we thought, “Holy cow, Pops…you don’t have a strong opinion, do you!”…BUT…he was always all about his family, provided for us, taught us SO much about faith and how to love your spouse, work hard, and thank God for the blessings in this life. Find someone like that to look up to…
The photo shows some pages from the front of his bible. He was a prayer warrior, and knew when it was his time to go, he was going straight to the King. You may even see your name in there!
I think he knew that we would struggle when he passed. Having a Mom with dementia has been a series of series of long days, tears, fears, and laughter. I remember whispering to him on one of his last days that it was ok to go…and that we “had Nan”…I didn’t know what that would entail all together, but God did. The relationship with my siblings has grown stronger by the day, I am more patient and trusting that God knows the future.
So Pop, on what would have been your 89th birthday, Happy Heavenly Day…
You will be forever in my heart, my Dad, my mentor, and my friend. I love you!
Piddy (his name for me!)
CoffeeTalkMom
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